Congress MP from Inner Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, has strongly criticised what he termed an “unconstitutional and imaginary buffer zone” allegedly enforced by security forces in parts of the strife-torn state.

Speaking to the media at his residence in Imphal on Tuesday, Bimol expressed grave concern after being denied entry into Phougakchou-Ikhai Makha Leikai Keithel in Bishnupur district—an area within his parliamentary constituency. He said security forces blocked his visit on June 29, calling it a violation of his fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution.

“Stopping an Indian citizen—especially an elected Member of Parliament—from moving freely within his own constituency is a direct violation of the Constitution,” Bimol said. He alleged that the 6 Assam Rifles were enforcing a so-called buffer zone, originally created in May 2023 to control mob violence, which now serves as a tool of selective restriction.

According to the Congress MP, the enforcement appears to target Meitei individuals, including elected leaders, while members of other communities reportedly face no such restrictions. “This is not just about me being stopped. It’s about covert, communal segregation under the guise of security. It sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.

Bimol also took to social media to voice his concerns, accusing security forces of institutionalised discrimination between the Meitei and Kuki communities. He linked the current restrictions to broader intimidation efforts, citing recent incidents where Meitei farmers were allegedly attacked or blocked from accessing their agricultural land—such as in Imphal East on June 16 and Phubala on June 20.

He warned that the continued implementation of the buffer zone only fuels mistrust and deepens communal divisions. “Manipur is not divided by communal ideology. It’s being divided by actions like these,” he said.