ITLF Holds Peaceful Sit-in Protest Alleging Breach of Buffer Zones

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) on Monday organised a peaceful sit-in protest at T. Munjang, a peripheral village near the Churachandpur–Bishnupur district border, alleging attempts to breach buffer zones and the planting of explosives in the area.
The protest, which began at around 11 am, witnessed the participation of a large number of women from various Kuki–Zo communities. Protesters carried placards reading “Meitei IEDs Threaten Peace,” “Keep the Buffer Zones Free From Explosives,” and “Peace Starts When the Meiteis Respect the Buffer Zone.” Banners with slogans such as “Peace Cannot Exist Under Meitei Aggression” and “Dear Meitei – Don’t Cross the Buffer Zone With IEDs” were also displayed.

Participants raised slogans including “Respect the buffer zone,” “No justice, no peace,” and “We want separate administration.”
Speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the protest, Ginza Vualzong, Secretary (Information and Publicity) of the ITLF, alleged that there have been reports of IEDs being planted along the buffer zones. He further claimed that one person was injured due to an IED explosion in Tengnoupal district.

Vualzong reiterated that the Kuki–Zo community is demanding a separate administration in the form of a Union Territory. He stated that until this demand is conceded, the buffer zones must continue to remain in place and be strictly respected.

He also condemned the Bishnupur Deputy Commissioner for what he termed as moves to resettle other groups in the sensitive Torbung area. Any attempt to cross the buffer zone, he warned, would be viewed as a challenge and could potentially trigger another bout of violence.

Emphasising the need for mutual understanding, Vualzong said the buffer zones should remain intact until a lasting solution is found. He added that the Kuki–Zo community has respected the buffer zones since their inception and has never attempted to breach them