New fault lines: On Manipur’s Kuki-Zo–Naga conflict

Since the outbreak of the Kuki-Zo and Meitei conflict in Manipur three years ago, the state has taken steps towards peace. In February 2026, a BJP-led government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh took office, after President's Rule had been in place for nearly a year. Efforts to ease tensions between the communities increased as daily violence diminished; however, many displaced individuals still reside in relief camps, with over 700 fatalities recorded, many attributed to insufficient access to healthcare and nutrition.

On September 2, two Kuki-Zo MLAs participated in the Assembly session for the first time since boycotting it due to attacks in Imphal at the start of the ethnic conflict, defying a Kuki-Zo civil society organization's order to continue the boycott. While progress has been made, a new ethnic fault line has emerged between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities since February, with at least 15 Kuki-Zo, 11 Nagas, three security personnel, and a truck driver killed.

Displaced individuals have taken refuge in camps, and blockades have disrupted the delivery of essentials and medicines, disproportionately affecting the Kuki-Zo community. Health centers in the hills have become dysfunctional due to ongoing clashes. Elected officials must act swiftly to address this resurgence of violence, working with civil society to curb rhetoric and address armed groups with the assistance of security forces.

Those imposing blockades should face legal consequences, with criminal law applied uniformly across communities in the hills. Ensuring the safety and well-being of civilians, regardless of ethnicity, must be a top priority.