Naga Families Displaced as Violence Grips Manipur Districts

Imphal: More than 200 Naga households fled their homes after arsonists torched dozens of houses across eight villages in Manipur. The violence hit Noney, Tamenglong, and Kangpokpi districts. Residents from settlements like Sempat Naga, Gaidunluang, and Chamripeu abandoned their properties in fear. The Former and Senior Leaders’ Forum of Zeliangrong Civil Organisations submitted a formal memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on October 1.

Tensions between Naga and Kuki communities continue to climb. Recent deadly incidents in Kamjong district triggered the latest wave of panic. The forum now wants the government to officially classify the displaced families as Internally Displaced Persons to secure standard relief benefits. They also flagged border towns like Konsaram and Chawangkining as hotspots requiring an immediate security buildup.

Security on National Highway 37 remains a primary concern. This corridor connects Imphal and Jiribam. The forum requested security escorts for civilian vehicles from Monday to Saturday, specifically calling for staging points at Keithelmanbi and Tupul Bazar. They offered an alternative of an 11-hour daily security presence. The group cited historical trauma to justify these demands. They referenced a "1994 ambush during the Kuki-Naga conflict, in which an insurgent attack on a passenger bus killed 40 civilians."

Longstanding land disputes fuel the fire. The forum officially requested a reorganization of inter-district boundaries to settle jurisdiction fights between the Naga and Kuki groups. Leaders believe this move remains the only path to lasting stability in the region.