How is the Manipur government ensuring security for farmers?

Imphal, June 20 (NationPress) Following the recent shooting of a farmer in Manipur's Bishnupur district, the state government has declared its commitment to enhance security measures for farmers in particularly vulnerable regions, as stated by officials.

A senior police representative confirmed that sufficient protection will be implemented to safeguard farmers while they work in their fields, aiming to avert any further incidents.

On Thursday, a tragic incident unfolded in Manipur's Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts, resulting in the death of a woman and the injury of a farmer.

The injured individual, identified as Ningthoujam Biren Singh, a farmer from Phubala Awang Maning Leikai, suffered a gunshot wound to his left arm inflicted by an unidentified assailant while he was tending to his paddy field in Phubala Maning, Bishnupur district.

Singh, who is part of the Meitei community, was first taken to the District Hospital in Bishnupur for urgent medical care and subsequently transferred to the Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) medical college and hospital in Imphal, where his condition is currently reported to be stable.

In light of these events, security forces initiated a search operation in areas including Langchingmanbi, Heichanglok, and the western parts of Phubala village.

During this operation, the security forces encountered gunfire from unidentified attackers and responded accordingly.

Tragically, during the exchange, a woman named Hoikholhing Haokip from Langchingmanbi village was discovered deceased, having sustained a bullet wound.

Haokip, who belonged to the Kuki tribal community, was the spouse of the village chief of Langchingmanbi.

A statement from the Manipur police revealed that investigations are underway regarding these incidents, and efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.

Combined security forces are actively pursuing leads to ensure that those responsible face justice swiftly.

Furthermore, the security arrangements concerning agricultural activities in the region will be reassessed.

The public is urged to maintain tranquility and refrain from disseminating unverified information.

Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses, according to the statement.

On June 15, tensions flared in Imphal East district due to a dispute over a paddy field and land ownership, but were diffused following the deployment of additional security personnel.

A police official indicated that a farmer from the Meitei community attempted to plough a paddy field in Sadu Lampak village near a Kuki tribal area, which led to objections from nearby Kuki villagers who claimed ownership of the land. This incident drew a response from nearby Meitei villagers, resulting in the circulation of videos depicting the confrontation.

According to an Agriculture department official, as the agricultural season approaches its peak, ongoing disputes over land access and insufficient protection for farmers are exacerbating ethnic tensions and unrest in conflict-affected regions of Manipur.

The current Kharif season, also known as the monsoon season, spans from June to October.

Due to ethnic violence in Manipur, agricultural activities in both the Imphal valley and hilly regions have faced disruptions for over two years.

Meanwhile, security forces have apprehended eight militants, including a female member, associated with various banned organizations in Manipur over the past 24 hours across Imphal West, Tengnoupal, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.

Among the apprehended individuals, two active members of the banned Peoples' Liberation Army were captured in Wangoi Bazar in Imphal West, along with the recovery of several materials from their possession.