'Kukis given free hand to cultivate Meitei fields'
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, June 18 2024: More than 250 hectares of agricultural land in Ngangkhalawai under Moirang sub-division have been left unattended this year also due to restrictions imposed by Central security forces and the same fields have been left free for Kukis to come and cultivate.

The fields lie in the upper portion of Low Canal in 51-Ngangkhalawai and include Tarungpokpi Loukol, Ising Thembi Loukol, Wangthrok Lamjao Loukol, Lairampat Achouba Maru Loukol.

Central security forces, particularly, Sikh Regiment are deployed in the region near Low and High Canals.

The security personnel are obstructing Meitei farmers from tending to their fields.

However, they are not obstructing Kukis from occupying and tending to the fields belonging to the Meiteis, said Senior Citizen Forum, Ngangkhalawai secretary Khumanthem Joykumar.

Speaking to reporters at Ibudhou Thangjing Laikol, Joykumar said the Kukis are tilling and sowing seeds in the fields belonging to Meiteis.

The Central security forces are preventing the Meiteis farmers who are actually the owners from tending to their fields.

More than 250 hectares of fields near Thangjing foothills have either been wasted or occupied by the Kukis, he said, seeking the attention of the Chief Minister and authorities concerned to allow them to go to the fields.

Joykumar said almost all farmers in the region depend on the fields for their sustenance.

Many senior citizens were present in the press meet.

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