Barred in own constituency, Manipur Congress MP slams buffer zone enforcement

India Today

17 hours ago

Congress MP from Inner Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, has criticised what he called an "unconstitutional and imaginary buffer zone" enforced by security forces in parts of the conflict-hit state.Speaking at his residence in Imphal on Tuesday, Bimol raised serious concerns about being denied entry into a locality within his own constituency, alleging that such actions were violative of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.advertisementThe Congress MP said he was stopped on June 29 by security forces while trying to visit Phougakchou-Ikhai Makha Leikai Keithel in Bishnupur district, an area that falls under his parliamentary constituency. "Stopping an Indian citizen - especially an elected Member of Parliament - from moving freely within his own constituency is a direct violation of Article 19 of the Indian Constitution," Bimol said, calling the move an example of growing authoritarianism and institutional bias.
He alleged that security forces, particularly the 6 Assam Rifles, were actively enforcing a non-existent buffer zone that had originally been put in place in May 2023 to curb mob violence. According to him, the so-called buffer zone is now being used selectively to prevent Meitei individuals, including elected leaders, from entering certain areas while members of other communities are allowed free access.advertisement"This is not just about me being stopped. It's about covert, communal segregation being carried out under the guise of security. It's creating a dangerous precedent," Bimol said. Taking to social media, he highlighted the incident, arguing that such enforcement amounts to institutionalised discrimination between the Meitei and Kuki communities.He pointed to recent incidents of violence and obstruction against Meitei farmers, including an alleged attack in Imphal East on June 16 and another in Phubala on June 20, where farmers were reportedly prevented from accessing their land. Bimol claimed these actions reflect a coordinated attempt to intimidate Meiteis and deter them from farming on their own land.Expressing dismay, he stated that such barriers only serve to divide the people of Manipur and increase communal mistrust. "Manipur is not divided by communal ideology. The continued enforcement of this so-called buffer zone only deepens mistrust and weakens unity," he concluded.As of now, there has been no official response from the security forces to the allegations made by the Congress MP.- EndsMust Watch