Ukhrul Clash: Violence on Non Violence Day over land dispute

A violent clash between two Naga villages, Hunphun and Hungpung, erupted over a long-standing boundary dispute in Ukhrul district. The tragic confrontation claimed the lives of at least three people, including a Manipur Rifles jawan, and left 30 others injured, some of whom had to be rushed to the state capital, Imphal, for medical care.
The roots of the conflict run deeper than the immediate cause, which reportedly involved one group entering territory claimed by the other for cleaning in preparation for Gandhi Jayanti. Ironically, an event meant to symbolize peace and non-violence became the backdrop for a bloody skirmish. A video that surfaced on social media showed armed youngsters firing shots, further escalating tensions and stoking fear within the region. In response, the state government imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS, restricting movement, and suspended internet services to prevent the spread of inflammatory content.
Boundary disputes between villages are not uncommon in the northeastern region of India, where geographical and political boundaries often overlap with tribal loyalties and cultural identities. However, the recent clash in Ukhrul highlights deeper issues of governance, land ownership, and tribal identity that have persisted for decades. The failure to resolve these disputes through dialogue has allowed tensions to fester, resulting in tragic loss of life and the disruption of social harmony.
Ukhrul district, predominantly inhabited by the Tangkhul Naga tribe, has witnessed its share of unrest in the past. The presence of armed groups, complex inter-tribal dynamics, and a lack of effective state intervention have contributed to a volatile situation where minor incidents can quickly spiral into violence. In this case, the clash appears to have been triggered by a simple act of cleaning land, which, under normal circumstances, would have been seen as routine. Yet, in the context of deeply entrenched mistrust between the two villages, even this act was perceived as a provocation.
The role of the state in managing such conflicts cannot be understated. While the imposition of prohibitory orders and the suspension of internet services may provide short-term relief, these measures do not address the underlying causes of the conflict. Prohibitory orders, often viewed as a blunt instrument of law enforcement, can sometimes exacerbate tensions by restricting movement and preventing the free flow of communication. More significantly, the absence of a coherent strategy for resolving boundary disputes in tribal areas has left communities feeling isolated and neglected by the state.
Three Naga legislators from the region – Minister Khashim Vashum and MLAs Ram Muivah and Leishiyo Keishing – have appealed for peace, urging both sides to refrain from further violence. Their intervention is timely and necessary, but appeals for peace must be backed by concrete actions. The state government, in coordination with tribal leaders and civil society groups, needs to initiate a broad consultation process to address the root causes of these conflicts. Bringing together village elders, local authorities, and relevant stakeholders to mediate disputes through traditional and legal mechanisms would go a long way in preventing future violence.
Additionally, the state must prioritize the development of infrastructure and governance in tribal regions. Decades of neglect have left many tribal areas in Manipur underdeveloped and underserved, which has only exacerbated local tensions. The establishment of clear land ownership policies, better access to legal mechanisms for resolving disputes, and more robust law enforcement could help reduce the likelihood of such incidents.