The North East Region Women’s Human Rights Organisation (NER-WHRO) has called for immediate peace between the Kuki and Naga communities of Manipur. The civil society organisation urged both sides to end hostilities and engage in dialogue, warning that continued unrest could destabilise the region further.
The Kuki Naga peace appeal comes amid rising tension in the hill districts of Manipur. Clashes and mistrust have deepened since last year’s ethnic violence, affecting not just lives but the fragile social fabric that binds the hills.
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Call for calm in troubled hills
In a press statement, NER-WHRO appealed to the conscience of both communities. It said, “We urge our Kuki and Naga brothers and sisters to choose understanding over hostility. Let us not fall prey to politics that seek to divide us.”
The organisation called for community elders, religious leaders, and student groups to actively participate in peacebuilding. It also appealed to women’s groups and youth leaders to act as bridges of dialogue between factions.
This Kuki Naga peace appeal also stressed the need to reject misinformation and incitement, which often fuels community-level disputes. The organisation reminded citizens of the long-standing coexistence between the communities, urging that it must not be forgotten in the heat of recent events.
Civil society’s role underlined
NER-WHRO highlighted the significance of grassroots leadership in healing conflict. The organisation believes that government efforts alone cannot build lasting peace unless local voices take responsibility.
They called on media houses to report responsibly and avoid exaggerations. “The media must be a tool of peace, not provocation,” the group asserted.
The Kuki Naga peace appeal also requested the state government to create space for formal talks between community leaders, possibly under a neutral body. Suggestions included setting up a hill-region reconciliation forum under the Governor’s oversight.
A plea amid larger concerns
Manipur has witnessed deep unrest since ethnic clashes began in 2023. Although most public violence has decreased, tensions remain simmering in districts like Churachandpur, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi. Community mistrust and isolation have grown, especially with regard to territorial and identity concerns.
This Kuki Naga peace appeal comes as a reminder that peaceful coexistence must remain the region’s priority. NER-WHRO also pointed to the rising concern among women and children, who bear the brunt of prolonged violence, displacement, and economic instability.
Building bridges, not barriers
NER-WHRO appealed to both the Centre and state to initiate fresh confidence-building measures. These may include community-level seminars, interfaith dialogues, youth exchanges, and storytelling platforms that document shared histories of cooperation.
The organisation’s message is simple yet powerful: “Let this not become another chapter of permanent division.” By calling for collective responsibility, the Kuki Naga peace appeal puts emphasis on healing and rebuilding rather than blame and retaliation.
The appeal has received support from other North Eastern NGOs, including Naga Mothers’ Association and Kuki Women Union, both of which promised to hold internal dialogues within their communities in the coming weeks.
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