NSCN-IM is using Naga-Kuki tension as a distraction, say Kuki-Zo insurgent groups

The Kuki-Zo People’s Forum, including spokespersons of rebel groups in a ceasefire pact (SoO) with the government, addressed a press conference in Delhi. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

A spokesman for the Kuki-Zo insurgent group in peace talks with the government on Thursday (September 10, 2026) said the ongoing unrest in Manipur is not a “Naga-Kuki conflict” and instead alleged that certain elements associated with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCNs-IM) are serving their own interests.

Ethnic violence in Manipur, which began as clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities on 3 May 2023, escalated to violence between sections of the Naga and Kuki communities from 7 February 2026.

Seilen Haokip of the Kuki National Organization (KNO), one of the two Kuki insurgent groups in a ceasefire pact (SoO) with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur government, said there was a deliberate effort to spread the violence beyond the existing conflict zones and draw the Naga and Kuki communities into a wider confrontation. The violence was not spontaneous, he said, adding that the aim was to divert attention from internal challenges within the NSCN-IM and revive support for the outfit by creating new fault lines in the hill districts.

Drawing parallels with the Naga-Kuki clashes of the 1990s and noting that the violence then spread from one area to several hill districts in Manipur, he said the current situation was fundamentally different and that hill communities were aware of the risk of escalation.

“They (NSCN-IM) would like to repeat what happened between 1992 and 1997 when violence spread across the hill districts. But people are wiser today and understand the consequences. The Government of India should deal with the NSCN-IM and ensure that the matter is closed. Otherwise there is a risk of creating unnecessary enmity where there is none,” Mr Haokip said.

The NSCN-IM, the largest Naga insurgent group, signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government in 1997 and signed a framework agreement in 2015 to find a political solution to their demands.

Moving camps

On 2 September 2025, the MHA and the Manipur government extended the SoO agreement, which has been in place since 2008, with the KNO and the United People’s Front (UPF) on “renegotiated terms or ground rules”. The revised ground rules reiterated the territorial integrity of Manipur and the relocation of camps run by insurgent groups from Meitei-controlled areas in the valley districts.

SoO groups are demanding a Union Territory with legislation for the Kuki-Zo people.

Mr Haokip said a total of six camps were to be relocated and work had started on some sites. He said one particular camp in Churachandpur could not be relocated due to heavy rains and logistical problems

“Although preparatory work has already begun, including forest clearing and road construction, persistent rains have slowed progress. In one case, the relocation site had to be abandoned after even a four-wheel-drive excavator could not reach the area, forcing authorities to look for an alternative site,” Mr Haokip said.

He said the relocation process is done through joint inspections involving security forces, local police and SoO representatives to ensure the suitability of the sites.

During a press interaction, UPF spokesperson Aron Kipgen criticized recent security operations by central forces, including searches and raids on SoO camps, claiming that such actions violate established ground rules that require coordination with local police and adherence to the SoO agreement.

He accused the Manipur government of adopting a discriminatory approach towards the Kuki-Zo communities and reiterated their demand for a separate administrative arrangement. He said the ongoing conflict, displacement of people and disruption of movement of essential supplies have strengthened the calls to rule directly under the Centre.

He said their proposal seeking a separate administrative set-up for the Kuki-Zo people is pending with the MHA from 2024. He criticized efforts to link the census exercise with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying the requirement to complete the NRC before the census is conducted is against the plans of the Union government.

Published – 10 Sep 2026 23:46 IST