The attack appeared to have stemmed from a sharp rift between the Kuki National Front-Presidential group (KNF-P) and the KNA-B over territorial dominance along the international border.
UNC said the mortal remains of the six hostages would not be received unless its demands were addressed and justice was done for the families of the victims by the Governments of Manipur and India.
The “old Kukis” who were brought in during the colonial period have, in many villages, been accommodated peacefully by Naga and Meitei communities for generations.
Unlike the overt conflicts of the past, today’s environment is defined by sophisticated weaponry, disinformation, and the tactical use of civilian populations as human shields, writes Michael Shaiza.