The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) has issued a public notice expressing serious concern over recent developments around the buffer zone in the conflict-affected areas of the state. The organisation has called for a peaceful sit-in protest on December 22, urging members of the Kuki-Zo community to gather at Torbung at 11 AM to demand peace, safety, and respect for the buffer zone.
The ITLF notice states that there have been “continued and deliberate attempts” by Meitei groups to cross or breach the buffer zone. According to the organisation, these incidents risk provoking fresh tension between communities that have witnessed months of unrest and violence since last year. The buffer zone was created as a safeguard to prevent direct confrontation between the two sides, and maintaining this separation has been considered crucial for restoring peace.
In the public statement, the ITLF expressed strong condemnation of such reported violations. The Forum said that such breaches should be stopped immediately, and called for stricter respect of the buffer arrangements by all parties concerned. The statement warned that repeated provocation may destabilise the fragile peace situation that exists in the region ahead of Christmas celebrations. 
The ITLF further mentioned alarming reports that explosives had been planted beyond the buffer zone by unknown miscreants. According to the Forum, such suspected acts have created widespread fear in nearby villages and localities. The tension has disrupted what is normally a period of joy and prayer for the Kuki-Zo community during the Christmas week. The organisation noted that the festival season is regarded as the holiest and most important celebration among the Kuki-Zo people.
The ITLF appealed to elders, women, youth, church organisations, and civil society groups to come together and participate in a peaceful demonstration. The Forum stated that unity and peaceful public presence are necessary to show collective demand for safety and respect for agreements related to the buffer zone.
