Sit-in against sky-high rice price staged, demands control measures
Source: The Sangai Express
Thoubal, June 25 2019:
Even though monsoon has started showering relief to troubled farmers, the price of the local rice which spiked recently is yet to come down.
The locally produced rice varieties which are believed to be of high quality are reportedly sold at Rs 45 to Rs 50 at shops/markets.
Urging Government to look into the skyrocketing price and take necessary actions, Thoubal Keithel Phambi Mathak Makha Apunba Lup and Thoubal IMA jointly staged a sit-in protest at Thoubal bazar.
Speaking on the sideline of the sit-in protest, Thoubal District United Women Development Organisation president Sapam (O) Bimola Devi said that the price rise has impacted the poor section of the people.
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Many are now not able to buy rice at the current price, she said seeking the attention of the Government.
Bimola identified recent flood and drought across the State as reasons behind the price hike.
Government should have taken precautionary measures, she said blaming the Government for not controlling the price.
"The yields were low as a result of the drought and flood.
If the Government had anticipated this outcome, all could have been solved," she said condemning the Government of its 'ignorance' .
To mitigate drought and provide ample water for farmers, the Government should ensure proper functioning of the Sekmai Dam, Thoubal Dam and Khuga Dam, she said.
The protesters held various placards denouncing the price rise and demanding Government actions.