2023–2026 Manipur conflict
During the Manipur ethnic conflict that erupted in 2023, which was primarily between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo tribals, the Liangmai Naga people also got involved on occasion, giving rise to a major hostage crisis in 2026.
Since the Kuki-Zo people were barred from entering the Imphal Valley due to the violence, they needed alternative road connectivity between Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, their two major population centres. The Kuki militant groups under Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement reportedly addressed the issue by linking inter-village roads in Churacandpur and Kangpokpi districts and filling the gaps between them. The road came to be known informally as "German-Tiger Road" after the militant leaders who supervised its construction. In July 2025, the Naga villages along the road, organised under a Foothills Naga Coordination Committee (FNCC), raised complaints that the road had become a "drug corridor" and imposed a blockade. After talks with the government and threats of counter-blockade by Kuki-Zo people, the blockade was lifted on 7 August.
Trouble erupted again in January 2026. On 12 January, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a Kuki-Zo umbrella body of the Kangpokpi district, alleged that there was a bomb attack on the Kharam Vaiphei village and subsequently the Kuki-Zo road link was blocked near Ireng Naga. The next day, the Liangmai Naga Council issued its own allegations claiming that the Kuki National Front cadres engaged in intimidation activities on the Ireng Naga village. The Kamson faction of Zeliangrong United Front, a Naga militant group under ceasefire agreement, also issued a rejoinder to the CoTU statement. The blockade at Ireng Naga continued. It is believed that the Kuki-Zo used an alternative route bypassing the lands of the village.
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