Create farmer safety zone: COCOMI to Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 21 2025: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the Government to create a farmer safety zone with shoot-at-sight orders.

The COCOMI has strongly condemned the inhuman and targeted attack on Ningthoujam Biren Singh, a farmer who was shot at point blank range barely 30 meters away from the SSB security line.

This act of terror occurred after an outrageous breach through three tiers of security manned by BSF, JKLI and SSB, raising serious concerns about the intent, efficiency, and reliability of the current security deployment in the valley, the COCOMI averred in a statement.

This was not a mere lapse.

It appears to be a deliberate provocation designed to terrorize farmers, restrict cultivation, and disrupt peace in the valley region.

As a result of the attack, the victim has been left unable to work this season, threatening the food and livelihood security of his entire family, it said.

COCOMI, in solidarity with local farmer groups and the victim's family, has demanded the following immediate actions from the Government of Manipur and the Government of India:

1. Declare a farmer safety zone with shoot-at-sight orders
The entire agrarian belt along the foothills and canal zones must be officially designated as a "Farmer Safety Zone".

It must be declared a No Arms Zone, and any unauthorized armed intruder, especially those carrying assault rifles or deadly weapons, must face immediate shoot-at-sight orders.

This is essential to restore confidence, protect the rights of farmers, and maintain peace in the region.

2. Fix accountability on security lapses
An immediate and transparent investigation must be launched to determine responsibility for the failure to protect civilians.

If any further breach or failure occurs, direct accountability must be fixed on the concerned security officials and commanding officers.

The assurance given by IG Kabib must result in firm action and accountability, not mere words.

3. Permanent security infrastructure in High Canal zone
A well-equipped permanent security post must be established in the High Canal area to prevent future infiltrations and attacks on farmers.

4. Guarantee uninterrupted cultivation access
Farmers must be allowed to cultivate Meetei paddy fields up to the traditional foothill boundaries without fear or obstruction.

The present security perimeter must be relocated to ensure safe and full access to agricultural lands.

5. Strengthen security patrols
Deploy two/three additional companies for regular mobile patrolling while maintaining all existing static posts to ensure round-the-clock surveillance of sensitive farming zones.

6.Immediate medical and economic support
The injured farmer must receive complete medical treatment to ensure swift recovery.

The State must also ensure compensation for the economic stability of his family by providing them with food security and livelihood support during his incapacitation.

Despite the Government of India's repeated slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", farmers (Kishan) in Manipur continue to face armed threats, humiliation, and violence.

This slogan must translate into real protection for those who feed the Nation, the COCOMI asserted.

Saying that it stands firmly with the farming community of Manipur, COCOMI has urged the authorities to act swiftly, justly, and decisively.

Failure to secure the lives of farmers will not be tolerated and those responsible must be held answerable, it added.

On June 20, a team of COCOMI led by convenor Khuraijam Athouba visited the incident site, conducted a detailed assessment, held discussions with affected locals, and collectively resolved on critical issues including demands to be raised before the Government.

Later the same evening, the team held a meeting with the SP, Bishnupur, followed by a strategic security dialogue at Police Headquarters with senior officers including ADGP L Kailun, IGP K Kabib, and SP Imphal West Ksh Shivakanta.

Several vital concerns regarding farmer protection during cultivation season were discussed, and several points were officially placed before the State authorities for immediate implementation, it said.

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