Kuki–Naga conflict in Manipur

From 1992-98, many violent clashes broke out between two tribal groups, the Nagas, and the Kukis, in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. This is the longest and bloodiest ethnic clash in the history of Manipur.

Historical background

The Kukis and Nagas are distinct ethnic groups with unique cultural identities and historical backgrounds. The Kuki people are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group primarily residing in the hills areas of northeastern Indian states (except Arunachal Pradesh) they are also found in Myanmar (Burma), and Bangladesh. On the other hand, the Naga people are indigenous to the Nagaland region and parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. Both communities have a history of inhabiting the same region, sometimes leading to territorial disputes and power struggles.

The conflict between the Kuki and Naga communities can be traced back to the colonial era when British colonial administrators drew arbitrary boundaries and recognized certain territories as exclusive to particular tribes. The conflict has its roots in historical grievances, competing territorial claims, and clashes over sociopolitical issues, leading to violence and tensions between the two groups.

Factors of conflict

From 1950s-1990s, the Nagas wanted to become independent. In 1992, "Kukis who [had] settled after 1972 in the Naga areas" had to leave after the United Naga Council made a decision. They believe that the Kukis have encroached upon Naga areas, and much of the land inhabited by the Kukis is claimed as a part of the "Greater Nagalim." The Naga insurgents consider the continued residence of Kukis in these areas as the prime obstacle to realizing their concept of Nagalim. The Nagas also alleged the following:

• The KNA has operated against the innocent Naga villages in full connivance with the paramilitary forces and civil authorities
• The Kukis are demanding a Greater Kukiland comprising Churachandpur district, some areas of Ukhrul district, and Kuki-inhabited areas of Myanmar
• The Kukis are demanding their revenue district with parts of Ukhrul, Senapati, and Tamenglong districts
• The Kukis are inviting the Kuki refugees from Myanmar

On the other hand, the Kukis claim that the areas in which they are residing are their ancestral land, and they had opened it for Zeliangrong Nagas to settle in return for taxes and tributes after they were driven out by the Sukte Poi and Lusei people of Chin Hills and present-day Mizoram. The Kukis further alleged that the atrocities from the NSCN led movement such as the imposition of taxes, forced eviction from their villages, and the inability of the State Government to protect them are the main causes of the conflict.

Nature of Violence

The Kuki-Naga conflict has witnessed several instances of violence, including armed clashes, attacks on villages, kidnapping, and targeted killings. Both sides have accused each other of human rights violations, leading to a cycle of retaliatory violence and counter-violence. The conflict has also taken a toll on civilian lives, with numerous casualties reported over the years. The violence delays the infrastructure development of the Manipur. The construction of ambitious dam projects like Mapithel Dam and Khuga Dam was a standstill during this violence.

Start of Hostilities

It started in June 1992, when a Kuki youth was kidnapped at Moreh Bazar by suspected Naga extremists and was later found dead in a nearby Jungle. On 04.05.1992, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) announced a warning to the Nagas to leave Moreh town within 24 hours leading to a mass exodus of the Nagas. On 12.09.1992, the Kuki War Declaration Committee thereafter declared war against the Nagas. (Thinglang Post Publication 22nd September, 1992).

On 15 April 1993, KNA militants kill four Naga militants and set ablaze their houses in the Parouland and Kutal Khuthak villages of Chandel district. On 13 September 1993, Naga militants allegedly belonging to the NSCN-IM massacred around 115 Kuki civilians in the hills of Manipur. The Kukis refer to the killings as the Joupi massacre named after the village which saw the highest number of casualties. In 1993, 320 died (260 Kukis and 60 Nagas), and a total of 3434 houses were set ablaze.

On 19 October 1994, a bus plying from Noney to Imphal via New Cachar Road with 45 passengers in it. When the bus reached a village called "Sinam Khul", 40 well-armed cadres of the Kuki National Front (KNF) stopped the bus and called out Meiteis. But none of the Meities came out out of fear. Assuming that no Meiteis were inside the bus and all were Nagas, the KNF pushed the bus down the gorge with 45 passengers in it. Together 30 Nagas, 5 Meities and 2 Non Manipuris died while 12 were injured. In 1994, 67 Nagas and 44 Kukis were killed and 677 Houses (Naga-445, Kuki-232) were set ablaze in the clash.

In 1995, 65 Kukis and 45 Nagas were killed and 1057 houses (404 Kuki and 653 Nagas) were set ablaze. After 1995, the incidents of clashes were reduced considerably.

In 1996, 53 were killed and 188 houses (61 Kukis and 127 Naga) were set ablaze.

In 1997, 54 Kukis and 38 Nagas were killed. 245 houses (Kuki-212, Nagas-33) were set ablaze.

In 1998, 16 Kukis and 25 Nagas were killed and 27 houses of Kukis were set ablaze.

As per the UNC report 1992-1997, a total of about 470 Kukis and 207 Nagas were killed in the ensuing clash, about 205 Kukis and 197 Nagas were injured and about 2870 Kuki houses and 2582 Naga houses were burnt.

Attempts at resolution

Over the years, several attempts have been made by the government and civil society organizations to address the conflict and reconcile the Kuki and Naga communities. Peace talks, dialogues, and confidence-building measures have been initiated at various times to resolve the dispute peacefully. The multiple factors that have led to the conflict, and the resultant clashes, are still very much there at present. Different views over the exclusive rights of land ownership continue to be a problem.

The conflict ended without a proper agreement. At present Kukis celebrate 'Black Day' or "Sahnit-Ni" for three days September 11-13. At the same time, Nagas under UNC(United Naga Council) reprimanded Kukis for playing 'the only victim'.