Conflict over Thangjing Hills

Six Kuki groups, including the Kuki Students’ Organisation, have issued a warning to the Meitei community regarding the Thangjing Hills.

Warnings and Demands

• The Kuki groups term the Meitei's crossing of the buffer zone as a "direct challenge".
• No "friendly approach" of Meiteis to Kuki-Zo areas will be allowed without a political settlement by the central government.
• The Kuki groups assert that until a political settlement is reached under the Constitution of India, Meitei community's access to the jurisdiction of Kuki-Zo-Hmar land is prohibited.

Significance of Thangjing Hills

• Thangjing Hills is considered a sacred site in Meitei religious beliefs.
• The hills are located in the Churachandpur district, forming part of the western border of the Imphal Valley.

Call for Status Quo and Government Intervention

• Kuki groups emphasize the need to maintain the status-quo and respect the buffer zone to avoid further escalation.
• The groups urge the government to take measures to safeguard the interests of both communities.

Current Situation

• A curfew was imposed in the tribal-inhabited Churachandpur district due to tensions over community flags in a disputed area.
• The curfew was relaxed for over 16 hours, providing some relief to the residents.