A Farmer Training-cum-Seed Distribution Programme was held today at Laikot Village, Sadar Hills, Imphal East, jointly organised by the Agriculture Department, Government of Manipur, and Laikot Village Authority.
The programme was graced by Joychandra Konthoujam, Chairman of the Justice Committee on Anglo-Manipur War, 1891 Martyrs and Freedom Fighters of Kangleipak, as Chief Guest. W. Subas Singh, Nodal Officer of NFSNM, Department of Agriculture, W. Nupendra Singh, Plant Pathologist, Directorate of Agriculture, and M. Angou Kharam, Chief of Phailzol Village, attended as Guests of Honour. The function was presided over by L. Akhup Kom, Chief of Laikot Village.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Joychandra Konthoujam stated that if indigenous people are sidelined in Manipur, it would undermine the very foundation of the state. He reminded that Manipur is a land secured through the sacrifices of forefathers and its integrity must be preserved at all costs. “We must remain united to protect our land and identity without allowing external forces to divide us. This is our ancestral land, and we should live and flourish here with dignity,” he said.
He further observed that the ongoing conflict has displaced many and forced villagers to abandon their homes. He noted that the absence of timely intervention and proper reporting by authorities has deepened the crisis into a humanitarian challenge.
As Chairman of the Justice Committee, Konthoujam remarked that the present turmoil reflects India’s failure to address ethnic unrest in Manipur. He warned that unless corrective measures are taken, irreparable consequences could follow.
Stressing on food security, he pointed out that extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods are affecting Manipur, making agricultural self-reliance urgent. He urged the government and farmers to work together to build a sustainable agricultural system.
During the programme, seeds and free fertilizers were distributed to 70 households of Laikot village.