Highlighting repeated provocations since 2023, the KZC said Manipur cannot return to normalcy when one community breaks peace and the other must remain on constant alert.
BY PC Bureau
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has expressed grave concern over a fresh flare-up near the Buffer Zone in Manipur. The provocation, according to the council, involved Meitei internally displaced persons (IDPs) protesting the state’s Sangai Festival and attempting to move toward Churachandpur — a predominantly Kuki-Zo district — despite restrictions. Central security forces intervened with teargas and smoke shells to prevent a breach.
Calling the attempt “dangerous,” the KZC condemned what it described as repeated efforts to incite conflict and reiterated its demand for constitutional safeguards through the creation of a Union Territory for the Kuki-Zo people. The episode highlights the fragility of peace in a state still reeling from the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, it said.
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“This is part of a recurring pattern in which certain Meitei groups resort to provocation and intimidation, even as the Kuki-Zo community continues to uphold restraint and peaceful conduct. Yesterday’s incident again highlights a stark reality: Manipur cannot return to normalcy when one community breaks peace and the other is forced to live in constant defensive vigilance,” the KZC said in a statement.
The KZC went on to say that, “For over two and half years, the Kuki-Zo people have protected their boundaries and preserved peace on their side while facing repeated destabilizing attempts from the valley. It is increasingly evident that coexistence under a single administrative structure is no longer viable.”
RESPECT THE BUFFER ZONE.
Forget even dreaming about crossing the fortified buffer zone. It’s been guarded and taken care of by four or five layers of different mechanisms. The moment you come near the buffer zone, always remember you’re crossing the limit.
In the name of… pic.twitter.com/RJ1hU1fBEr— The Proud Indian (@DynastyDoungel) November 21, 2025
The Torbung–Kangvai Incident
On the evening of November 21, Meitei IDPs attempted to march from the valley toward Churachandpur, crossing into the Torbung–Kangvai Buffer Zone. Security forces fired teargas to disperse the crowd, injuring several protesters. Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes and angry IDPs alleging that the state provides escorts for Kuki movements in the hills while using force against Meiteis in the valley.
Simultaneously, Kuki militants in nearby bunkers reportedly threatened to open fire on trespassers — raising serious questions about the continued presence of armed fortifications so close to buffer lines. The KZC, in its statement, condemned the march as a “recurring tactic” aimed at destabilising the situation and forcing Kuki-Zo communities into constant defensive vigilance. The council said such provocations demonstrate why coexistence under the present administrative arrangement has become “untenable.”
Key Points:
The Kuki-Zo Council’s statement laid out three central points:
- Commitment to Peace: The community remains committed to lawful behaviour and restraint.
- Condemnation of Provocations: Attempts to breach buffer zones or incite violence must end immediately.
- Demand for Union Territory Status: The Kuki-Zo people seek a separate political and administrative structure under the Union Government to guarantee safety and autonomy.
The demand for Union Territory status reflects deep-seated fears of Meitei domination and mirrors long-standing calls for greater autonomy in the hill districts.
The Torbung–Kangvai flashpoint underscores how fragile Manipur’s peace remains. The Kuki-Zo Council’s call for decisive central action reflects the desperation of communities living under prolonged insecurity. As symbolic acts of peace — such as a 1,500 km bicycle journey by an activist — suggest, ordinary citizens yearn for a return to normalcy. Yet without meaningful dialogue, accountability, and structural reform, Manipur risks being locked in a cycle of perpetu
