Tensions are simmering once again in Manipur, as a recent incident involving farmers near an ethnic buffer zone threatens to reignite the flames of the ongoing conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The incident occurred on Sunday, June 15, 2025, in the Imphal East district, close to the border with Kangpokpi, an area that has become a sensitive zone due to the presence of ethnic buffer zones.
According to reports, the stand-off was triggered when a Meitei farmer from Leitanpokpi arrived with a tractor to plough a paddy field in Sadu Lampak village, near a Kuki settlement. Local Kuki residents immediately challenged the farmer's right to cultivate the land, claiming he had no ownership. This led to a rapid escalation, with members from both communities gathering at the site, raising fears of further violence in the already volatile region.
The prompt response of security forces, including the Additional Superintendent of Police (Intelligence) and central security personnel, helped to contain the situation and prevent it from spiraling out of control. Additional reinforcements, led by the Superintendent of Police, were also deployed as a precautionary measure. Authorities have urged residents to disregard unverified information circulating on social media regarding the incident, emphasizing the need to maintain calm and prevent further incitement.
Meitei groups have alleged that the incident highlights a pattern of Kuki groups targeting their community, further accusing security forces of failing to provide adequate protection to Meitei farmers in fringe and foothill areas. The Meitei Heritage Welfare Foundation has demanded the permanent deployment of armed security personnel in conflict-prone agricultural zones to ensure the safety of farmers from their community, enabling them to access and cultivate their farmlands without fear.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur, which erupted on May 3, 2023, was triggered by a Manipur High Court order seeking the State government's response on the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. This move sparked protests by tribal communities, who feared the decision would grant the Meitei community certain benefits, including land ownership in protected areas and quotas in government jobs, which are usually reserved for tribal groups to address historical inequities.
Since then, Manipur has been marred by violence, resulting in over 220 deaths and leaving thousands displaced. The state is now effectively divided along ethnic lines, with buffer zones manned by security forces separating the Kuki-Zo communities, largely confined to the hills, and the Meitei community, concentrated in the Imphal valley. These buffer zones, intended as a temporary measure, have become a symbol of division and have been criticized for entrenching alienation and devastating livelihoods.
The ongoing unrest has had a severe impact on the state's economy, with trade, healthcare, and education significantly affected. Many residents have been forced to live in relief camps, facing reduced incomes and uncertain futures. The prolonged internet shutdown, imposed for over 200 days in 2023, further exacerbated the challenges faced by the people of Manipur.
The incident involving farmers near the ethnic buffer zone underscores the fragility of the situation in Manipur and the urgent need for a lasting solution to the ethnic conflict. While security forces have managed to avert immediate escalations, lasting peace will require addressing the underlying issues of land rights, historical grievances, and the need for inclusive governance that protects the interests of all communities. Until then, Manipur remains on edge, with the prospect of further clashes looming large.
