Lamlai farming community threatens to launch mass agitation

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 23 (EMN): The farming community of Lamlai area in Manipur’s Imphal East district has threatened to launch mass agitation if the government fails to listen to their demands.
The demands include normal functioning of the government offices under Sawombung divisional block immediately, enhancement of ration quota of rice at 15 kg per month per member for the drought-affected families, compensation of INR 5000 per sangam (one fourth of a hectare), landowners must not demand rent for real drought-affected fields etc.

This was announced by General Secretary Telem Dara Singh of Thoubal Multi-purpose Project Neglected Area Agricultural Development Organisation (TMPNADO), an apex body of 62 villages, while speaking to reporters in Imphal on Wednesday.

Singh also informed that the organisation took the resolution during a general body meeting held on October 20 at Chalou community hall in Lamlai.

The meeting also unanimously resolved that if the survey report on drought submitted by a committee constituted by the government of Manipur under the chairmanship of chief engineer H Brajendra Singh with TMPNADO was not addressed, mass agitation would be initiated, the secretary said.

He also informed that paddy cultivation across 12,140 hectares of paddy fields under Lamlai area had been badly affected due to drought this year despite having the potential of providing irrigation facilities.

It is said that there are around 32 springs in area but no steps have been taken up to construct check dams or other water shed management steps, he claimed. The farmers have so far identified 60 places for making bore well in Lamlai areas.

On August 28 this year, TMPNADO had a meeting with the state’s chief minister in presence of the Lamlai MLA Ksh Biren wherein the CM reportedly agreed to fulfil their demands of irrigation facilities. A central team also inspected the drought situation of the area on October 14. But so far, no intervention has been made by the state government, he alleged.

Such kind ill treatment to the people of Lamlai areas will invite public protest any moment, he warned. Many members of the TMPNADO were also present during the day’s press conference.