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2021-06-25T22:13:48Z

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The '''Kuki– Zomi ethnic clash of 1997–1998''' was a deadly conflict between the Zomi and Kuki communities in [[Churachandpur district]] in [[Manipur]], [[India]],

The causes of the conflict were ethnic tensions and armed terrorism . It started in June 1997 when Kuki insurgents executed nine Paite-Zomi 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.

== 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. The Paite-Zomi were the original inhabitants of the district.

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 slang word. The Thadou-speaking Kukis considered this use of the word "Zomi" to be offensive to them. (See [[Mizo people#Etymology]].) The Thadou-speaking Kukis also believed that the Zomi/Paites were supporting [[Nagaland|Naga]] tribesmen, their enemies without any evidence.

By 1997, a group of minor tribes (including the Zou, Vaiphei, Gangte, Simte and Zomi) led by the Zomi/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.

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.

Two days later, KNF(P) militants invaded Mata village, breaking the agreement.

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.

== Final peace ==
On 29 September 1998, to make amends for the [[Saikul]] massacre and 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

The next day the Zomi Council reciprocated by invited the Kukis to a feast The conflict was over

== 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.<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. .

== 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.

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.

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.

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.

Signed this 1 October 1998 on behalf of Kukis and Zomis respectively.

Sd/-
(Albert Gen Goukhup Mate)
President, Kuki Inpi
Churachandpur

Sd/-
(K. Vungzalian)
Chairman, Zomi Council

==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]
*[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 of 1997–1998 - Revision history

117.211.222.96: Fixed typo