Wakan Area Chief Association Issues Statement Denouncing Misinformation Over June 15 Incident

The Wakan Area Chief Association (WACA) has issued a press statement addressing recent reports and the ongoing misinformation regarding an incident on June 15, 2025. This statement comes after a section of the Meitei community and some of their media outlets continued to spread false claims despite clarifications made by the Manipur Police the same day.

The controversy surrounds a confrontation that took place around 10:00 a.m. on June 15, when a group of individuals from Leitanpokpi Meitei village arrived with a tractor to plough land designated as a buffer zone by the Central Forces. According to WACA, the buffer zone had been in place for the past two years as part of an ongoing effort to ensure peace and cooperation between the Kuki and Meitei communities.

Despite repeated requests from WACA, conveyed through the Central Forces, the individuals proceeded with their activities. They allegedly mobilized more people from nearby Meitei villages, claiming that "Kukis" were obstructing their right to cultivate their land. This misinformation quickly escalated, resulting in a mob of around a hundred people arriving at the scene with slings and sticks, leading to a confrontation that lasted several hours.

It was only after the timely intervention of the 28 Assam Rifles that the situation was brought under control. The security forces successfully dispersed the unruly mob, preventing further escalation.

WACA has issued the following clarifications:
Land Ownership: The claim made by the Meitei community that the agricultural land belongs to Leitanpokpi village is completely false. The land in question, situated near the Nepali basti of Sadulampak, is approximately 1 km from Leitanpokpi and adjacent to L.Songphel Kuki village. It is part of the larger land area traditionally owned by the Kuki community, but it has remained uncultivated as part of the buffer zone arrangement.
Provocation Attempt: WACA further asserts that this act of ploughing the land was a deliberate provocation from the Meitei community, as the land lies very close to Kuki territory. The Kuki community has consistently respected the buffer zone for the greater good of both communities, but such acts undermine the peace efforts.
Buffer Zone Enforcement: WACA reiterated that any further violation of the buffer zone will not be tolerated. The association has made it clear that such actions will be dealt with swiftly, and any resulting incidents will be the responsibility of the Leitanpokpi villagers and the Central Forces tasked with maintaining the peace.
Call for End to Misinformation: The statement concludes by urging the villagers of Leitanpokpi, who settled in the area only a few decades ago, to stop spreading false information that could harm the fragile peace. WACA calls for mutual respect and understanding between the communities.