SUMMARY

The Kuki-Paite conflict of 1997 was mostly a spillover of the ongoing Kuki-Naga conflict, played out in the same region – the highlands of Manipur. The conflict is not ethnic per se, as the Kuki and the Paite (also known as Zomi) are extremely close ethnically, many considering them two clans of the same ethnic group. Overall, the main difference separating the two rests in self-identification, dialect and in their presumed origins, one major difference and point of contention between the groups being that Kukis argue that, historically, Paites are not native to Manipur, but rather settlers from neighboring Myanmar (Burma).

This relatively minor difference was amplified by the Kuki-Naga conflict. By 1997, Kukis, especially those grouped around the Thadou-dominated KNF (Kuki National Front) accused the Paite and the various Paite organizations of not supporting their brethren in their struggle and of being indifferent to the atrocities of the lengthy conflict (that was entering its fifth year). Further, Kukis accused the Paite of traitorous activity, as the Paite were paying protection tax to the NSCN-IM (National Socialist Council of Nagaland - Isaac Muivah faction), the largest Naga outfit and the biggest perceived enemy of the Kukis. The conflict was further aggravated by a large number of Naga refugees seeking sanctuary from the conflict in the relatively peaceful Paite dominated Churachandpur district, as well as by Paite leaders insisting on allegiance to Nagas. Further, traditional rivalries between the Paite and the Kukias well as conflicts over land may have played significant roles in the outbreak of the conflict. However, the conflict was relatively short-lived - negotiations were started almost immediately after the outbreak of violence, and a series of agreements between KNF and Paite organizations such as the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) were made even before 1997 was over. A final peace agreement between the Kuki and the Paite (referred to in the text as Zomi) was signed on 1 October 1998, resolving the incompatibility between the two sides, by agreeing to a framework of collaboration between the two groups.

Tactics in the dyad were relatively similar to those used in the Kuki-Naga conflict - attacks and assaults of enemy villages, with large-scale arson, destruction of property resulting in numerous displaced civilians. Revenge attacks, escalating the conflict, were also common, as were indiscriminate killings (through, for example, ambushes on means of transport). Armaments on both sides were relatively rudimentary, mainly a mix of traditional and light weaponry (such as submachine guns and rifles).

Violence was localized to parts of Churachandpur district, close to the India-Burma border in Manipur state, India, and, unlike the larger and simultaneous the Kuki-Naga conflict, did not spread to other regions.

The non-state conflict between the Kuki and the Paite is first included in UCDP data in 1997. In July of that year clashes between the two groups had resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.