IMPHAL, Jan 8: Manipur congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Thursday said an RTI has been filed seeking clarification on the legal grounds for the imposition of “so-called buffer zones” in the state.
Akoijam told reporters, at the sideline of a programme, “there is no denial that buffer zones exists. Denial of entry (to areas demarcated as buffer zones) has happened twice to your MP. I have filed an RTI now. Under which law or exective orders has this buffer zones been set up. Under which law have the communities been segregated. To my understanding this is not per the laws.”
His statement came days after he was allegedly stopped from visiting Saiton Nganukon areas in Bishnupur district bordering Churachandpur district where successive IED blasts had injured two civilians.
The Lok Sabha MP further remarked that people should also take part in uncovering the truth behind the existence and enforcement of these buffer zones in the state.
Akoijam also expressed concern that even elected representatives, including MPs, are restricted from freely visiting areas within their own state, calling it “a very unfortunate situation that demands immediate clarification.”
“A human rights organisation in a press statement had said to respect these buffer zones. Why should I?” he said.
Akoijam continued “Despite having large presence of security forces in the state, how did 60000 people lost their homes. Accountability should be fixed.”
“During my earlier meeting with governor, I had told him if law and order is to be recovered, you cannot depend on army and CRPF. Local police has to be strengthened. Manipur police has to work with dignity and with strength for that” Akoijam said.
The MP also raised questions on how issues related with illegal immigration, NRC, deforestation are going to be done without the presence of a state government.
He said “there needs to be a state government. People are demanding NRC and eradication of poppy cultivation. Illegal immigration, deforestation and armed conflict are critical issues. How are all these going to be done without a state government?”
(By Our Correspondent)
