Kuki-Zo Women in Lamka Protest Removal of Assam Rifles from Buffer Zones

Hundreds of Kuki-Zo women from Lamka staged a sit-in protest today at Peace Ground, Tuibong, in response to the central government’s decision to remove Assam Rifles from buffer zone areas. The protest was organized under the aegis of the All Women of Churachandpur, which includes prominent women's organizations such as the Kuki Women Union, Hmar Women Association, Zomi Mothers’ Association, and the Mizo People’s Convention Women Wing.

The protestors expressed their concerns over the planned removal of the 9th and 22nd Assam Rifles battalions, which are set to be replaced by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The Kuki-Zo community perceives this move as biased, alleging that it favors the majority Meitei community at the expense of the vulnerable Kuki-Zo tribes. The two battalions are currently stationed at Kangvai and Kangpokpi, critical frontline positions in the region.

During the protest, women leaders submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the central government to reconsider the decision. The memorandum highlights the community's fear that the removal of Assam Rifles, who they view as neutral and protective, could exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region.

In a related incident, the Thangting Area Chiefs’ Association has imposed an indefinite total shutdown along National Highway 2 in an effort to prevent the Assam Rifles from leaving the district. A roadblock was established at Torbung, where women protesters also staged a sit-in, vowing to continue their demonstrations. Tomorrow, women from the Kangvai and Gohol areas are expected to carry out the protests.

The move to replace Assam Rifles has also sparked political opposition, with 10 Kuki MLAs writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 2, voicing their strong objections to the proposal. The Kuki-Zo community continues to rally against what they perceive as a threatening shift in the region's security dynamics.