NSCN-IM using Naga-Kuki tensions to divert attention, say Kuki-Zo insurgent groups

Kuki-Zo People’s Forum, including spokespersons of insurgent groups in suspension of operations (SoO) pact with the government, address a press conference in Delhi. | Photo Credit: Special arrangement The spokesperson of a Kuki-Zo insurgent group in peace talks with the government said on Thursday (September 10, 2026) that the ongoing unrest in Manipur was not a “Naga-Kuki conflict”, and alleged, instead, that certain elements linked to the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) [NSCN-IM] were making attemps to manufacture such a narrative to serve their own interests.The ethnic violence in Manipur, which began as clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities on May 3, 2023, has, since February 7, 2026, expanded to include violence between sections of the Naga and Kuki communities.Seilen Haokip of the Kuki National Organisation (KNO), one of the two Kuki insurgent groupings in suspension of operations (SoO) pact with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Manipur government, said there was a deliberate effort to spread violence beyond existing conflict zones and draw the Naga and Kuki communities into a broader confrontation. The violence was not spontaneous, he said, adding that the objective was to divert attention from internal challenges within the NSCN-IM and revive support for the outfit by creating fresh fault lines in the hill districts.Drawing parallels with the Naga-Kuki clashes of the 1990s, noting that violence at the time had spread from one area to several hill districts across Manipur, he said that the present situation was fundamentally different and that communities in the hills were aware of the risks of escalation.“They [NSCN-IM]would like to repeat what happened between 1992 and 1997, when violence spread across the hill districts. But people today are wiser and understand the consequences. The Government of India should deal with the NSCN-IM and ensure that the matter is contained. Otherwise, there is a risk of creating unnecessary animosity where none exists,” Mr. Haokip said.NSCN-IM, the largest Naga insurgent group, signed a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in 1997 and, in 2015, signed a framework agreement to find a political solution to their demands.Relocation of campsOn September 2, 2025, the MHA and the Manipur government extended the SoO agreement, which has been in existence since 2008, with the KNO and the United People’s Front (UPF) on “re-negotiated terms and conditions or ground rules.” The revised ground rules reiterated territorial integrity of Manipur and relocation of camps run by the insurgent groups away from Meitei-dominated areas in the valley districts.The SoO groups have been demanding a Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.Mr. Haokip said that in all, six camps were to be relocated and the work had started in some places. He said that one particular camp in Churachandpur could not be relocated due to heavy rains and logistical challenges“Although preparatory work, including forest clearing and road construction, has begun, persistent rainfall has slowed progress. In one case, a site identified for relocation had to be abandoned after even a four-wheel-drive excavator was unable to access the area, forcing authorities to search for an alternative location,” Mr. Haokip said.He said that the relocation process was being carried out through joint inspections involving security forces, local police and SoO representatives to ensure the suitability of the sites.During a press interaction, Aron Kipgen, UPF’s spokesperson criticised recent security operations by central forces, including searches and raids on SoO camps, contending that such actions violated 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 Kuki-Zo communities and reiterated their demand for a separate administrative arrangement. He said the ongoing conflict, displacement of people and disruptions to the movement of essential supplies had reinforced calls for governance directly under the Centre.He said their proposal seeking a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki-Zo people had been pending with the MHA since 2024. He criticised the efforts to link the Census exercise to the National Register of Citizens (NRC), saying the demand to complete the NRC before conducting the Census was contrary to the Union government’s plans. Published - September 10, 2026 11:46 pm IST