Manipur: Kuki-Zo protesters clash with security forces at 'buffer zone' over Naga 'economic blockade'

📌 Summary:

• Tension flared in Manipur's Kangpokpi district as Kuki-Zo protesters demonstrated at the Kangpokpi-Imphal West border, demanding restoration of essential supplies along National Highway-2 (NH-2)
• This follows a month-and-a-half-long 'economic blockade' by Naga groups blocking goods into Kuki-Zo areas amid rising inter-community tensions
• Kangpokpi (Kuki-Zo majority) is worst affected as both routes into the district are blocked by Naga groups in Senapati district and the state capital
• Protesters marched towards the 'buffer zone' between Meitei and Kuki-Zo areas (manned by security forces since the May 2023 conflict); security personnel used tear gas to disperse them
• The protest was called by the Committee on Tribal Unity after a 48-hour ultimatum (June 27) to the Centre and state government
• The conflict has turned three-way — Kuki-Zo vs Meitei and Kuki-Zo vs Naga — leaving Kangpokpi groups increasingly geographically isolated

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Internal Security — ethnic conflict in the North-East, highway blockades, buffer zones, and state capacity in conflict management.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Kangpokpi is a Kuki-Zo majority district; Senapati is Naga-majority
• National Highway-2 is a key supply route into Kangpokpi
• The Manipur conflict began in May 2023

🔑 Key Term: Buffer zone — a security-controlled area separating rival communities to prevent direct confrontation during ethnic conflict.