In 2025, which region in India witnessed Kuki groups demanding the maintenance of buffer zones to manage ethnic tensions?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Manipur
Explanation:
· In 2025, the Kuki groups in Manipur demanded the continuation of buffer zones between Kuki-Zo–dominated hill districts and Meitei-dominated valley areas.
· These buffer zones were initially created after the 2023 ethnic clashes to reduce direct confrontation between the communities.
· The Kuki groups argued that removing the buffer zones would increase ethnic tension, insecurity, and displacement risks.
· The demand was primarily directed toward the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the state government to maintain neutral security presence in sensitive regions.
· The situation remained a key internal security issue, with the government balancing peace-building, rehabilitation, and law-and-order needs.
Information Booster:
· Buffer zones act as conflict-mitigation spaces, preventing inter-community movement into high-tension areas.
· Ethnic clashes in Manipur largely involved Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
· The issue influenced policies related to refugees, land rights, forest classification, and administrative restructuring.
Additional Knowledge:
· Mizoram hosts a significant Kuki-Chin–Zo community but did not demand buffer zones.
· Nagaland has its own tribal autonomy structures; not linked to this conflict.
· Assam has Bodo, Karbi, and other ethnic issues, unrelated to Kuki buffer-zone demands.