The restive state of Manipur is heading for a bitter showdown with the tribal Naga minority and the Metei majority community locking horns over the controversial issue of territorial integrity.

While the estimated 400,000 Nagas in the state of 2.4 million people are siding with the demand for a "Greater Nagaland", a concept mooted by the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), the Meteis are opposed to allowing any such fragmentation. 

The NSCN, a rebel group in adjoining Nagaland, wants the creation of a Greater Nagaland by slicing off parts of neighbouring states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh that has sizeable Naga tribal populations.

Four years after Manipur witnessed a violent campaign to oppose the extension of a ceasefire with the NSCN-IM beyond Nagaland, the region is all set for another row.

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body of the Nagas residing in four districts of Manipur, has organised a massive rally next week to drum up support for integrating Naga inhabited areas with Greater Nagaland.

"Without unification of the broken land, the aspirations of the Naga people will never be fulfilled. We are going to fight for our rights," UNC leader Paul Leo told IANS.

The Naga rally is being organised two days before the Meteis observe June 18 as Integration Day to commemorate the killing of at least 20 people during the anti-ceasefire uprising in 2001.

The anti-ceasefire riots saw the state assembly being set ablaze, besides attacks on government buildings and offices.

The Manipur government, which is backing the 'Integration Day' celebrations, is opposed to allowing any fragmentation of their territory.

"We are not going to part with even an inch of our land," Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said. 

But the Nagas are steadfast in their campaign citing geographical advantage to pin down the Meteis. The four Naga inhabited districts of Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Chandel and Senapati are strategically located - from state capital Imphal to reach Assam and beyond, one needs to traverse through the Naga dominated areas.

"If the Meteis start attacking Nagas who are scattered in other areas of Manipur, they should be prepared for the worst," Leo warned.

"The majority Metei people cannot fly a bus in the sky, but will have to pass through Naga areas to go to any part of India overland."

The warning assumes significance in a state where the divide between the Nagas and the Meteis are becoming wider by the day with emotions and passions running high.

"There will be a repeat of 2001 if the government of India decides to agree to the NSCN-IM's demand for Greater Nagaland. Manipur will burn if New Delhi decides to go against the wishes of the people," said R. Singh, a senior Metei community leader. 

And adding teeth to the campaign by the Meteis are several separatist groups in Manipur who have joined the bandwagon.

"Many rebel groups are waiting in the wings to support the mass movement by people to oppose the fragmentation plan. A wrong step by New Delhi will allow the militants to dominate the volatile scene here," an analyst said.