Chaos in Manipur: 51 Kuki students rushed to safety amid deadly Naga clashes

Manipur: Amid rising tension between Kuki and Naga communities in Ukhrul, Manipur police have evacuated 51 Kuki students as a precautionary measure.

Tension has been simmering in Ukhrul district of Manipur between the Tangkhul Naga tribe and the Kuki community. Clashes in the Litan Sareikhong area have resulted in around 30 houses being burnt.

The Ukhrul District Police evacuated 51 students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Ramva School, handing them over to Saikul police for transfer to JNV in Kangpokpi, a Kuki-majority district. The group included 31 male and 20 female students. Authorities stated the evacuation was precautionary due to the prevailing law and order situation.

During the evacuation, some villagers initially mistook the students for miscreants. Local civil society organisations assisted in calming tensions, ensuring the safe relocation of the students from areas including Shangshak, Ramva, Shokvao, TM Kasom, and S Laho. Police urged all communities to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading rumours amid the ongoing tensions.

The violence follows a drunken brawl on February 7 at Litan, a town inhabited by both communities. Manipur has experienced recurring ethnic violence over the past three years, primarily between Meitei and Kuki communities. The unrest began in May 2023 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' protesting Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. At least 260 people have died and thousands displaced since then.

Presidents’ Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2025. A new chief minister, Y Khemchand Singh, was sworn in earlier this month, amid ongoing efforts to stabilise the state.

The evacuation reflects both the immediate need to protect students and the wider challenges of ethnic tensions in Manipur. Law enforcement coordination with local civil groups was crucial to prevent escalation during the movement of students. The Litan incident is part of a pattern of periodic flare-ups in the hill districts, where tribal and ethnic divisions have historically contributed to violence. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further clashes and ensure safety for all residents and students.
(With PTI inputs)