Imphal: At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki-Zo community were set ablaze on Monday in K. Songlung Kuki village, Kangchup area of Kangpokpi district, Manipur, amid the nation’s 77th Republic Day celebrations. According to reports, armed Naga militants carried out the attack around noon, forcing villagers to flee and leaving several families displaced. A video of the incident has reportedly been circulated online.
The arson comes in the wake of a heavy exchange of fire between the Zeliangrong United Front-Kamson (ZUF-K) and Kuki militants at Kharam Vaiphei in Kangpokpi district on January 8. The Zeliangrong Tiger Force, the armed wing of ZUF-K, has claimed responsibility for Monday’s attack, citing actions against illegal poppy cultivation, narcotics trafficking, and unauthorised encroachment in the Waphong area of Songlung Sadar Hills.
In a statement, the outfit clarified that it does not oppose the legitimate aspirations of the Kuki people within recognised native land. However, it warned that no Kuki land exists within ‘Zeliangrong Inpui traditional territory’ and that any encroachment in Zeliangrong areas would not be tolerated. Villagers were urged to vacate areas deemed unlawful to avoid further escalation.
The statement reflects longstanding tensions over land and territorial claims in the region. The Naga-Kuki conflicts in Manipur, particularly between 1992 and 1998, were marked by disputes over land, ethnic dominance, and political autonomy, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and significant displacement.
The incident has raised concerns over renewed ethnic tensions in Kangpokpi, highlighting the fragility of peace in areas affected by historical disputes. Local authorities have reportedly mobilised security forces to monitor the situation and provide relief to the displaced families.