While releasing the Meitei man unharmed, CoTU condemned the breach as a “serious violation” that risks undoing peace efforts in Manipur.
BY PC Bureau
August 20: The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), a leading Kuki-Zo body, has issued a stern warning against repeated breaches of the sensitive Buffer Zone in Manipur, cautioning that continued lapses by security forces could force the community to reintroduce self-checks and verification of movement.
The warning came a day after by the members of Kuki-Zo community ensured the safe release of a Meetei person who had crossed into Kuki-Zo territory in violation of the mutually recognized Buffer Zone.
The individual, identified as 50-year-old Yumjao Angom, son of (Late) Tangangjao Angom of Sekmai Makhan Leikai, was found at Saparmaina within Kuki-Zo areas in Kangpokpi District. Despite the prevailing tensions, the Kuki-Zo people released him unharmed. Angom was subsequently handed over to the Gamnom-Saparmeina Police Station, ensuring his safe return.
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While underscoring this humanitarian gesture, CoTU condemned the incident, calling it a “serious violation” of the fragile peace being maintained. “This act threatens communal harmony and undermines the very purpose of the Buffer Zone,” the tribal body said in a statement, stressing that such incidents not only test the patience of the community but also risk undoing ongoing peace efforts.
CoTU further urged Central security forces and state police deployed in the Buffer Zone to exercise greater vigilance. It pressed for stricter enforcement to prevent unauthorized crossings, warning that repeated failures would leave the Kuki-Zo community with no choice but to take matters into their own hands. “If incidents of this nature persist, we will be compelled to reintroduce self-checks and verification of movement. Should this occur, the Government alone will bear full responsibility for the consequences,” the statement cautioned.
At the same time, CoTU reiterated its unwavering commitment to peace, coexistence, and the safety of all communities. “The Kuki-Zo people have once again demonstrated their humanity in the face of provocation. We will continue to uphold our values, but equal responsibility must be shown by all sides to sustain peace,” the communiqué read.
The episode underscores both the fragility of the Buffer Zone arrangement and the high stakes for communal harmony in Manipur. While the safe release of Angom reflects the Kuki-Zo community’s restraint and goodwill, CoTU’s warning signals growing frustration over security lapses and the potential dangers of continued violations.
