Four Liangmai Nagas Killed in Manipur: Is the Conflict Spreading Beyond the Meitei-Kuki Faultline?

Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh orders action after four Liangmai Nagas are killed in Kangpokpi; authorities vow crackdown on arms.

By Hitanshi Kothari

New Delhi, August 27: Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on Thursday directed security officials to arrest and take action against those responsible for the killing of four members of the Liangmai Naga community in Kangpokpi district, as the state government vowed a strict crackdown on illegal weapons.

Singh issued the directions during a high-level security meeting convened after armed militants allegedly ambushed a vehicle in an isolated area of the Kuki-majority district, killing four people and injuring another.

Four Killed in Ambush

The victims were attacked around 8.30 am while travelling between Makui Ashang and Thabamba Naga, according to an official statement.

The government condemned the killings and directed security officials to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

Four Liangmai Naga members were killed in Kangpokpi, prompting Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh to order arrests and action.

The incident has heightened concerns over the spread of violence into the Naga community, which had initially largely stayed away from the ethnic conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

Crackdown on Illegal Weapons

The security meeting also decided to take stringent action against anyone found possessing illegal arms, irrespective of their community.

The government specifically warned cadres of armed groups covered under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement or engaged in peace talks that carrying weapons outside their designated camps would invite action.

Singh had earlier given people a 15-day ultimatum on August 12 to surrender illegal weapons.

The meeting was attended by Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh, DGP Mukesh Singh and other senior officials.

Manipur Conflict Enters Third Year

The latest killings come amid the prolonged ethnic conflict that has gripped Manipur since May 2023.

At least 260 people have been killed and thousands displaced in clashes between the valley based Meiteis and the Kukis, who largely live in the hill districts.

Following the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh, Manipur was placed under President's Rule on February 13, 2025. It was lifted nearly a year later on February 4, when Y Khemchand Singh took charge as chief minister.

The Naga community had initially maintained a distance from the Meitei-Kuki conflict. However, the community has increasingly become caught up in the violence this year.

(With Inputs from PTI)