Article 1: New fault lines
Why in news: Manipur has witnessed tentative political openings between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, but renewed Naga-Kuki-Zo violence has created another ethnic fault line, threatening fragile peace efforts.
Key Details
- Peace efforts: Everyday violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities has declined, with efforts underway to reopen political dialogue.
- Assembly participation: On September 2, two Kuki-Zo MLAs attended the Manipur Assembly for the first time since the 2023 conflict began.
- Humanitarian crisis: Many displaced people remain in relief camps, while deaths in camps have been linked to inadequate healthcare and nutrition.
- New fault line: Since February 2026, violence between Naga and Kuki-Zo communities has spread across hill districts, causing deaths, displacement and destruction.
- Way forward: The government must curb armed groups and blockades, enforce criminal law equally, restore essential services and ensure civilian safety irrespective of ethnicity.
Gradual Peace Efforts in Manipur
- The ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began in May 2023 and created a prolonged humanitarian and political crisis.
- After nearly a year of President’s Rule, a BJP-led government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singhtook office in February 2026.
- Everyday violence between the two communities has declined, creating some space for peace and political dialogue.
Humanitarian Challenges Continue
- Many people displaced during the 2023 violence continue to live in relief camps.
- An RTI response reportedly puts deaths in these camps at over 700, with inadequate healthcare and nutrition among the reported causes.
- Sustainable peace therefore requires both political reconciliation and rehabilitation of displaced people.
Political Opening by Kuki-Zo MLAs
- On September 2, two Kuki-Zo MLAs attended the Manipur Assembly session for the first time since the ethnic conflict began.
- Their participation came despite a directive from the Kuki Inpi Manipur to continue the Assembly boycott until progress was made on the demand for a separate administration.
- Their return signals a possible reopening of political space, even though major differences remain.
Emerging Naga-Kuki-Zo Conflict
- Since February 2026, local disputes between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities have spread across several hill districts.
- By July, at least 15 Kuki-Zo people, 11 Nagas, three security personnel and one truck driver had reportedly been killed, with further deaths subsequently occurring.
- Burnt houses, displacement, blockades and disruption of healthcare and essential supplies have intensified the humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting the smaller Kuki-Zo community.
Need for Equal Law and Civilian Protection
- The renewed violence recalls the Naga-Kuki clashes of the 1990s, with armed groups again raising disputes over control of the hills and customary laws.
- The State government needs to work with civil society and security forces to reduce tensions and act against armed groups.
- Blockades must be prevented through law, while criminal law, civilian protection and access to essential services must apply equally across all communities.
Conclusion
Manipur’s fragile peace requires simultaneous attention to political dialogue, humanitarian relief and rule of law. Reopening democratic institutions can create space for negotiation, but renewed violence must be addressed firmly and impartially. The State must protect civilians, restore essential services, prevent blockades, engage civil society and ensure accountability. Sustainable peace ultimately requires rebuilding trust across communities through inclusive governance.
Descriptive question:
Q. Manipur’s continuing ethnic tensions demonstrate the challenges of restoring peace in conflict-affected societies. Discuss the measures required to promote reconciliation, security and inclusive governance. (10 marks, 150 words)