The Farmers’ Wing of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has expressed deep concern over the continued attacks on farmers by armed Kuki militants in the state, despite repeated assurances of protection from the government and security forces.
Speaking to media persons, the Convenor of the COCOMI Farmers’ Wing questioned the credibility and accountability of both the state government and central security forces in ensuring the safety of cultivators. He demanded to know when farmers would be allowed to work in their fields without fear and asked for specific timings to be declared for agricultural activity in affected areas. “The government has failed to provide clear instructions or guarantee full-time protection for farmers. As a result, farmers remain confused and hesitant about when it is safe to work in their fields,” the convenor stated.
The Farmers’ Wing strongly condemned the firing incident that occurred on June 19 at Pubala High Canal, during which a local farmer sustained a bullet injury while engaged in cultivation.
According to the convenor, Kuki militants fired multiple rounds—at least five to six shots—at close range towards the farmers, despite the presence of central security personnel deployed in the area.
“The most shocking part,” the convenor added, “is that instead of protecting the farmers, the central forces told them to run. This behaviour raises serious doubts about the neutrality of the security forces and indicates possible collusion with the Kuki militants.”
COCOMI’s Farmers’ Wing has demanded an immediate clarification from the concerned authorities regarding the incident, as well as a thorough inquiry into the events that led to the injury of the farmer. The convenor also revealed that the Farmers’ Wing had earlier urged the government to convene a meeting involving the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, civil society organisations, and farmer representatives to discuss and coordinate farming activities in vulnerable areas. However, no such meeting has been held till date, he said.
Stating that the delay has put the lives and livelihoods of thousands of farmers at risk, the COCOMI Farmers’ Wing called upon the DC and SP of the district to urgently convene a joint meeting to lay down a clear plan for farmers to safely resume agricultural work. “We want a structured dialogue and immediate response. Farming cannot wait, and farmers cannot continue living in fear,” the convenor emphasized.
The Farmers’ Wing reiterated that any failure to ensure protection and coordination will not only threaten the agricultural backbone of the state but will also deepen the ongoing crisis.