Classical works of Civil Society conceptualize it as a space comprising voluntary associations, in relation to or against the state, where individuals develop/promote/advance/speak the language of liberal principles of rights and justice. Across the world, however, civil society becomes the space for curating and achieving diverse and often competing needs and aspirations of different ethnic communities. But the question is how the space of civil society comes in relation to the context of ethnicity and becomes an integral driving in the functioning of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The paper examines the conflict-affected, multi-ethnic state of Manipur (in Northeastern India) where different ethnic groups form civil society organizations as a mechanism to react against the state. The study elaborates on the two major civil society organizations in Manipur: United Committee Manipur (UCM) and United Naga Council (UNC) in association with the context of formation of the organization and the Ethnic tension between the Meiteis and the Nagas. The study employs an interview method and an analysis of secondary resources available for the formation of the organization and the contentious nature between the Meitei and the Naga following the issue for the extension of cease-fire agreement between the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) and the Government of India (GOI) in June 2001.