Imphal: The violence in Manipur has not shown any sign to end as of now. The ethnic clash started in May 2023 between Meite and Kuki communities has shifted to Naga versus Kuki from mid 2026 and is growing day by day.
The bodies of four Naga civilians killed in an attack by armed Kuki militants on 27th August were finally brought to Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning, after being held up overnight at a Kuki village along the route.
The Naga civilians had been killed somewhere between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages in Kangpokpi district. Their bodies were initially stopped at T Waichong, a Kuki-inhabited village, delaying their journey home. Security forces led by Kangpokpi SP negotiated with the people who were blocking the road and later the road was cleared to move ahead, escorted by CRPF personnel.
Naga civil society groups from Senapati received the bodies at Thonglang Atongba, a Liangmei village. In a gesture of respect, the village authority offered four shawls to honour the deceased. The convoy then continued on to Senapati District Hospital, arriving at about 10:30 AM, where the bodies have been kept for post-mortem examination.
Two Naga civilians injured in the Kuki militant attack are currently being treated at the same hospital. Gaikamang Ringkangmai, 44, suffered a serious injury to his left forearm. Japou MK, a student leader from Thonglang Akutpa, is also under observation after reportedly managing to escape the attack. Meanwhile CM Yumnam Khemchand repeatedly called for voluntary surrender of their illegal arms within 15 days failing which strict action will be taken up as per the law.
Naga organisations announce shutdown
The brutal ambush and killings of innocent civilians have triggered sharp reactions from Naga organisations across the region. The United Naga Council (UNC), Makui village, and the Chandel Naga People’s Organisation have all strongly condemned the incident and put forward a set of demands.
The UNC has called for a total shutdown, or “Genna,” on August 28, from 6 am to 6 pm, across all Naga-inhabited areas. During this period, no vehicles will move, and all business establishments along with government and private offices will remain closed, as a mark of mourning for those killed.
In its statement, Makui village expressed deep grief over the loss of four Naga civilians, alleging that the attack was carried out by militants linked to the KNF, KNF (P), and KRA, acting under the command of Jangboi Kipgen, who holds the position of Home Secretary in the KNF/UPF. According to villagers, the attack took place around 9:30 am on the stretch of road between Makui Ashang and Thamnampa Naga village — a route described as the only lifeline connecting Naga communities in the area.
The four victims have been identified as Tadsongwibou Ringkangmai (33), Wisobou Charenamei (57), Anil Wijunamai (36), and Mariakdibou Wijunamai (36). A fifth civilian, Gaikamang Ringkamai, was injured but survived the attack.
Why did the Kuki-Naga clash?
Naga community is considered as the indigenous tribe of Manipur. Kuki and Naga clashes date back since independence of India. Naga people constituted over 24 percent of the total population of Manipur and mostly resides in hill districts like Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel, Tengnoupal and Tamenglong. Since February 2026, there have been over 25 clashes reported between the two communities.
The clash is for the land right. Kuki community who also resides mainly in the hill districts of the state. Meitei and Naga civil society bodies are alleging that the rapid increase of Kuki population in the state due to huge influx from Myanmar are posing a threat to the indigenous people.
Naga bodies accused that Kuki militants are involved in extortion, kidnapping and other anti-social activities and are threatening the Naga population to vacate from Ukhrul district and other Kuki inhabited areas in the hills. L
ast time in 1992 the two communities fought for 6 years and over 1000 civilians were killed during that period. “Two-Three decades ago, they formally stated that they were living in Naga inhabited areas in the hills of Manipur, but now armed with sophisticated weapons Kuki wants us to vacate our forefather’s land. This is unacceptable”, said a senior Naga man who wants to remain anonymous.
