Imphal: Six Kuki tribal organisations, including the Kuki Students’ Organization (KSO), have issued an appeal urging the Meitei community to respect the established buffer zones and refrain from crossing into Kuki-Zo-Hmar inhabited areas.
The joint statement, released on Thursday, addressed speculation about possible attempts by members of the Meitei community to cross the buffer zone in April for the Ching Kaba ritual at Thangting or Thangjing Hills, located in Churachandpur district.
The Kuki organisations emphasised that until a political settlement for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community is reached under the Indian Constitution, any attempt by the Meitei community to approach Kuki-Zo-Hmar jurisdiction will be opposed.
“To avoid further escalation, both communities must maintain the status quo and respect the neutrality of the buffer zone,” the statement read.
It also urged the government to implement measures to protect the interests of both groups and prevent any violations of the buffer zone.
Thangting or Thangjing Hills, a significant peak in Churachandpur district, is part of the mountain range forming the western border of the Imphal Valley.
Meanwhile, the situation in Churachandpur district has seen some improvement.
The district administration relaxed curfew restrictions for over 16 hours on Thursday, allowing residents access to essential services.
Churachandpur District Magistrate Dharun Kumar S stated in a notification that the curfew, imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, was amended to facilitate access to necessary items, particularly in the town areas.
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The curfew was initially enforced on Wednesday following tensions over the hoisting of community flags in a disputed area between V Munhoih and Rengkai villages, inhabited by different tribes.
The flag incident on Tuesday led to clashes between members of the Zomi and Hmar tribes, prompting authorities to take preventive measures.
