Newmai News Network
Senapati | February 13
The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of Nagas in Manipur, today said that the declared position of the Nagas in Manipur on the conflict that had engulfed the state of Manipur since May 3, 2023 has been “neutrality”, without fear or favour of either the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo Hmar, in the interest of peace and restoration of normalcy. This stands unchanged, the UNC affirmed.
On the eve of Lui-Ngai-Ni 2026, the UNC then said it was aggrieved by the outbreak of violence attack on one Starling Shimray of Shakarphung by a group of Kuki youths on the evening of February 7, 2026, which triggered a wave of unrest in Litan, Ukhrul, Manipur, resulting in ugly violence, burning of houses and loss of properties belonging to both the Naga and Kuki communities and its unresolved continuation to this day. The UNC also said it took strong exception to the act of violence, attack, and torching of the house of one Azan Abonmai in the wee hours of February 9, 2026, at K. Lungwiram village. The UNC said it "is mindful of the current situation in Litan and K. Lungwiram, which must be resolved and not allowed to further spread, fester and worsen".
The UNC then said it "is concerned about the open presence of Kuki militants in full uniforms and sophisticated arms who have fired volleys of bullets creating fear and terror under the very nose of the Indian security forces who are also accused of facilitating the Kuki armed arsonists in burning down Naga houses and properties at Litan".
Both the instant incidents boil down to the issue of land ownership, the Naga body stated. The UNC then said it "is committed" to a long term solution for peace and justice and will continue to explore and engage for resolution. "However, we will not allow our history, culture, land, and identity to be threatened. We will not compromise on our rights and interests and any further aggression will have to be met with resolute actions. We appeal to all parties to respect the rights and dignity of the Nagas and to work together with us towards peaceful coexistence with mutual respect", the UNC added.
In the midst of the vitiated environment highlighted above, the UNC said, Lui-Ngai-Ni, the seed sowing festival of the Nagas in Manipur, will be celebrated at Ukhrul on February 15, 2026. This festival is not mere festivities and merry-making, the UNC said, explaining that Lui-Ngai-Ni will renew the sowing of the seeds of fraternity and love within the Naga family and of mutual respect with their neighbours. "The festival will once again reaffirm the wisdom filled values of our forefathers as the Nagas commit themselves to changes of improvement, progress and development in their collective lives and usher in an era of harmony, prosperity and good will. It will be observed and celebrated with due solemnity and prayerful minds", the UNC added.
On the eve of this festival, the UNC seeks the goodwill, understanding and participation of all for a meaningful and restorative celebration of Lui-Ngai- Ni 2026.
