India
Manipur Naga-Kuki clashes kill over 50 since February
The Indian Express··10h ago
Killings in Kamjong and Senapati pushed Naga-Kuki clash deaths since February above 50, The Indian Express reported. A Manipur Police officer said mixed hill villages lack the Meitei-Kuki valley buffer zone. Violence spread across Ukhrul, Kamjong, Senapati and Kangpokpi, disrupting hill supplies. On March 11, 21 Nagas were abducted near Mongkot Chephu and later released.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Highway blockades in the hill districts affect movement of goods through Ukhrul and Kangpokpi.
- Security forces must guard scattered villages rather than a single buffer line.
- Armed groups based in Myanmar have widened the fighting, officials said.
What's Happening
- Tensions flared after the Yumnam Khemchand Singh-led BJP government returned following President's Rule.
- The killing of three Kuki church leaders in Kangpokpi on May 13 prompted retaliatory abductions.
- Six Naga men abducted from the Leilon Vaiphei area were later killed, becoming a Naga civil society rallying point.
Why Hills Are Harder to Patrol
- When Meitei-Kuki clashes began in May 2023, communities separated within months.
- The officer said it is nearly impossible to guard every village in mixed hill settlements.
- Security sources said economic contests over resources also fuel the Naga-Kuki conflict.
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