The 18-month-old crisis in Manipur appears to have entered a new phase, with security forces gearing up to face a new challenge –– friction between Naga groups in the state’s Senapati district and the radical Meitei Arambai Tenggol (AT) group.

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While the AT has been accused by the Kuki groups of launching attacks against them for the past 18 months, this is the first time that the Naga groups have attacked them. During the last 18 months, when the Meiteis and the Kukis clashed, the Naga did not fight either group. Even though the buffer zones separate the Kuki and Meitei people who live in different districts, the people of Naga State live with both communities.

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Security officials are concerned that could change.

On Sunday evening, as the 48-hour district shutdown called by the three prominent Naga groups in Senapati ended, they announced an indefinite blockade of all commercial vehicles going to Imphal. The three, Naga People’s Organization (NPO), Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) and Senapati District Women’s Association (SDWA) protested against the recent kidnapping and assault of two Naga traders allegedly by Arambai Tenggol on October 31.

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The Naga groups have two demands: a public apology from Arambai Tenggol (AT) and action against those involved in the incident. AT is an influential Meitei group at the forefront of clashes between Meiteis and Kukis.

The three groups also sent a memorandum to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh through the District Magistrate of Senapati, which mentions the details of the kidnapping and extortion involving the two Naga traders, though it does not name the AT. The memorandum claims that there has been no attempt by civil society organizations (CSOs) representing the community involved to mediate or remedy the issue.

Un Saloni Tony, president of the Senapati District Students Association, said, “All these months, the Nagas have been neutral. We want both Meitei and Kuki groups to know through this economic blockade that our patience is running out. Naga traders are extorted and harassed. In the latter case, the two Naga traders were kidnapped and taken to the Arambai Tenggol camp. This is not the only incident. Naga people become victims of extortion by both groups.”

Tony said the group has two demands –– a public apology from Arambai Tenngol and action against everyone who was involved in the extortion.

Meanwhile, Naga People’s Organization General Secretary M. John Thangal said, “All commercial vehicles going to Imphal have been stopped. This will continue unless AT apologizes and brings forward those who were involved in the recent case. We are still waiting for the Manipur government to act and book those involved in the case under strict sections. The Nagas are neutral in the current confrontations but should not fall prey to those who extort or collect illegal taxes.”

The Manipur Police in a statement around midnight on Sunday said that an AT member named Khullem Sanjeep alias Bhim (30) was arrested for assaulting the two men in Senapati.

Officials of the Manipur government said that channel talks are being held with Naga leaders to defuse the situation and ensure that the crime does not get a communal or ethnic colour. “Discussions are on with Naga civil society organisations. The crime (aggression) did not occur because of the victim’s ethnicity. It was a crime by criminals. Action is being taken against those responsible. The issue with the Naga people will be resolved soon,” said a government official privy to the investigation.

Meanwhile, a senior security force officer posted on the ground said there is no change in security as the state government authorities are trying to open the blockade through talks with Naga groups and not use force in the situation.

Last month, the Manipur police formed a special cell to stop the growing menace of militant groups extorting people in the name of taxes. The police had later confirmed that the cell, under the command of an officer of the rank of Additional Director General, was formed due to a large number of extortion cases reported in the state amid ethnic clashes.

The Kuki-Zo tribes who dominate the hills and the Meiteis, who are the majority in the valley, have been involved in deadly clashes since May 3, 2023. At least 230 people have been killed and tens of thousands forced to leave their homes which are now in strongholds of rival communities in the 18 months since.