Imphal: Hundreds of people, mostly internally displaced persons (IDPs) holding burning bamboo torches, staged a protest rally in areas of Manipur’s Bishnupur district bordering Churachandpur on Thursday night (December 25, 2025).
The protesters are demanding exemplary punishment for those involved in a targeted attack carried out with heavy gunfire and bomb blasts on returned IDPs in the Phougakchao Ikhai and Torbung areas of Bishnupur district on December 16, 2025.
The banners held by the protesters read: “One state, no buffer zone,” “No peace while Kuki-Zo militants remain,” and “Detection and deportation are needed for illegal migrants.”
The attack, which began around 8:37 PM on December 16, involved assailants firing 40 to 50 rounds of ammunition and launching four to five bombs from the western (Churachandpur) side. It occurred just one day after Meitei families had returned to their homes following over 31 months of displacement.
Officials reported that the bombs exploded in paddy fields and near houses, creating craters approximately three feet in diameter and 1.5 feet deep. Numerous houses were riddled with bullet holes.
Although no injuries were reported, the attack caused severe panic and forced some residents to flee.
In response, security forces, including the Indian Army, engaged in intense cross-firing with the attackers and later launched search operations, recovering 16 abandoned IEDs in the Kangvai area on December 19.
Despite the attack, some residents chose to remain in their homes, while others protested the failure of central forces to prevent the assault.
The event drew widespread condemnation from civil society groups, including the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which described it as a violation of fundamental rights.
Additionally, Kuki-Zo organizations in Manipur are persistently demanding the maintenance and reinforcement of ‘buffer zones’ between their hill districts and the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, viewing them as a crucial temporary security measure until a separate political administration, such as a Union Territory with a legislature, is achieved.