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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. (Pic iFile: News18)
The primary objective of these committees is to provide assistance to farmers and to create an enabling environment for agricultural activities
In a significant development, the Manipur government on Monday set up committees to boost agricultural activities and ensure the safety of farmers in areas affected by the recent clashes.
At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister N. Biren Singh, a monitoring committee was set up at the state level, along with some at the district level. This will be done to facilitate agricultural cultivation and ensure its smooth running.
The primary objective of these committees is to provide assistance to farmers and to create an enabling environment for agricultural activities.
Spokesperson and Minister Th Basanta Kumar said the committees will be responsible for coordinating and planning activities in the neighboring districts, ensuring adequate security forces are deployed when needed, and monitoring the timely implementation of agricultural tasks.
“At least 2,000 security personnel have been deployed to protect farmers engaged in agriculture in violence prone areas of the state,” Basanta Kumar said.
“This initiative aims to provide a safe environment for farmers to carry out their agricultural activities without fear,” he added.
The Statewide Oversight Committee will be led by the Administrative Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, with key officials such as the Deputy Commissioner, the Superintendent of Police, and representatives from Farmer Welfare Groups serving as members.
Addressing concerns about food security, Kumar stressed that the state will not face famine next year and that the government remains committed to ensuring stable food supplies.
This comes from nearly two months ago, agricultural activities were suspended in Manipur due to security concerns in the areas where the Imphal Valley merges with the hills.
On 6 July, Prime Minister Singh announced the resumption of agricultural activities under the protection of the army and state forces.
Singh recently held a meeting with ministers, MLAs and officials to discuss matters related to farmers’ welfare.
Manipur has witnessed escalating violence between two communities since May 3, which has affected the overall stability of the state.
In the latest incident, a policeman was killed and at least 10 people injured following violent clashes overnight in Manipur’s Kangbokpi West district on Monday.
At least 150 people have been killed and hundreds injured since ethnic violence erupted when a “Tribal Solidarity March” was held in hill areas to protest the Mitte community’s claim to Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Meiteis account for about 53 percent of the population of Manipur and most of them live in the Imphal Valley. The Nagas and Kukis tribes make up another 40 percent of the population and reside in the hill regions.
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