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{{Short description|Conflict in Manipur, India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2018}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{more citations needed|date=March 2012}}
{{morefootnotes|date=December 2018}}
}}

The '''Kuki–Paite ethnic clash of 1997–1998''' was a deadly conflict between the two communities in [[Churachandpur district]] in [[Manipur]], [[India]].{{cn|date=August 2023}}

The causes of the conflict were ethnic tensions and armed terrorism. It started in June 1997 when KNF insurgent groups executed nine Paite villagers. Over 352 people died, thousands of homes were destroyed and over 13,000 people were displaced. The [[Government of India]] sent in the [[Indian Army]] to attempt to stop the violence. The conflict ended in September 1998 with a peace agreement between the two communities.{{cn|date=August 2023}}{{vn|date=August 2023}}

== Cause of conflict ==
The [[Thadou language|Thadou]]-speaking [[Kuki people|Kuki]] had been displaced from their home in the northern part of Manipur to Churachandpur.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Part of the conflict came from the use of names. Both communities were considered Kuki by Thadous. However, the Paites preferred to call themselves "Zomi"- they considered the term "Kuki" to be a foreign word. The Thadou-speaking Kukis considered this use of the word "Zomi" to be offensive to them. (See [[Mizo people#Etymology]].){{cn|date=August 2023}}

By 1997 Paites formed the Zomi Reunification Organization (ZRO). This group had a militant wing named the "Zomi Revolutionary Army" (ZRA). At that time, the Thadou-speaking Kukis had already formed the militant Kuki National Front (KNF) and had been terrorising the villagers.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

The KNF started imposing taxation on the Zomi/Paites, further escalating tensions .<ref name="Haokip">{{cite book|title=Conflict mapping and peace processes in North East India|publisher=North Eastern Social Research Centre|url=http://www.nesrc.org/Monographs/PeaceBook.pdf|author=Rebecca C, Haokip|editor=Lazar Jeyaseelan|accessdate=4 February 2014|chapter=The Kuki-Paite Conflict In The Churachandpur District Of manipur|year=2007}}</ref>

== Start of hostilities ==
On 24 June 1997 KNF extremists<ref>{{cite web|title=Kuki National Front|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/knf.htm|publisher=South Asia Terrorism Portal|accessdate=31 January 2014}}</ref> lined up 20 villagers in [[Saikul]] and shot them, killing nine and wounding four.<ref name="Restoration">{{cite web|last=Hangmi|first=Peter Zamhen|title=The Paite Kuki Clashes and restoration of Normalcy.|url=http://www.khawvaiphei.com/articles/general-articles/1514-the-paite-kuki-clashes-and-restoration-of-normalcy.html|publisher=khawvaiphei.com|accessdate=31 January 2014|date=6 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202123638/http://www.khawvaiphei.com/articles/general-articles/1514-the-paite-kuki-clashes-and-restoration-of-normalcy.html|archive-date=2 February 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

These killings started a series of communal violence that also drew in smaller ethnic groups. Several hundred Indian soldiers were moved into Churachandpur to restore order. A peace agreement was negotiated after a few days by dignitaries from Mizoram Peace Mission, namely, Pu C. Chawngkunga, Pu H. Zathuam and Pu F. Lawmkima. It was signed by the KNF(P) and the ZRO, at Mata Dam in [[Churachandpur]] on 8 July 1997.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Two days later, KNF(P) militants invaded Mata village, breaking the agreement.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

The warring parties were brought together again on 18 July 1997 to reaffirm the agreement. However, the KNF (P) then attacked Leijangphai, Tallian and Savaipaih, burning thirteen houses.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

== Final peace ==
On 29 September 1998, to make amends for the [[Saikul]] massacre and to end the conflict, the Kuki Inpi invited the Zomi Council to a feast. A bull was slaughtered for the occasion and both groups shared the meal.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

The next day, the Zomi Council reciprocated by inviting the Kukis to a feast. Hence, the conflict ended.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

== Conflict toll ==
Over 50 villages were destroyed and some 13 000 people were displaced.{{cn|date=December 2020}} According to official records kept by the [[Government of Manipur]], the communal violence killed 352 persons, injured 136 and destroyed 4,670 houses.<ref name="Rodger">{{cite journal|last=Rodger|first=Alison J|author2=Mike Toole|author3=Baby Lalnuntluangi|author4=V. Muana|author5=Peter Deutschmann|year=2002|title=DOTS-based tuberculosis treatment and control during civil conflict and an HIV epidemic, Churachandpur District, India|journal=Bulletin of the World Health Organization|volume=80|issue=6}}</ref> The majority moved to areas surrounding the district capital of Churachandpur and [[Mizoram]], where they were housed in makeshift refugee centres in schools, hospitals and various other buildings.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

== Peace agreement ==
1. That, the nomenclatures Kuki and Zomi shall be mutually respected by all Zomis and Kukis. Every individual or group of persons shall be at liberty to call himself or themselves by any name, and the nomenclature KUKI and ZOMI shall not in any way be
imposed upon any person or group against his/their will at any point of time.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

2. That, any person who has occupied or has physical possession of any land/private building/houses and quarters wrongfully and illegally during the period of clashes shall return and restore to the rightful owners, such lands and buildings.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

3. That, no Kuki or Zomi militant shall indulge themselves in any forcible collection of funds, taxes etc., against their counterpart nomenclature be it from the Government Officials, individuals, contractors, and business establishments.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

4. That, all points of MoUs between the Kuki Inpi and the Zomi Council shall be operative and binding to all concerned persons and parties including the government.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Signed this 1 October 1998 on behalf of Kukis and Zomis respectively.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Sd/-
(Albert Gen Goukhup Mate)
President, Kuki Inpi
Churachandpur{{vn|date=August 2023}}{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Sd/-
(K. Vungzalian)
Chairman, Zomi Council{{cn|date=August 2023}}{{vn|date=August 2023}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
*[http://www.neportal.org/northeastfiles/Manipur/Political/GovernorAddress/1999.asp Manipur Governor's Address to the Assembly on 9-03-1999]
*[http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/terrorist_outfits/ZRA.htm ZRO/ZRA]
*[http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19970628/17950753.html]
*[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F99F5C51B412ED2&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM]
*[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=NewsLibrary&p_multi=BBAB&d_place=BBAB&p_theme=newslibrary2&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0F99F5FC9D87D650&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM]
*[http://www.rediff.com/news/1998/jan/06kuk.htm]{{unreliable source|date=August 2023}}
*[http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19980328/08750274.html]

==External links==
* [http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/manipur-once-again-on-the-brink-as-smaller-tribes-are-drawn-into-the-kuki-naga-conflict/1/274553.html Blood brothers: Manipur once again on the brink as smaller tribes are drawn into the Kuki-Naga conflict]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kuki-Zomi Ethnic Clash 1997-98}}
[[Category:Ethnic conflicts]]
[[Category:Violence in India]]
[[Category:History of Manipur]]
[[Category:1997 in India]]
[[Category:1998 in India]]

Kuki–Paite ethnic clash - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article