Kuki-Zo Women Keep Vigil at Torbung Buffer Zone Amid Cyclist’s Planned Entry

Tensions resurfaced in Manipur’s buffer zone areas as Kuki-Zo women staged a vigil at Torbung on Tuesday following reports that Meitei transgender cyclist Malem Thongam planned to enter Churachandpur district.

According to local sources, groups of Kuki-Zo women began gathering at the Torbung buffer zone early in the morning to prevent any potential crossing into the district. The move came after information circulated that the cyclist intended to pass through the buffer zone. 

“We have received information that Meitei cyclist Malem Thongam is trying to cross the buffer zone and enter Churachandpur district. That is why women folks are on duty at Torbung buffer zone,” one of the women present at the site said.

She further stated that, in the absence of any peace agreement between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities, local residents were unwilling to allow entry into Kuki-Zo areas.

There have been no reports of confrontation at the time of filing this report. Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation.