Paites claim neutrality
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 27 2026: In the wake of the escalating tension between Kuki-Zo communities and Naga communities, the Paite Tuailai Pawl (PTP) has claimed that the Paite people are completely neutral in the ongoing ethnic frictions.

In light of the recent incidents involving the destruction of illegal poppy cultivation sites by the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) in areas such as Kangpokpi district, and the resulting escalation of tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga communities, the Paite people reaffirm their complete neutrality in the ongoing ethnic frictions, said a press release issued by PTP .

"We maintain no animosity toward our Naga brothers and share no direct conflict of interest with them.

We urge all parties to recognize that the Paite people are distinct and uninvolved in the current Naga-Kuki tensions", it said.

PTP has appealed to Naga individuals, organizations, and armed groups operating in or controlling Naga-inhabited areas to exercise utmost care and restraint, and refrain from harming, targeting or viewing Paite individuals or communities with distrust or suspicion, and also to provide safe passage to Paite people travelling through or residing in Naga-controlled or Naga-majority areas.

During the Naga-Kuki conflict of 1993, the Paite community under the banner of the then Paite National Council (now known as the Paite Tribe Council) publicly declared neutrality.

In recognition of this stance, Paite individuals were issued identification cards and granted safe passage through conflict zones, including the Imphal-Dimapur road and Imphal-Jiribam road, it said.

Appealing to the Nagas to honour the spirit of those past agreements and understandings in the present situation, PTP said that extending similar courtesy and protection would reflect the shared values of brotherhood, mutual respect, and humanity.

It also called upon all stakeholders, community leaders, civil society organizations, and authorities to prioritize dialogue, de-escalation, and the protection of innocent civilians over escalation.

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