When Manipur sees restoration of peace as Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh held talks with representatives of the Zomi community at his official bungalow in Imphal on Saturday, two Meitei men were detained by Kuki-Zo volunteers in the Gamgiphai buffer zone before being handed over to the police, highlighting the continuing contradictions in Manipur’s security situation.
According to local sources, Junia Shyam and Rajesh Heisnam, both residents of Singjamei, Imphal, were intercepted shortly after midnight on August 1 by Kuki-Zo volunteers manning the Gamgiphai buffer zone. The two were travelling in a Maruti van bearing school vehicle markings and were allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
When questioned, the duo reportedly told the volunteers they were on their way to Senapati. They were later taken to Saparmeina Police Station and handed over to the police for further investigation.
The incident occurred in one of the buffer zones established after the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 to separate the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Police are expected to investigate whether the two men violated any security protocols.
The timing of the incident has drawn attention, as it coincided with the Chief Minister’s meeting with Zomi representatives, who reportedly received a warm welcome from both the government and supporters. The juxtaposition has raised fresh questions over the government’s claims of restoring normalcy while civilians continue to be intercepted and detained by community volunteers rather than law enforcement agencies.
While the government has stressed dialogue and engagement with all communities as part of the peace process, the continued operation of community-controlled checkpoints and the detention of civilians by non-state actors underscore the challenges facing the restoration of the rule of law in conflict-affected areas of Manipur.
