Chingdai Area Core Committee Alleges Security Lapse, Accuses CRPF and Assam Rifles of Aiding Meitei Intrusion into Kuki Areas

The Chingdai Area Core Committee (CACCO) has accused Central Security Forces - the CRPF and 37 Assam Rifles, of failing to uphold the sanctity of the buffer zone between Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts. The committee further alleged that the forces actively assisted members of the Meitei militia group, Arambai Tenggol, in crossing into Kuki-dominated areas.

The CACCO claimed that on August 13, Arambai Tenggol members entered the Kuki village of C. Zoulen in Kangpokpi district under the Saikul Sub-Division, allegedly with the support and safe passage provided by the CRPF stationed at Chanung and personnel of the 35 Assam Rifles.

The committee said the intrusion occurred under the pretext of road cleaning operations in the Chanung area, but that the group subsequently breached the established buffer zone — a zone created after violent clashes to prevent further conflict between the communities.

“All the villages in Chingdai were burned down on May 31, 2023, by Meitei groups. Since then, the buffer zone was created to prevent any further escalation,” the CACCO noted.

The committee expressed deep disappointment with the Central forces. “We placed our trust in them, but they have betrayed us. We no longer feel safe with their presence,” a CACCO leader said, adding that the Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers may now resume the responsibility of guarding their own areas.

The committee also stated that while the Kukis have respected the buffer zone by not intruding into Meitei areas, the same courtesy has not been returned. “This breach could once again escalate the already simmering tensions,” they warned.

A CACCO representative told this reporter that the security forces had requested a meeting to discuss the incident, but after initial resistance from the committee, the forces insisted on coming. However, only the Assam Rifles turned up for the meeting on August 14. It was agreed in the meeting that no such incident will occur again in the future. The Assam Rifles also informed CACCO leaders that they can do whatever they like but they should be informed.

“We told them clearly: if you cannot protect our villages, we will take the necessary steps to safeguard them ourselves,” the committee member said.

The local communities also questioned the neutrality and effectiveness of the security forces deployed to maintain peace in the area.