Heated exchanges erupt online as Kuki, Meitei, and Naga voices clash over history, identity, and territorial claims, fueling further discord.
BY PC bureau
A fresh controversy has ignited tensions in Manipur after National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) leader V.S. Atem referred to the Kuki tribes as “refugees” while addressing their demand for a separate homeland. The statement, which questioned the historical legitimacy of the Kuki-Zo population in Manipur, quickly went viral after its English translation was posted on social media by COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba.
He supplemented the NSC(I-M) leader comments by his own remarks,: To all the Kuki Separatist Groups exclusively. A Word of Truth from the Ato Kilonser of NSCN Once Again,”
Then he cited the NSCN (I_M) leader’s statement: “Kuki, you are settling in Naga areas in the hills of Manipur. You came here as refugees. If you want to demand a homeland, demand it as a ‘Kuki Refugee Homeland.’ The Government of India provided you with food, shelter, and financial aid from 1957 to 1974 as refugees. Even today, you may ask for a settlement elsewhere in the country, but if you seek a homeland in Manipur, it should rightfully be called ‘Kuki Refugee Homeland.’
” A bitter truth that every indigenous person of Manipur is well aware of. Yet, despite this undeniable history, some still attempt to rewrite the narrative, a classic case of typical immigrant survival behavior.
ALSO READ: U.S. Authorities Close in on Adanis in $250M Bribery Scandal
The remarks made by the senior NSCN (I-M) leader against the Kuki community have come as a surprise to many, given the long history of the Naga movement’s own struggle for autonomy. Kuki organizations have consistently maintained that their demand is for a separate administration or Union Territory within India, which is far less than the full-fledged sovereignty that the NSCN (I-M) pushed for in the beginning of their movement. Atem’s statement appears to undermine the legitimacy of the Kukis’ aspirations while disregarding the parallels between their demands and those of the Nagas. His remarks have only deepened the ethnic fault lines in Manipur, fueling tensions rather than fostering any dialogue toward peaceful coexistence.
ALSO READ: Manipur Police: Armed Cops, A Mobile Phone, and Ridiculous PR Spectacles
V.S. Atem is a prominent leader within the NSCN(I_M). He has held important cant positions within the organization, including serving as the former army chief. In January 2024, due to the declining health of the then-General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, Atem was appointed as the deputy prime minister of the People’s Republic of Nagalim and was nominated as Muivah’s successor.
Atem, like Muivah, hails from the Tangkhul Naga community, predominantly found in Nagaland and Manipur’s Ukhrul district. Throughout his tenure, he has been a vocal advocate for the NSCN (I-M)’s objectives, including the creation of a “Greater Nagalim,” which seeks to integrate Naga-inhabited areas across various states and even international borders. This vision encompasses demands for greater autonomy, a separate Naga flag, and constitutional amendments to grant the Nagas increased control over their resources
Given this history, his criticism of the Kukis for seeking administrative separation appears both contradictory and politically motivated. While the NSCN (I-M) has long negotiated with the Indian government for special constitutional recognition, it now seems unwilling to acknowledge the grievances of another ethnic group pursuing a lesser degree of self-governance.
This contradiction raises serious questions about the NSCN (I-M)’s stance on ethnic rights and self-determination, suggesting that its leadership is more interested in preserving its own political interests than in advocating for broader indigenous autonomy.
This remark set off a chain reaction, drawing responses from both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, further deepening the existing ethnic divide in the state.
Reactions from Different Communities
Major Digvijay Singh Rawat (Retd.), a former army officer who served in Manipur for a decade, weighed in, stating:
- First, he is an NSCN militant, not a political leader, and he does not represent the Nagas.
- Why don’t you give the Naga districts of Manipur to NSCN for the fulfillment of their demand for Nagalim?
- Or have you made some secret deal with the Nagas regarding the Naga districts of Manipur behind the backs of your own people?
- Your organization, COCOMI, was formed due to the threat to the territorial integrity of Manipur by the same NSCN, whom you choose to quote today. Such is the beauty of conflict!
Rawat also questioned how could COCOMI join hands with NSCN (Im) when it was formed in 2019 to protect Manipur territorial integrity in view of NSCN (I-M)0 demand for a greater Nagalim.
1). First thing he is a NSCN militant not a political leader he doesn’t represent Nagas
2). Why don’t you give Naga districts of Manipur to NSCN for fulfillment of their demand of Nagalim .
3). Or you have done some secret deal with Nagas regarding Naga districts of Manipur… https://t.co/2pQy7UlyYv pic.twitter.com/Om7YitN6tA
— Maj DIGVIJAY SINGH RAWAT, KC (Retd) (@Diggi00007) February 18, 2025
Kuki social media users responded with outrage. X user @thezomi fired back:
“Biren Singh and his militia have already divided Manipur by killing more than 224 Kukis, looting properties, and burning houses. The wounds are too deep. Kukis will choose to die rather than live under Meitei rule.”
Anyone can bark like a D#G …but that doesn’t means what he says is the truth …
We don’t listen to half cooked brain ..
Let him bark and bark ..
atleast admit that Manipur will not be the same ..
Take my word “IT Will NOT BE THE SAME”— Astor Kukizo(KUKI KA PARIVAR) (@Khulkonns_3382) February 18, 2025
Another user, Astor Kukizo (@Khulkonns_3382), slammed Atem, saying:
“Anyone can bark like a D#G … but that doesn’t mean what he says is the truth … We don’t listen to half-cooked brains … Let him bark and bark … at least admit that Manipur will not be the same … Take my word—‘IT WILL NOT BE THE SAME.’”
Samuel Khongsoi (@SamKhongsai) added another sharp retort:
“Manipur: It’s shocking how some who claim to be leaders and represent CSOs display such cognitive dissonance. By endorsing NSCN-IM’s statement, @Paari_Athouba appears aligned with their Nagalim agenda—despite COCOMI being formed specifically to oppose it. Secret deal already made?”
Another user, @DavidKuki, accused Meiteis of hypocrisy, saying:
“You expose your ties with this warmonger group. Kukis demand separation from Manipur, while Meiteis demand separation from India.”
J Shakur (@JshakurB) remarked:
“People of the same stripe stick together. Secessionists empathize with secessionists. Terrorists fuel each other’s agendas. Pathological liars and compulsive fabricators cross-pollinate each other’s lies and fake narratives. NSCN-IM = Meitei Terrorists = Same same but different.”
The debate continued to escalate on social media.
Meiteis Hit Back
Meanwhile, Meitei users countered with their own claims. User @Bijenkh4 wrote:
“The Kuki refugees will never accept their real status until they are collectively driven out of Manipur. There is enough historical evidence to prove they were refugees.”
Johnny Silverhand (@Johnny_SH7) added:
“Will the Kukis blame Meiteis and Biren Singh for this too? Atem is from NSCN-IM, not Meitei organizations. The truth hurts.”
As tensions continue to simmer, this latest exchange has once again highlighted the fragile ethnic relations in Manipur, with both communities digging deeper into their historical narratives and grievances.
