SFs accused of aiding Kukis farm on Meetei land
Source: Chronicle News Service
Bisnhupur, June 18 2024:
Senior Citizens' Forum, Ngangkhalawai has raised serious concerns over inaction by central security forces even though Kuki people have started carrying out agricultural activities on approximately 250 hectares of farmland belonging to Meetei farmers.
These lands, located in the foothills of Ngangkhalawai area under Moirang assembly constituency, have become inaccessible to Meetei owners due to ongoing ethnic conflict.
Addressing a press meet at Ibudhou Thangjing Laikon, Forum secretary Kh Joy-kumar highlighted that the affected farmlands cover Wangthrok Lamjao Loukol, Ishingthembi, Taringpokpi, and Lairam Achouba Maru.
Surrounded by the Moirang high and low canals, these lands are traditionally cultivated by Meetei farmers.
However, the continuing violence between the Meetei and Kuki communities has prevented Meetei farmers from accessing their fields due to threats from armed Kuki militants.
As the monsoon season begins, Kuki people have started tilling the land and sowing paddy seeds, taking advantage of the Meetei farmers' inability to tend to their crops.
This situation has significantly impacted the livelihoods of Meetei farmers, who rely solely on agriculture, he said.
Joykumar expressed deep disappointment over the lack of action from both the central security forces and the government, and called for immediate intervention to allow Meetei farmers to safely return to their homes and cultivate their lands.
The residents of Ngangkhalawai, who dependent mostly on agriculture and have been deprived of their primary source of income for over a year, are calling for immediate government action to resolve the situation and ensure their right to farm without fear of violence, he said.