Reported by: Bit Irom
Imphal: The security situation in Manipur has seen a significant escalation, with reports indicating a shift in violence from the Meitei-Kuki conflict to increasing clashes between Kuki-Zo villagers and Naga groups, particularly in Ukhrul district.
Concurrently, a “media war” has intensified between Kuki civil society organisations, led by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), and Meitei organisations, including Arambai Tenggol (AT), a socio-cultural organisation.
KIM, the apex traditional, social, and political organisation representing the Kuki tribes, has urged the Government of India to address reported militant activities, alleging that Arambai Tenggol members are operating alongside Tangkhul Naga militants in parts of Ukhrul.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 25, 2026, KIM claimed that a build-up of over 50 Arambai Tenggol cadres is active in Tangkhul Naga-dominated areas, while Naga bodies have accused Kuki militants of attacking their villages.
In response, Arambai Tenggol has refuted the allegations made by Kuki bodies, accusing them of fabricating narratives to mislead the public, according to Meitei-linked reports. The AT, in a statement, called the allegations “baseless” and said they do not reflect the situation on the ground, while also accusing KIM of spreading misinformation.
Referring to the ongoing ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, the AT stated that movement across certain areas remains restricted and denied its presence in Ukhrul. “The claims made by the Kuki Inpi are fabricated and aimed at creating confusion,” the AT said, adding that it rejects any suggestion of coordinated activity in the district.
Tensions between the Kuki and Naga communities escalated sharply around April 24, 2026, with reports of three deaths, two Kuki individuals and one Tangkhul Naga, in Ukhrul.
Following a February 7, 2026 assault case, armed clashes have also been reported between Naga village volunteers and suspected Kuki armed cadres. On April 18, 2026, an ambush on National Highway 202 reportedly killed two Tangkhul Naga civilians.