Manipur MP Accuses Authorities of Imposing “Unconstitutional” Buffer Zone within His Own Constituency
Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP A. B. Akoijam Bimol Angomcha has accused state authorities of instituting a covert and unconstitutional “buffer zone” that restricted his access to parts of his own parliamentary constituency. On Sunday, he was reportedly barred from entering Phougakchou-Ikhai Makha Leikai Keithel (Bazar) in Bishnupur district, despite a significant security force presence, including the Indian Army, while civilians from other communities, such as Pangals, were permitted to pass without hindrance.
In a stern post on X (formerly Twitter), Akoijam Bimol Angomcha condemned the move, stating:
“It speaks of the clandestine ways through which the state has been nurturing a communally founded division of Manipur, and drawing up and enforcing an imaginary and unconstitutional line, the so‑called ‘buffer zone’, in support of communal forces in the state.”
He reiterated that, as a democratically elected Member of Parliament from “the largest democracy in the world,” he should have unfettered access to all parts of his constituency.
Phougakchou-Ikhai, a sensitive flashpoint located on the boundary between Meitei-majority Bishnupur and Kuki-majority Churachandpur districts, was one of the earliest sites affected during the May 2023 ethnic violence. The area remains heavily militarised, and access has been tightly controlled ever since.
Critics, including Akoijam, argue that the establishment of such zones without clear legal authority institutionalized communal favouritism, undermining the democratic and secular foundations of governance. The MP emphasized that “honest and determined efforts, not lies and cynical approaches, will solve the issue,” appealing for “truth, justice and peace” to supersede short-term political considerations.
Manipur has experienced deep communal fractures since conflict began on May 3, 2023, between Meitei valley residents and Kuki-Zo hill communities. Over 260 deaths have been reported, and tens of thousands displaced. The alleged buffer zone reflects broader anxieties around controlled movement and perceived partiality by security forces operating in ethnically mixed areas.
MP Akoijam's public appeal places the spotlight on whether central authorities or the Supreme Court might intervene, either to clarify rules of engagement for security forces or to order unfettered political access within electoral constituencies. The situation calls for an urgent clarification of administrative jurisdiction and citizen rights within Manipur’s volatile security landscape.
In a stern post on X (formerly Twitter), Akoijam Bimol Angomcha condemned the move, stating:
“It speaks of the clandestine ways through which the state has been nurturing a communally founded division of Manipur, and drawing up and enforcing an imaginary and unconstitutional line, the so‑called ‘buffer zone’, in support of communal forces in the state.”
He reiterated that, as a democratically elected Member of Parliament from “the largest democracy in the world,” he should have unfettered access to all parts of his constituency.
Phougakchou-Ikhai, a sensitive flashpoint located on the boundary between Meitei-majority Bishnupur and Kuki-majority Churachandpur districts, was one of the earliest sites affected during the May 2023 ethnic violence. The area remains heavily militarised, and access has been tightly controlled ever since.
Critics, including Akoijam, argue that the establishment of such zones without clear legal authority institutionalized communal favouritism, undermining the democratic and secular foundations of governance. The MP emphasized that “honest and determined efforts, not lies and cynical approaches, will solve the issue,” appealing for “truth, justice and peace” to supersede short-term political considerations.
Manipur has experienced deep communal fractures since conflict began on May 3, 2023, between Meitei valley residents and Kuki-Zo hill communities. Over 260 deaths have been reported, and tens of thousands displaced. The alleged buffer zone reflects broader anxieties around controlled movement and perceived partiality by security forces operating in ethnically mixed areas.
MP Akoijam's public appeal places the spotlight on whether central authorities or the Supreme Court might intervene, either to clarify rules of engagement for security forces or to order unfettered political access within electoral constituencies. The situation calls for an urgent clarification of administrative jurisdiction and citizen rights within Manipur’s volatile security landscape.
