Farmers rally against alleged apathy
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 27, 2012:
Demanding the State Government to redress the grievances of the farmers in the wake of droughtlike situation, farmers of Lamshang AC have taken out a rally today at Luker, Leitong, Maklang, Haurang Khunou, Salam Sanjenbam.
The rally was organised by Nongchup Imphal Loumi Sinmee Chaokhat Thourang Lup under the aegis of All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association.
President of Nongchup Imphal Loumi Sinmee Chaokhat Thourang Lup, Shanta Chongtham said around 4,000 hectares of cultivable land within Lamshang AC have been affected by the scarcity of water while lamenting that no help or assistance to the farmers has been provided by the Government.
He stated that the area/ land affected by scarcity of water could be solved if the authorities concerned ensure that water is irrigated from Maklam Dam.
He further urged the Government authority to work out any workable solution to redress the grievances of the farmers.
Lamenting that the Government authority does not pay adequate attention to the farmers of the area, the president added that even the area was not included in the survey of affected area conducted by the Government.
Secretary of Nongchup Imphal Loumi Sinmee Chaokhat Thourang Lup, Sarat Kumar Ashem pointed out that even if the Government is distributing water pumps to farmers, not a single pump has been reached to the farmers of the area.
Among others, the demonstrating farmers demanded the declaration of the State as drought-hit; adequate compensation to the farmers affected by the drought-like situation; and formulation of State Agriculture policy.