Armed attacks continue, 200 hectares paddy field remain inaccessible
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 13 2023:
With provocative gun firing from armed Kuki militants in Leikinthabi and its interior areas continuing unabated, and state security forces not reaching the area despite orders issued in this regard, a total of around 200 hectares of paddy fields in the area remain inaccessible as the farmers are worried of their lives.
Addressing media persons in this regard at Awang Leikinthabi community hall in Lamshang under Imphal West district on Sunday, Awang leikinthabi Peace Committee advisor Chingsubam Joykumar said that restoration of peace in Le-kinthabi area is a far cry as Kuki militants continue to fire upon villagers while trying to plough their fields.
On Saturday, Kuki militants began to open fire at the farmers who were trying to plough their paddy fields.
The farmers had to run back to safety and leaving their empty fields unploughed.
He further informed that since there has been no deployment of state forces in Leikinthabi area despite government orders for deployment of state forces in vulnerable areas.
As a result, around 200 hectares of paddy fields in Chirik Leitong, Chanbirok Mamang, Thangal Lambi Awang, Yaipanpokpi, Khongnangpokpi, Tombirok of Leikinthabi area has remained inaccessible to the farmers.
"We have even arranged places for the state forces but still nobody has arrived, " he said and added that though there is IRB and BSF stationed in Khongnangpokpi, no security arrangements have been made for the farmers to ensure their safety during their agricultural activities.
Appealing to the government to arrange security measures and help the farmers in taking up agricultural activities, he said that the village volunteers who are guarding the villages day and night are also facing problems over the recent outbreak of Dengue in the state in addition to the constant fear of gun attack by the armed Kuki militants, who are equipped with sophisticated arms against their license guns.
The state government should also provide necessary help in this regard too, he demanded.
Joykumar also urged all private financial institutions to stop collecting interest from borrowers during this time of despair.