Two Meitei men detained in Manipur buffer zone, handed over to police

Two Meitei men were detained by Kuki-Zo volunteers after they allegedly entered the sensitive Gamgiphai buffer zone in Manipur during the early hours of August 1 before being handed over to the police without incident, officials and local sources said.
 

According to local sources, the two men, identified as Junia Shyam and Rajesh Heisnam, both residents of Singjamei in Imphal, were intercepted shortly after midnight by Kuki-Zo volunteers on highway duty at the Gamgiphai buffer zone.
 

The duo was travelling in a Maruti van bearing the markings of a school vehicle. Volunteers alleged that the two appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the interception.
 

When questioned, the men reportedly told the volunteers that they were travelling to Senapati.
 

The Gamgiphai buffer zone is one of several security-sensitive areas established following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023 to prevent direct confrontation between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
 

After detaining the two men, the volunteers escorted them to the Saparmeina Police Station, where they were handed over to the police for further action.
 

Police are expected to investigate the circumstances under which the two entered the buffer zone and whether any security protocols were violated.
 

The incident has also renewed concerns over unauthorised movement through buffer zones, particularly during late-night hours, in view of the prevailing security situation in the state.