Sit-in demands restoration of Arongkhong
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kakching, June 07 2022:
Farmers of Kakching Khunou area under the aegis of Arongkhong Farmers' Welfare Association organised a sit-in protest at Kakching Khunou Mathak Keithel on Tuesday demanding the government to restore Arongkhong canal, which used to provide irrigation facilities to over 250 hectares of farmland in Kakching Khunou Aw ang Loukol and Amuraba Loukol.
One of the protesters, Khumukcham Sanajaoba told media persons that Arongkhong canal has been a major irrigation canal for the farmers of the area for several decades.
The canal is clearly visible on the government's map in 1960.However, the canal was filled up to construct a market shed in 2014 without consulting the farmers of the area.
As the farmers protested against the policy, the authority made a diversion canal but it failed to serve the purpose as it was located at a higher ground.
As a result, farmers of the area have been facing difficulty during farming season, he said, while urging the government to restore the canal in its original course.
Arongkhong Farmers' Welfare Association president Ksh Maipak said that the farmers endured the hardships for several years in the larger interest of the people but the diversion canal has failed to serve its purpose even during rainy season.
Ever since the canal was filled up, no construction activities for the market shed could be seen in the area.
Instead, private individuals are encroaching, he said while demanding the government to evict the encroachers and restore the irrigation canal.
He also warned of the possibility of a big movement from the farmers if the authority fails to acknowledge their demand by June 15 .