PIL challenges buffer zones
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 30 2025: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed at the High Court of Manipur against the Union of India and five others seeking judicial intervention for the protection of the fundamental rights of the citizens of Manipur, particularly the Meitei community, who have been unlawfully and unconstitutionally denied access to National Highways and roads leading outside the Imphal Valley since May 3, 2023 owing to imposition and perpetuation of buffer zones.

The PIL prayed the Court to give directions to the respondents to ensure free and non-discriminatory movement of all citizens along Imphal-Dimapur highway, Imphal-Jiribam highway and Imphal-Moreh highway.

The PIL was filed by Thokchom Sujata against the Union of India through the Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs; the Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence; the General Officer Commanding, 57 Mountain Division Leimakhong; Inspector General Assam Rifles (South); State of Manipur though Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Manipur as respondents It prayed the Court to issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to ensure free and non-discriminatory movement of all citizens along National Highways; NH-2, NH-37, AH-1 and all other public roads in Manipur, to declare that the continued restriction on movement of Meitei people across buffer zones and National Highways is unconstitutional and illegal.

The PIL further prayed the Court to issue a directive for deployment of neutral Central forces to guarantee safe passage to all communities without discrimination and dismantle all exclusionary buffer restrictions, constitute a high powered monitoring committee under the supervision of the Court to oversee implementation of directions.

It also prays the Court to issue an interim direction to the respondents to make necessary arrangements for permitting escorted civilian convoys comprising Meitei people to travel along Imphal-Dimapur highway, Imphal-Jiribam highway and Imphal-Moreh highway at fixed and notified timing under adequate and effective security cover to ensure their safe passage.

A Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice M Sunder and Justice A Guneshwar Sharma conducted a motion hearing and accepted the PIL today.

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