MHS demands security for farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 15 2025: The Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has strongly condemned repeated acts of violence and intimidation against Meetei farmers in Manipur by Chin-Kuki groups, and called for the immediate deployment of armed security personnel in conflict-prone agricultural zones.

In a statement issued Sunday, the Society said that Chin-Kuki individuals obstructed Meetei farmers from carrying out agricultural activities in their own land on June 15, even in the presence of security forces.

It termed the incident a "brazen act" aimed at asserting control, provoking retaliation and obstructing the fundamental right of farmers.

"This is not an isolated or spontaneous occurrence," the Society stated, Calling the pattern a "well-documented modus operandi" of Chin-Ku-ki militants and their frontal organisations to destabilise the region, derail peace efforts and inflict economic damage on the Meetei community by cutting off livelihoods at the grassroots level.

It cited the killing of 34-year-old Sapam Sophia Leima, who was shot dead while working in a paddy field in Bishnupur district in November last year, as ah example of the continuing threat faced by Meetei farmers.

The statement blamed the prevailing lawlessness on the failure of security forces and state authorities to provide basic protection despite repeated appeals.

It warned that such inaction amounts to a moral failure and puts the entire society at risk.

"The right to till one's land is a fundamental human right.

Denying that right through violence or negligence is a failure of governance," it stated, urging the central and state authorities to act decisively and establish accountability.

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