After killing a Meitei lady, Kuki militants injured Naga farmer – the real agenda?

The ongoing violence in Manipur’s rural areas highlights the increasing vulnerability of indigenous communities. Kuki militant groups have escalated assaults on farmers and village defense volunteers in the Imphal Valley, disrupting what should have been a season of agricultural harvest. Today’s attack, which injured a Naga farmer working in his paddy field, is the third in a series of incidents targeting those engaged in daily work, deepening fears within local communities.
This recent wave of attacks has greatly impacted the lives and livelihoods of Manipur’s indigenous population, particularly those reliant on agriculture. Fields that were once symbols of sustenance and connection to the land have now become dangerous zones, where militants use gunfire from hilltop positions to intimidate valley residents. This targeting of farmers endangers lives and destabilizes Manipur’s rural economy, as fear spreads among those who would otherwise be tending to their crops during the crucial harvest season.
Recent incidents have left both Meitei and Naga communities in shock. The violence against these groups has been systematic, with militants using elevated positions to open fire on farmers working in valley fields. Such actions appear to be aimed at terrorizing and dividing indigenous communities, making routine agricultural work a dangerous act. These attacks are not isolated incidents; they are part of a campaign to destabilize indigenous people by threatening their means of livelihood and creating a climate of constant fear.
The toll on local communities is significant. Many farmers are now too afraid to work in their fields, and with the ongoing paddy harvest season, this fear has serious economic implications. Agricultural output may decline, food security may suffer, and income for countless families could shrink. In a region where farming has long been a way of life and a source of pride, this interruption strikes at the heart of cultural and economic resilience. Farmers who once worked peacefully in the fields are now forced to weigh the risks of tending to their crops under the looming threat of violence.
The Kuki militant strategy appears to be one of sustained intimidation, leveraging the natural terrain for advantage. By launching attacks from the hills, these militants are able to terrorize the communities below, disrupting daily life and eroding any sense of safety in the valley. This approach is nothing short of a campaign aimed at breaking down the unity and resolve of indigenous communities. The persistent threat of gunfire has not only stopped farmers but has shaken the confidence of an entire region, as residents grapple with the uncertainty of violence at any moment.
The recent injury of a Naga farmer is a reflection of the widespread suffering affecting all indigenous people in Manipur. Naga, Meitei, and other indigenous communities find themselves under a shared threat from these relentless assaults. These incidents worsen ethnic tensions, drive communities further apart, and challenge the long-standing coexistence that has been part of Manipur’s diverse society. The attacks reveal the militants’ intent to disrupt any semblance of harmony, using violence to fuel divisions and foster suspicion and hostility among Manipur’s indigenous people.
This violence has not been limited to isolated instances. Just last weekend, a 34-year-old woman farmer was tragically shot and killed while working in her field. Similar attacks were reported in other valley areas over the following days, demonstrating a consistent pattern. The cumulative impact of these attacks goes beyond the immediate victims; it harms the social fabric of Manipur, creating trauma and distrust that will linger long after the violence ends.
The escalation of violence also raises questions about the role of the state and its responsibility to protect its citizens. As attacks continue and fear spreads, there is a growing perception among the valley’s indigenous people that they are being left to fend for themselves. The failure to prevent these incidents or respond effectively has fostered a sense of abandonment, deepening the disillusionment with state authorities. Many communities feel that they have been left vulnerable, their lives and livelihoods left at the mercy of militants who operate with near impunity.