Naga Community Takes Defensive Stance in Manipur Amidst Ethnic Conflict

In response to the ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis in Manipur's Chandel district, the Nagas are taking proactive measures to safeguard their territory. Faced with fierce gunfights in Sugnu, a town at the intersection of Imphal East and the Naga-dominated Chandel hills, the Chandel Naga Peoples Organisation (CNPO), the apex body of Naga tribes in the region, has decided to deploy their own "volunteers" along highways to protect their area.

Sugnu, marked by its multi-ethnic composition and previous violence during conflicts in May and June of the preceding year, witnessed renewed gunfights on Wednesday, continuing into Thursday with reports of a BSF jawan sustaining injuries. In response to this, the CNPO ordered the deployment of volunteers at "strategic points" along highways leading to the district headquarters from Pallel and Sugnu. Although Kuki-Zomi populations inhabit these districts, the Nagas constitute the largest ethnic group.

David Boyes, President of the CNPO, explained that women, along with village chiefs, will be stationed along the highways to inspect vehicles and prevent the movement of armed Kukis or Meiteis into Naga areas. These unarmed civilians will be positioned solely at the "main entries" to Naga territories. Boyes emphasized the need for these measures, stating that Chandel is currently experiencing tensions as two communities are in conflict on their land. Both sides accuse the Nagas of supporting the other, creating the potential for further agitation. The aim is to protect their territory, maintain neutrality, and prevent external influences that could exacerbate the situation.

Earlier this month, the United Naga Council, based in Senapati district, expressed concerns about Nagas becoming victims of their neutrality in the conflict. They highlighted incidents of assaults, frisking, extortion, and blockades on highways by both Meiteis and Kuki-Zomis. The UNC issued warnings that if targeting of Nagas persisted, they might call for Nagas to vacate the valley or impose restrictions on access to Naga towns and passage through Naga areas if the aggression continued from Kuki-Zomis.