Citing a grave threat to their safety and cultural identity, Zeliangrong tribal councils have closed their borders to Kukis until a peaceful resolution is found, following an allegedly orchestrated assault in April.
BY PC Bureau
May 29, 2025:
Nearly two months after violence erupted in Konsaram Maga village, a Naga-dominated body has imposed sweeping restrictions on the movement of Kukis across territories belonging to four major Indigenous Naga tribes in Manipur—Inpui, Liangmai, Rongmei, and Zeme—effective from June 2, 2025. The decision, made public by the Committee on Protection of Indigenous Peoples’ Ancestral Land (COPIPAL), comes at a time when many believed the April 5 incident had been laid to rest. Its revival raises question over its motive.
Formed during a Joint Tribe Council (JTC) meeting held on April 14, COPIPAL comprises representatives of the Zeliangrong kindred tribes. In its statement, the committee cited the April 5 attack on Konsaram Naga village as the catalyst for its drastic decision, calling it an “unprovoked and orchestrated act of aggression” that severely undermined peace and threatened the identity and safety of Indigenous Naga communities.
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Describing the ban as a measure taken with “great restraint,” COPIPAL asserted that it was a necessary step given the deteriorating situation. The directive, the committee emphasized, is not permanent but will remain in effect until a “mutually acceptable resolution” is reached through genuine dialogue.
The Regional Naga Council of Manipur (RNCM) has since endorsed COPIPAL’s move, urging all Luangrian leaders and frontal organizations to ensure full compliance in their respective jurisdictions. The RNCM also designated the RNSOM and RNYOM to coordinate implementation efforts across the region. Both COPIPAL and RNCM reiterated their commitment to peaceful resistance and the lawful assertion of Indigenous rights.
Background: What Happened on April 5?
The Konsakhul Village Authority, in a press release dated April 5, strongly condemned what it described as a “premeditated attack” by armed Kuki militants disguised as civilians. According to the release, thousands of armed individuals descended on Konsakhul village at around 12:15 PM and violently assaulted villagers who were engaged in agricultural and construction work.
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Shockingly, the mob was reportedly accompanied by ASI Kamgin Veiphei of Leimakhong Police Station. The village authority alleged that Veiphei’s presence not only enabled but emboldened the attackers. The incident followed an April 4 altercation, during which Veiphei reportedly presented a backdated curfew order from the Kangpokpi District Magistrate and attempted to halt construction work underway in the village. The villagers, having hired private machinery on a daily-wage basis, declined to stop work and chose not to accompany the police to the station.
During the day on April 5, ASI Kamgin allegedly returned with additional police personnel and Kuki militants. The mob launched a sudden attack, seriously injuring several village leaders including Chairman Adam Dirinamai, Chief Aimson Abonmai, Ch. Paramchamdin, Ab Widinbou, and Th. Aloipu. All were reportedly abducted to an unknown location.
The Village Authority condemned the actions of ASI Kamgin—who hails from Leilon Veiphei, a neighboring Kuki village with historic tensions with Konsakhul—as a grave dereliction of duty and a violation of justice. They also accused Kangpokpi District Magistrate Mahesh
