IT News
Imphal, July 11:
Former Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar has expressed doubt regarding the state government’s approach to providing protection for farmers and raised concerns about the potential consequences if militants were to burn all the crops, once they reach maturity.
Highlighting the ineffectiveness of providing security cover during farming activities, Joykumar, who is also a leader of the National Peoples’ Party, questioned the Manipur government’s ability to ensure round-the-clock security for farmers.
Joykumar emphasized the need for the government to understand its capabilities and posed the question of how many security personnel could be deployed to safeguard the vast agricultural fields stretching across the foothills of Manipur.
He stressed that a single security personnel cannot work for more than six hours or cover a 24-hour period, despite the presence of a significant security force.
“In my opinion, they’re making an effort, but the best way is to focus on finding a solution and restoring normalcy,” Joykumar stated, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root cause of the problem.
When asked about potential solutions, Joykumar noted that the situation had already extended beyond the initial stage, indicating that proper planning was crucial to regain control. As a former top police officer, he emphasized the need for strategic planning to effectively manage the situation.
Regarding the political position of the National Peoples’ Party, Joykumar expressed that the government would not collapse if the party withdrew its support. He stated, “Now, we will assess the situation. Since we have the opportunity to provide our suggestions, we will take advantage of it to help resolve the issue.”
Joykumar further stressed the seriousness of the situation and called for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments to formulate a comprehensive plan. He criticized the lack of planning and coordinated actions, emphasizing that separate approaches for different regions would not lead to a solution.
