Now conflict breaks out between the Naga and Meitei groups

The 18-month-old crisis in Manipur appears to have entered a new phase, with security forces preparing to face a new challenge – friction between Naga groups in Senapati district of Senapati state and the radical Meitei group Arambai Tenggol (Austria).

On Sunday evening, as the 48-hour lockdown in the district called Senapati by three prominent Naga groups ended, an indefinite blockade of all commercial vehicles heading towards Imphal was announced. (PTI)

While Kuki groups have accused AT of carrying out attacks on them over the past 18 months, this is the first time that Naga groups have come out against it. In the last 18 months, when Meiteis and Kukis clashed, Nagas did not fight against either group. Even though buffer zones separate Kuki and Meitei people who live in different neighborhoods, Naga State people live with both communities.

Security services fear this may change.

On Sunday evening, as the 48-hour lockdown in the district called Senapati by three prominent Naga groups ended, an indefinite blockade of all commercial vehicles heading towards Imphal was announced. The three Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) are protesting against the recent abduction and assault of two Naga traders allegedly by Arambai Tenggola on October 31.

The Naga groups have two demands – a public apology from Arambai Tenggol (Austria) and action against those involved in the incident. AT is an influential Meitei group that is at the forefront of the clashes between Meiteis and Kukis.

The three groups also sent a memorandum to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh through District Magistrate Senapati, listing details of the abduction and extortion involving two Naga traders, though it did not mention AT’s name. The memorandum states that civil society organizations (CSOs) representing the community involved have made no attempt to mediate or resolve the issue.

Saloni Tony, president of Senapati District Students’ Association, said, “The Nagas have remained neutral all these months. We want both the Meitei and Kuki groups to know, through this economic blockade, that our patience is running out. Naga traffickers are extorted and harassed. In the latest case, two Naga traders were abducted and taken to Arambai Tenggol camp. This is not the only case. Nagas are victims of extortion by both groups.”

Tony said the group had two demands – a public apology from Arambai Tenngola and action against all those involved in the extortion.

Meanwhile, John Thangal, general secretary of the Naga People’s Organization, said, “All commercial vehicles going to Imphal have been stopped. This situation will continue unless AT apologizes and reports those involved in the recent case. We are still waiting for the Manipur government to take action and book those involved in this case under stringent regulations. Naga are neutral in the current clashes, but they should not become victims of extortionists or illegal tax collectors.”

Manipur Police, in a statement issued around midnight on Sunday, said an AT member named Khullem Sanjeep alias Bhim (30) was arrested for attacking two men from Senapati.

Manipur government officials said talks were being held with Naga leaders to clarify the situation and ensure that there was no social or ethnic coloration to the crime. “Talks are being held with Naga civil society organizations. The crime (assault) did not occur due to the victim’s ethnicity. It was a crime committed by criminals. Action is being taken against those responsible. The Naga people problem will be resolved soon,” said a government official aware of the probe.

Meanwhile, a senior security official posted at the site said there was no security development as the state government was trying to open the lockdown through talks with Naga groups and not use force in the situation.

Last month, the Manipur Police formed a special cell to contain the growing menace of militant groups extorting people in the name of taxes. The police further confirmed that the cell, headed by an additional officer of the rank of director general, was formed in view of the high number of extortion cases reported in the state in connection with ethnic clashes.

The Kuki-Zo tribes that dominate the hills and the Meiteis tribes that make up the majority in the valley have been involved in deadly clashes since May 3, 2023. At least 230 people have been killed and tens of thousands forced to flee their homes in the 18 months since then. in the strongholds of rival communities.