There are no buffer zones : Bhalla to IDPs, COCOMI

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 12: Even as security forces prohibited even a Member of Parliament from proceeding beyond a certain point along the highway on the ground that he is a Meitei, Governor AK Bhalla has reportedly informed that "there are no buffer zones in Manipur".
"The State has already clarified on the issue. There is no buffer zone in Manipur," Governor Bhalla reportedly told COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba and representatives of internally displaced persons during a meeting at Lok Bhavan today.
The meeting, which was attended by Chief Secretary PK Goel, was held amid a massive protest demonstration launched by internally displaced persons.
The internally displaced persons (IDPs), staying in relief camps, have been urging the Central Government and the Governor-led State administration to allow their return to their respective homes for months.
The IDPs' demand for rehabilitation and return to their original homes intensified in December 2025.
From December 1 to December 31, 2025, the displaced persons and COCOMI had reminded the Governor daily to keep his administration's "promise" to effect homeward return of the IDPs by the month's end.
Despite the assurance, given by former Chief Secretary PK Singh, the State administration is yet to effect and complete the return of IDPs to their homes.
"Efforts are being taken to facilitate safe and gradual return of IDPs," the Governor informed COCOMI leader Athouba and IDP representatives during the meeting today.
At noon, a large number of internally displaced persons from different relief camps had gathered at TYC ground at Sega Road Takhellambam Leikai, acting on information that the Governor may be travelling along the route.
Amid the large presence of the IDPs holding placards and raising slogans, the Governor's convoy proceeded to the Lok Bhavan under tight security measures.
The IDPs then proceeded toward Lok Bhavan, but were stopped by security forces at Keishampat junction.
An 11-member team of the IDPs and COCOMI including Khuraijam Athouba were then permitted to proceed to Lok Bhavan.
At the Lok Bhavan gate, they were however instructed to meet the Chief Secretary first.
The team met with Chief Secretary PK Goel, and they decided to hold a joint meeting with the Governor and Commissioner (Home) at Lok Bhavan.
The joint meeting with the Governor was held at around 4 pm at Lok Bhavan.
While the meeting was on, IDPs sat in the middle of the road at Keishampat junction, seeking the Governor to meet their demands.
The meeting with the Governor lasted around 30 minutes.
After the meeting, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba briefed the media, and stated that the team sought a definitive answer from the Governor on demands raised by the IDPs.
Athouba said the Governor was informed of the grievances and suffering of the IDPs, and their demand to allow them to return to their original homes and villages.
The Governor has assured the team to give his response tomorrow. The Governor's response will be made public once COCOMI receives it, Athouba said.
On the issue of the controversial "buffer zone", Athouba said the Governor clearly denied the presence of such an arrangement.
The Governor cited an earlier clarification of the State and told the team that "there is no buffer zone" in Manipur.
Noting the clarification, the COCOMI and IDP team then strongly urged the Governor to take strict action against persons and authorities implementing the "buffer zone" and those who legitimize the presence of such a nonexistent security arrangement, Athouba said.
Today's protest demonstration was a massive success, Athouba said.
The protest demonstration has helped put pressure on the PR administration to respond and act on the plight of the IDPs, he said.
The IDPs held placards that read "How long must IDPs wait", "No more delays on IDPs resettlement" and "Governor must respond to the people" etc. The protesters raised slogans demanding the PR administration to allow rehabilitation and return of the IDPs to their original homes.