Bodies seek deployment of state forces
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 21 2023:
In view of the on set of prime agricultural season, All Manipur Nupi Marup has appealed to the authorities concerned to deploy state forces so as to ensure that farmers can engage in agricultural activities without any appre hension.
In a release, All Manipur Nupi Marup secretary L Su-matibala said that farmers in foothill villages are facing serious inconveniences in commencing paddy plantation due to the existing threat perception and in view of attacks by Kuki militants.
She specifically proposed deployment of IRB or other state forces in foothills areas to help the farmers focus on producing better yield.
Moreover, in order to ensure that the displaced farmers resume farming at their ancestral land combined security teams excluding the Assam Rifles should dismantle bunkers set up by Kuki militants, she said.
In another release, All Manipur Progressive Farm -ers' Association (AMPFA) stated that as villagers in foothill areas are prioritising protection of the villages by maintaining vigil round the clock they are in dilemma on whether to guard the village or commence paddy plantation activities.
As such the Association urged the government au -thorities to do the needful for ensuring safety of the food producers from Kuki militants.