Saikul erupts in anger as Kuki-Zo community protests alleged buffer zone breaches

Tension escalated sharply in Saikul on November 29 as thousands of Kuki-Zo residents from multiple villages staged a massive protest under the banner of the CSOs Saikul, alleging repeated and deliberate attempts by members of the Meitei community to breach the officially designated buffer zones.

Men and women poured in from surrounding settlements and assembled at three critical points—Gangpijang, Utonglok and Maibung Likli—to physically safeguard the buffer zone and prevent what they termed continued intrusion attempts.

At Utonglok and Maibung Likli, demonstrators also held a rally, raising the slogan “No Buffer Zone, No Peace,” which they said captures the community’s most urgent demand: strict, uncompromised enforcement of the buffer arrangements to ensure their safety and survival.

Speaking at Gangpijang, Sylvia Chongloi, Spokesperson of the CSOs Saikul Women Wing, accused the opposing side of recurring violations.

“We have gathered here against continuous attempts to breach the buffer zone. This is the third time, and we are no longer going to remain silent,” she said. “Despite our repeated pleas, the state forces and the state government have turned a blind eye. Even today, they are preparing for another attempt, and that is why our people—daily earners, workers and farmers—have left their jobs and gathered here.”

Sylvia claimed that the Kuki-Zo community has strictly honoured the buffer zone and has never crossed it, while alleged breaches occurred on June 14, November 24 and again today. She further alleged that efforts were being made to damage what the community calls its “lifeline road,” the only viable route connecting several interior villages.

“Travel is already very difficult. We built this lifeline road to reach our villages, but now even that is being targeted,” she warned. “We have waited and observed patiently, but this has gone too far. If they do not respect the buffer zone as we have, we will no longer wait.”

The protest concluded with a resolute declaration from the crowd, reaffirming their commitment to defend the buffer zones and protect the vital access routes crucial to the survival of interior Kuki-Zo settlements.