Imphal: Manipur Congress MP A. Bimol Akoijam has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of dividing the state by creating what he described as “illegal buffer zones.”
Akoijam made the allegations while visiting Saiton Nganukon in Bishnupur district, a day after two people were injured in two separate explosions in the area. According to Akoijam, he was stopped by central forces at what he described as an “illegal buffer zone” in the village, preventing him from proceeding further.
“Buffer zones have been set up everywhere,” Akoijam said. “I can walk freely on one side, but not on the other. Amit Shah ji and Modi ji, you’re dividing my home state by creating these illegal buffer zones.”
The Congress MP also claimed that people from different communities are being stopped at these zones based on their identity. “Some people are stopped because they belong to the Meitei community, while others are stopped because they belong to the Kuki community. Is this what the Constitution tells us?” Akoijam asked.
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The ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei community, based in Imphal Valley, and the Kuki-Zo groups from the hills has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands since May 2023.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9.
