Koutruk farmers deprived of crop compensation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 19 2024: In-spite of the state government providing compensation to farmers unable to work due to the crisis since May 3 last year, farmers in Koutruk area, who face constant attacks from armed Kuki militants and have left their field fallow, are yet to receive any crop compensation.

Addressing media persons on Friday at Koutruk, one Ningthoujam Tomba said that Koutruk is a 'red zone' and hardest hit area in Imphal West district.

The area has been deprived of farming activities as the village is constantly under attack by the armed Kuki militants.

He further explained that the local farmers submitted necessary documents to relevant authorities after the state government announced compensation for farmers unable to engage in farming activities last year due to the crisis.

Regrettably, apart from only two Koutruk farmers receiving crop compensation, others who submitted documents received any compensation during the government's initial phase of distribution.

Many residents of Koutruk, who rely on farming as their primary livelihood, are experiencing hardships.

Therefore, considering the plight of farmers, government should provide crop compensation to the Koutruk farmers, he urged.

Thangjam Leima, another farmer from Koutruk, said that besides being unable to farm last year, Koutruk farmers living near Kuki villages still face challenges in resuming agricultural activities and appealed to the state government to initiate effective security measures to help Koutruk farmers engage in farming without which the local population would face dire situation.

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