Paddy cultivation begins in black rice-growing areas under watchful eyes of security forces

By PTI

The process of paddy farming began on Thursday in the foothills of Koubru in Imphal West district of Manipur amid high security provided by jawans to farmers from both the warring communities in the state.

People were seen tilling land for sowing paddy in the coming days. Jawans mainly from the Army and Assam Rifles have been deployed in Kangpokpi and western Imphal districts to protect the farmers during the sowing season, officials said. The Kangpokpi and western Imphal areas, known for their famous ‘black rice’, are now being guarded by these columns whose presence is aimed at ensuring a secure environment for Meiti and Kuki farmers engaged in paddy cultivation, protecting them from ethnic violence attacks, the officials added.

To prioritise the safety of farmers in troubled areas, the state government has downgraded the VIP security cover of a significant number of ministers, MLAs, politicians, and bureaucrats. Approximately 2,000 security personnel will be redirected to guard farmers involved in cultivation.

This article has been republished from The Times of India