Farmers demand additional security forces for smooth conduct of agricultural activities
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, October 16 2023: Farmers have urged the authorities concerned to send additional security forces for carrying out agricultural activities in the paddy fields located at the foothills behind Moirang High Canal of Loktak Lift Irrigation project.

Speaking to media persons, a farmer named Kh Sarat on behalf of the farmers of the area appealed to the relevant authorities to send additional security forces to enable the farmers to carry out agricultural activities in paddy fields located within 200 metre radius from the canal at least if not in the whole area.

Farmers demand additional security forces for smooth conduct of agricultural activities

Sarat highlighted that farmers were unable to carry out agricultural activities at 166 Pari of paddy fields located on the upper side of the foothills next to the canal due to the sporadic gun firing in the area following the outbreak of communal violence in the State.

Stating that agricultural activities were started in the paddy fields located within the 200 metre radius from the canal, Sarat informed that they are not able to enter these paddy fields and continue the agricultural work of spraying fertilizers etc owing to the frequent gun firing.

Mentioning the recent firing which took place in the area on October 13 last, he maintained that if such firing continues then the farmers would not be able to harvest even the paddy grown in the said fields which is really unfortunate.

He highlighted that farmers are in a state of anxiety and fear though personnel of 170 Bn BSF, 7th IRB and VDF have been deployed.

In connection with the above matter, the farmers met the DC and SP thrice and held talks to arrange additional security forces so that the farmers can carry out the farming activities but no positive measures have been taken up so far.

He urged the authorities concerned to expedite the measures of sending additional security forces within the coming 5-6 days to provide adequate security to the farmers failing which the farmers would be compelled to fight against the armed terrorists who have been relentlessly carrying out gun attacks at these fields at their own risk which may lead to unwanted outcomes.