The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has called for the immediate declaration of a Farmer Safety Zone with shoot-at-sight orders in vulnerable agrarian areas following a brutal attack on a farmer near a security line in Phubala.
The incident occurred on June 19 when Ningthoujam Biren Singh, a local farmer, was shot at point-blank range barely 30 metres from an SSB security post. The attack reportedly took place after an alleged breach through three layers of security, including BSF, JKLI, and SSB personnel. COCOMI condemned the act as a targeted and deliberate attempt to terrorise farmers, disrupt agricultural activities, and destabilise peace in the valley region. The victim, who is now incapacitated for the current season, faces serious consequences in terms of livelihood, posing a severe threat to his family’s food and economic security.
In response, COCOMI deployed its Farmers’ Wing to the ground immediately after the incident. On June 20, a high-level team led by COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba visited the site of the attack and met with villagers to assess the situation. Later in the evening, the team held discussions with senior police officials including ADGP L. Kailun, IGP K. Kabib, and Superintendents of Police from Bishnupur and Imphal West districts. The meetings focused on urgent security arrangements and long-term protection for farmers during the cultivation season.
COCOMI submitted a series of demands to the government, including the immediate designation of the foothill cultivation areas as Farmer Safety Zones with shoot-at-sight orders for any unauthorized armed intruders. It also called for a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the security lapse and urged that responsibility be fixed on the concerned security officers. The committee further demanded the establishment of a permanent security post in the High Canal area, full access to traditional farmland boundaries for Meetei farmers, strengthened mobile patrols with additional security companies, and complete medical care and financial compensation for the injured farmer and his family.
Stating that slogans like “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” must be reflected in actual protection on the ground, COCOMI reaffirmed its solidarity with the farming community of Manipur and urged both the state and central governments to act swiftly and decisively.