Kanggui, Aug 3, 2026: In a late-night security incident in the sensitive buffer zone area, two Meitei men were detained by Kuki volunteers at Gamgiphai before being handed over safely to the police, officials and local sources confirmed on Saturday.
The incident occurred in the early hours of August 1, around midnight, at Gamgiphai — one of the most sensitive buffer zones created after the May 3, 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur to prevent direct confrontation between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
According to local sources, the two individuals have been identified as Junia Shyam and Rajesh Heisnam, both residents of Singjamei, Imphal West.
They were travelling in a white Maruti Eeco van which bore the markings of a school vehicle. The vehicle was intercepted by Kuki volunteers who were on highway duty at the Gamgiphai checkpoint.
Kuki volunteers alleged that the two men appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of interception. When questioned about their movement through the restricted area at midnight, the duo reportedly stated that they were en route to Senapati.
Considering the prevailing security situation and the strict prohibition on cross-movement during night hours, the volunteers detained the two men for verification as per standard procedure.
After initial questioning, the volunteers escorted the two to Saparmeina Police Station and handed them over to police personnel without any incident or physical harm.
Police have taken custody of both individuals and are expected to investigate the circumstances under which they entered the buffer zone, the reason for travelling late at night, and whether any security protocols or MV Act violations were committed.
The incident has once again highlighted the fragile security situation in buffer zones and renewed concerns over unauthorised and late-night movement through such sensitive areas, especially in vehicles misusing school markings.
Security forces have repeatedly urged civilians from both communities to avoid entering buffer zones without prior intimation and to cooperate with volunteers and security personnel on duty to maintain peace.
