Manipur: Kuki-Zo Council calls Meitei march ‘provocative’ as displaced families intensify return protests

A fresh escalation near the Torbung–Kangvai buffer zone on November 21 has heightened tensions in Manipur, with the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) condemning an attempted march by Meitei displaced families toward Churachandpur amid ongoing protests linked to the Sangai Festival.

Security personnel fired tear gas and smoke shells after a group of Meitei displaced residents tried to advance beyond the restricted stretch of the Torbung–Kangvai highway. The attempt to cross the sensitive buffer line triggered concern across both communities, as the route has remained a volatile boundary since the ethnic conflict began over two years ago.

In a statement issued on November 22, the KZC described the movement as “provocative” and accused “certain Meitei groups” of repeatedly attempting to breach the buff