Imphal | EKHON: On humanitarian ground, the Nagas of Manipur allowed the settlement of Kukis who came to Manipur in 19 th century and after, within the Naga homeland in the state of Manipur by levying nominal annual rent/tribute (Paddy & Live-stocks) from them. Their way of life, according to colonialists, was characterized by being “wandering”, peripatetic which showed them being principally vagrant and mercenaries. There is document to support that they themselves claiming to be refugees and received relief provisions meant for such groups from government of India. Of late, they started having a wishful political ambition of Zalengam – to establish a Kuki homeland/Separate administration within the Naga homeland. After which, the Kukis unilaterally ceased the payment of annual tribute/rent to the landowners. They raised military outfits like Kuki National Army to crush their landowners, the Nagas.
The ungrateful nature of Kukis was so blatantly showcased in their actions of arrogation of land, which led to the Naga-Kuki conflict of 1917-19 & 1992-96 and concoction of history to legitimize those areas within Nagas’ areas as theirs using violent means. However, in the course of time, with the understanding and magnanimity from the Nagas, both communities have been living together as good neighbors for decades.
To our surprise, despite enjoying the best of the hospitality the Nagas Provided during the outbreak of the conflict with the Meiteis, the Kukis started assaulting the Naga people and their history by demanding separate administration within Naga Homeland. And as of now they are waging war against the Nagas in Manipur using sophisticated weapons with the active involvement of the Kuki militants under SoO pact since February 7, 2026.
For an extended period, our generosity has been taken for granted by the Kukis. Over time, they have assumed different roles and created untenable narratives in their pursuit of survival. Today, they advance a new claim—that of victimhood and seek to assert their wishful political dreams, an identity that is neither historically nor culturally theirs. Their attempt to grab what is not theirs, to rewrite what is not their history, and to claim what is not theirs at all by spreading falsehoods—twisting the meaning of identity, distorting the truth of indigeneity, and fabricating stories to justify their ambitions backed by unseen forces is a serious form of organized and coordinated external aggression in our homeland.
Furthermore, the reported use of Kuki armed groups under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) pact with the GoI and GoM, an arrangement to suppress the naga Movement raises serious political questions, suggesting the emergence of a proxy dynamic that threaten our land, identity and the collective rights of the Nagas. In this light, any attempt to undermine the long-standing ceasefire—established over decades with the aim of achieving an inclusive, honorable and mutually acceptable resolution between India and Nagalim must be viewed with grave concern. A collective response of the Nagas from across the borders to the looming threats emanating from untrustworthy neighbour, demonstrating our solidarity nurtured over decades and stand together as one is the need of the hour to secure our birthrights.
Further, a sustained, deliberate and deeply troubling pattern of targeted violence, intimidation, and aggression continues to be inflicted upon Naga communities by Kuki aggressors engaged in illicit poppy cultivation, who have encroached upon Naga ancestral lands in the areas of Ireng Naga, Waphong Inthan, Leikhampoki, Makhan, Tokpa, Thanamba, Thonglang, Chawangkining, Thangal Sharung etc and are emboldened by the unchecked flow of illegal arms and drugs across the region. These actions are not sporadic incidents, but part of a calculated and organized campaign that directly challenges the security, dignity, and inalienable rights of the Naga people.
Further, a sustained, deliberate and deeply troubling pattern of targeted violence, intimidation, and aggression continues to be inflicted upon Naga communities by Kuki aggressors engaged in illicit poppy cultivation, who have encroached upon Naga ancestral lands in the areas of Ireng Naga, Waphong Inthan, Leikhampoki, Makhan, Tokpa, Thanamba, Thonglang, Chawangkining, Thangal Sharung etc and are emboldened by the unchecked flow of illegal arms and drugs across the region. These actions are not sporadic incidents, but part of a calculated and organized campaign that directly challenges the security, dignity, and inalienable rights of the Naga people.
Such continued hostility is an outright affront to peace and coexistence, aimed at undermining established rule of law and asserting dominance. This escalating pattern of aggression demands unequivocal condemnation and urgent, decisive action to uphold justice, restore security and protect the integrity and inherent rights of Naga people. Collectively, these incidents constitute a calculated attack and direct challenge to the very existence of the Naga communities and its homeland.
(Report prepared by the Media Cell, Working Committee of United Naga Council (UNC.))
