Paddy stack burnt in Lamshang; LMG urges swift action

The Like Minded Group (LMG), Manipur, has urged authorities to swiftly identify and punish those responsible for burning a harvested paddy stack belonging to a farmer in Lamshang. Publicity Secretary Rakesh Naorem made the appeal today while the organisation extended monetary assistance to the affected family.
The aid was handed over to the family of 51-year-old Thangjam Mahabir Meetei of Heibongpokpi Lamshang Khunou, whose harvested paddy was set on fire by unidentified miscreants at Hundabi Loukol, Lamshang Mayai Leikai under the Lamshang Assembly Constituency. The LMG team that provided the aid was led by Secretary Ojit Sorokhaibam and included Treasurer Kunjeswar Mangsatabam, Assistant Secretary Surendra Ningomba, Member Joykumar Thokchom and Publicity Secretary Rakesh Naorem.
Speaking with reporters, Rakesh Naorem said agriculture is the backbone of Manipur, and destroying a farmer’s harvested crop is equivalent to destroying the livelihood of an entire family. He urged the public to stand united to ensure such acts do not recur and warned that these incidents threaten the survival of the people during an already difficult time.
He pointed out that Manipur has been facing a protracted crisis since May 3, 2023, which is exacerbated by restrictions on free movement along national highways. In this circumstance, the burning of a farmer’s crop is inexcusable and needs to be treated as a grave crime.
Family members expressed deep sorrow, saying the paddy meant for their children’s future and household needs involved months of labour. Mahabir had kept the harvested crop on a paddy field taken on 10-year rent from the landowner Potsangba Jayenta Singh of Kwakeithel Takhell Leikai. The stack of paddy caught fire on the night of November 22. Lamshang Police and Manipur Fire Service reached the spot in time and managed to control the fire. LMG later visited the site and conveyed serious concern over the incident.