Central forces prohibit clean-up of Ningthoulok
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 28 2023:
Over 500 'pari' of paddy land of Sairem, Tai-renpokpi, Sangaithel, Karong, Kachi Khul and Thuizang villages depend on the waters of Ningthoulok flowing between Sangaithel and Tairenpokpi.
However, when the villagers went to clean sections of the river which were blocked, central forces prevented them from entering the area, putting the six villages and their crops at risk of severe water shortage.
On Tuesday, the villagers went with a JCB to clean the blocked portions of Ningthoulok but were barred from entering by central forces which had set up bunkers in the area.
Speaking in this regard, one of the villagers conveyed that the crops growing in over 500 pari' land of the six villages had been dependent on the waters of Ningthoulok for a long time.
However, parts of the stream between Sangaithel and Tairenpokpi were found btocked.
As it is the prime agricultural season, the paddy fields require water and thus, the villages engaged a JCB to clean the 300 metre-long blockage but were driven away by the central forces.
The villagers condemned the central forces over their apathetic attitude towards the farmers and as sUch, appealed to the authority concerned to look into the matter and enable the villagers have access to the water.