Ethnic violence between the Naga and Kuki-Zo tribal communities in the northeastern state of Manipur has escalated, leaving at least seven people dead in late August 2026. This brings the total number of fatalities to 34 since the violence began in February.
The clashes between these two communities have added to the already ongoing violence between the predominantly Hindu Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki-Zo communities, which has resulted in over 260 deaths and displacement of more than 60,000 people since May 2023. Armed militant groups from both the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities have been responsible for burning down homes, taking hostages, blocking highways, and engaging in gunfire.
The state government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, which came to power in February with the promise of peace and reconciliation, has failed to take adequate measures to end the violence and provide security for both communities.
Human Rights Watch has called upon Indian authorities to urgently address the situation and take effective steps to put an end to the killings, protect communities, and ensure justice for abuses.
The violence between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities began in February with a minor altercation in Ukhrul district, stemming from long-standing territorial disputes. It escalated in May after three Kuki church leaders were killed following a meeting with Naga pastors to resolve the hostilities. The violence further intensified when armed groups from both sides abducted a total of 48 people in May, resulting in the death of six Naga hostages and the release of 14 Kuki hostages.
In response to the blockades, the Supreme Court has directed the Kuki and Naga groups to plan for reopening the highways. However, armed Naga groups continue to block the highways, causing shortages of essential commodities, food, and medical aid. The blockades have led to an increase in prices of food and cooking gas cylinders, making it difficult for residents to reach district hospitals when seasonal illnesses such as scrub typhus, dengue, and typhoid are widespread.
Human Rights Watch has also received reports of residents being unable to seek medical help for their loved ones due to the blockade. In one instance, a 32-year-old Kuki man was unable to take his three-month-old baby to the hospital, and the baby eventually died from a high fever, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
The ongoing violence has also resulted in the destruction of property, as seen in the case of a Naga pastor who suffered a gunshot injury in September 2026. He alleged that security forces were slow to respond when suspected Kuki militants attacked his village, burning down homes, including his own.
Despite the formation of an inquiry by the Ministry of Home Affairs in June 2023 to investigate the 2023 violence, the report has yet to be submitted. In February 2026, the retired judge leading the commission resigned, three months before the most recent deadline. In August, the Supreme Court directed a committee appointed in 2023 to oversee relief efforts to verify claims that several affected communities had not received rehabilitation and welfare benefits. Human Rights Watch urges local authorities to ensure that adequate humanitarian aid reaches affected communities.
In line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement, all internally displaced people should receive essential assistance, irrespective of their religion, ethnicity, or citizenship status. The Indian authorities must continue to demobilize and disarm militant groups, provide prompt reparation for victims and survivors of abuses, and ensure impartial justice and accountability measures.
Human Rights Watch Asia Director Elaine Pearson has stated, “Indian authorities must address the root causes of the violence between the Naga and Kuki-Zo communities before more lives are lost. The authorities must restore security for affected populations, ensure justice for crimes committed by all sides, and work towards rebuilding trust between communities.”
