Tension Erupted in Wakan Area, Manipur: WACA Issues Strong Rebuttal Over Buffer Zone Clash

Kangpokpi, June 18, 2025 — The Wakan Area Chief Association (WACA) on Wednesday issued a strong statement refuting what it describes as “false narratives” circulating in some Meitei media outlets following a tense confrontation on June 15, 2025, along the buffer zone maintained by Central Security Forces in Wakan Area, Saikul subdivision, Manipur.
According to WACA, the incident began around 10:00 a.m. when individuals from Leitanpokpi Meitei village allegedly attempted to plough land that falls within a designated buffer zone, a demarcated area created two years ago to prevent conflict between the Kuki and Meitei communities in the region.
Despite appeals—reportedly conveyed through Central Forces—to halt the activity, the individuals from Leitanpokpi allegedly called in reinforcements from nearby Meitei villages, claiming they were being stopped by “Kukis” from farming on their own land. This led to a larger mob of around 100 people, some armed with slings and sticks, descending on the area.
The situation escalated into a prolonged standoff, which was eventually brought under control by personnel from the 28 Assam Rifles and other security forces stationed nearby.
In its statement, WACA made several key assertions.
First, the land in question, which some Meitei claim belongs to Leitanpokpi villagers, is in fact part of the buffer zone and lies much closer to L. Songphel Kuki village than to Leitanpokpi. WACA maintains that the Kukis have refrained from cultivating even their own land within the buffer zone to uphold peace.
The association characterized the actions of the Leitanpokpi villagers as a “clear attempt to provoke” the Kuki community and warned that further breaches would not be tolerated.
Second, WACA squarely placed responsibility for any future violence on the shoulders of the Leitanpokpi villagers and the Central Forces tasked with maintaining the buffer.
Third, the statement also served as a pointed reminder to the Meitei residents of Leitanpokpi—who WACA claims are relatively recent settlers—to stop disseminating misinformation and contribute to peacebuilding efforts instead.
It may be noted that the Manipur Police had issued clarifications on the day of the incident, but WACA alleges that certain media outlets continued to misrepresent the facts, prompting this public rebuttal.
The association concluded its statement by emphasizing the importance of respecting the buffer zone until a formal peace agreement can be achieved between the two affected communities.screengrab of ta viral video