During a visit to Saiton Nganukon in Bishnupur, Akoijam spoke out after two individuals were injured in a pair of explosions in the district. He claimed that central forces had prevented him from proceeding further at an “illegal buffer zone” in the village.
“Buffer zones are everywhere… I can walk freely on one side, but not on the other. Amit Shah ji and Modi ji… You’re fracturing my own home state with these illegal buffer zones,” he declared.
“People are being stopped at these buffer zones based on their community; some are halted because they are from the Meitei community, while others face restrictions for being from the Kuki community. Is this in line with what the Constitution dictates?” Akoijam questioned.
BJP leaders were unavailable for comment.
Also Read | Manipur violence: SC asks why entire leaked clips not sent for forensic test
Since May 2023, at least 260 individuals have lost their lives, and thousands have been displaced due to the ethnic clashes between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the hills-based Kuki-Zo groups.
Currently, Manipur is under President’s rule, instituted on February 13, 2025, after the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9.
