IMPHAL, July 1: Inner Manipur Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has strongly criticised the enforcement of what he described as an “imaginary and unconstitutional buffer zone” in conflict-affected Manipur, accusing the move of violating Article 19 of the Indian Constitution and fostering communal division in the state.

Addressing reporters at his Imphal residence on Tuesday, Bimol expressed frustration after being barred by security forces from visiting Phougakchou-Ikhai Makha Leikai Keithel (market) in Bishnupur district on June 29, an area that falls within his parliamentary constituency.

“Preventing an Indian citizen, an elected Member of Parliament, from freely moving within his own constituency is a blatant breach of constitutional rights,” said Bimol. He accused security forces of implicitly supporting the idea of a buffer zone, which he claimed is fuelling communal tensions in the state.

He alleged that farmers in the region have been under constant threat, facing attacks from armed militants aimed at instilling fear and discouraging agricultural activity. He specifically cited two recent incidents — one in Imphal East on June 16 and another in Bishnupur on June 20 — as examples of the deteriorating ground situation.

Bimol reiterated that the so-called buffer zone does not have any official backing from the government. “The enforcement of an imaginary and unconstitutional buffer zone reflects a communally driven agenda that is deepening divisions in Manipur,” he said. “The government has clarified that no such zone officially exists. Yet, security forces continue to act as if one does.”

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Bimol wrote, “I, an elected Member of Lok Sabha, was stopped from visiting Phougakchou-Ikhai Makha Leikai Keithel in Bishnupur District, which falls within my parliamentary constituency (Inner Manipur) today, despite the heavy presence of security forces, including the Indian Army. Tellingly, civilians belonging to other communities (such as Pangals) are allowed to travel through the same place right in front of me. It speaks of the clandestine ways through which the state has been nurturing a communally founded division of Manipur and enforcing an unconstitutional buffer zone.”

Bimol maintained that his visit was not meant to provoke but to reach out to constituents. He reiterated that the barricade, set up by the 6 Assam Rifles in May 2023 to manage mob violence, has now evolved into a tool of exclusion and division.

The Congress MP also highlighted the plight of farmers in the region. “For the past few months, farmers have been facing attacks from armed militants intended to instill fear and discourage agricultural activity,” he said, citing specific incidents in Imphal East on June 16 and Bishnupur on June 20.