Imphal, India — Tensions have flared in the Kangpokpi district of Manipur following a violent confrontation between two tribal groups on Saturday, which resulted in severe injuries to at least 13 individuals, including community leaders. The clash, allegedly instigated by a land dispute, involved villagers from the Naga and Kuki communities.
Local Naga organizations—United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students’ Association (ANSAM), and Naga Women Union (NWU)—have issued a joint statement condemning the assault on villagers from Konsakhul near the Leimakhong Army Cantonment. The attack, which occurred on April 5, 2025, at around 11:30 a.m., was described as a premeditated act by armed assailants from the neighboring Kuki community of Leilon, resulting in substantial injuries and property damage.
Among the injured were notable figures such as Aimson Abonmai, the Chief of Konsakhul, Adam Dirinamai, the Village Chairman, and Wilingson Abonmai, a local pastor. They are currently receiving medical treatment at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
The Naga representatives emphasized that assaulting tribal leaders and village authorities constitutes a severe violation of Naga customary law and represents a direct threat to the governance and peace of their community. The joint statement also expressed dismay over what they perceive as a lax response from both state and central security forces, questioning their effectiveness due to their apparent inaction during the assault, which occurred amidst a government-imposed curfew.
In a further development, the Naga bodies criticized the response of the World Kuki Zo Intellectual Council, which they claim justified the violence based on disputed claims and misrepresented documentation. The Naga groups denounced what they described as a misguided narrative pushed by the Kuki council that exacerbated the conflict.
Additionally, another incident was reported on April 3, 2025, involving Kuki volunteers who allegedly engaged in vandalism and arson in Kazanga, a village inhabited by the Maram Naga tribe. This event has escalated the tensions, with Nagas condemning these acts as attempts by the Kukis to forcibly seize land under the guise of an ongoing dispute.
The area remains tense as community leaders and local authorities attempt to navigate the aftermath of these attacks and work toward restoring peace. The violence has highlighted the fragile relations between the Kuki and Naga tribes in Manipur, prompting calls for an urgent and balanced resolution to the longstanding land disputes and intertribal tensions.
Local and national government officials have been urged to intervene more decisively to prevent further violence and address the underlying issues contributing to these conflicts. Community leaders on both sides are being encouraged to engage in dialogue and seek a peaceful resolution under the principles of justice and mutual respect.
As Manipur grapples with these tribal conflicts, the eyes of the nation are on how effectively the state can manage to uphold law and order while fostering an environment where diverse communities can coexist peacefully.