Kuki and Meitei Fresh Clash in Manipur: A fresh clash broke out on Sunday between Kuki and Meitei villagers near the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts in Manipur. The conflict happened over ploughing of agricultural land at Sadu Lampak village, located in a sensitive foothill area that has seen violence since the ethnic clashes started in May 2023.
It all began when a Meitei farmer from Leitanpokpi brought his tractor to plough a paddy field near the village. Some Kuki villagers from a nearby area objected, claiming the land didn’t belong to the Meitei farmer. Soon, more people from both communities gathered at the site, and tensions escalated quickly. Villagers started throwing stones at each other and used slingshots and sticks in the clash.
Reports say that three to five people were injured in the incident. Thankfully, before things could get worse, the police and central security forces rushed to the spot and managed to control the situation. According to Manipur Police, officers led by the Additional SP and other central forces were already on the ground, and more forces were sent in as a precaution.
A police statement said that the Meitei farmer believed he had official permission to cultivate the land, which had remained untouched since ethnic violence erupted in the area. As the paddy sowing season begins and things seem a bit calmer after the imposition of President’s Rule, Meitei farmers are slowly trying to return to farming in these areas. But the tension still remains high.
To make matters more sensitive, videos of the clash quickly spread on social media, showing Kukis stopping Meitei farmers from ploughing. Manipur Police took to their official X (formerly Twitter) account to urge people not to believe in rumours and to stay calm. They warned that such viral videos might create unnecessary fear and confusion.
The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has also raised its voice, alleging that even when security forces were present, the Kuki villagers tried to stop Meitei farmers from working on their land. This has sparked fresh concerns, especially because, in the last two years, several farmers have tragically lost their lives while simply trying to work in their fields.
At the heart of this issue is a long-standing land dispute between the two communities, and with no clear boundary or ownership, such tensions are likely to flare up again. While the efforts by police and central forces are helping maintain control, the situation remains fragile. People in the region continue to live with fear and uncertainty, as farming—a basic livelihood—has now become a reason for conflict.
The hope is that with proper communication, clear land rights, and peace efforts, such clashes can be prevented in the future. For now, both sides need to be cautious and patient, and the authorities must take strong steps to ensure safety for all villagers, no matter their background.
