Tribal Group Blames Manipur Government for Border Violence

Imphal: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) slammed the Manipur government for fueling recent violence near the Imphal West-Kangpokpi border. Clashes erupted in Kanto Sabal and Leimakhong after residents grew tired of waiting for help. They cleared a checkpoint blocking essential supplies, triggering a brawl that left several people hurt.

CoTU claims a group of Kacha Naga individuals torched abandoned Meitei homes in Leimakhong last Saturday. They say this was a calculated move to ramp up tensions against the Kuki-Zo people. The committee accused the state of ignoring crimes against their community. CoTU stated the government maintains an “indifferent approach” to violence while failing to stop armed groups from acting with total impunity.

Naga groups continue to enforce an indefinite blockade across Kuki areas. The United Naga Council and the Naga Women’s Union demand the arrest of the Leilon Vaiphei village chief and others involved in the deaths of six civilians. CoTU denies these accusations and warns that the current policy of appeasement will only collapse the region's fragile law and order.