Delhi’s Buffer Zone: Shielding only the Kuki militants

The tragic deaths of two toddlers in Manipur were not caused by Kukis alone. Responsibility lies squarely with the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state. In clearer terms, this was a murder orchestrated by Delhi in conspiracy with Kukis and the state government.
Was it not Delhi that imposed the de facto buffer zone along the foothills of Manipur euphemistically officially called vulnerable or sensitive areas by the central and state governments respectively? The stated purpose was to restore peace by preventing both Kukis and Meiteis from crossing into each other’s areas and attacking.
Have you ever heard of Meiteis crossing the line to attack Kukis? The answer is no. Since Delhi drew the line, Meiteis have not launched any such assaults, and Delhi has strictly enforced this restriction. Forget armed crossings—even peace activist Malem Thongam was barred from entering Churchandpur to preach reconciliation, as it required crossing the buffer zone.
Delhi stationed numerous armed forces along the line, patrolling round the clock to maintain peace between Kukis and Meiteis. No armed individuals are permitted near it.
Yet, the buffer zone appears designed solely to restrain Meiteis. Delhi seems to declare that Meiteis cannot venture uphill, armed or unarmed. Kukis, however, freely descend into the valley—armed or not—and have repeatedly attacked Meiteis even after the line was established.
The BJP-led Manipur government echoes this bias: it promises protection to incoming Kukis but tells Meiteis the roads are open, attributing their reluctance to travel to fear alone. Neither the Centre nor the state offers security to Meiteis. The prejudice is evident—the Centre unleashes Kukis to commit crimes, while the state government acquiesces to retain political power.
In effect, the Manipur state government, the Central government, and Kukis are colluding to target Meiteis. Delhi views Meitei demands for sovereignty as a threat, so crushing the community becomes imperative. To this end, it exploits power-hungry Meitei political elites and Kukis seeking separate administration under the Indian Constitution.
Meitei sovereignty aspirations are a political issue. If Delhi acts as a wise and civilized nation, it can resolve this through dialogue, not cheap conspiracies. India’s leaders, diplomats, and deep state must address it civilly—not by killing innocent toddlers and fueling Kuki-Meitei conflict leading to further loss of innocent lives.