Mnp ramps up security for safe harvesting in fringe areas

In a move to ensure smooth and safe harvesting activities, the district administration in Manipur’s Bishnupur district decided to ramp up security measures in the fringe areas of the district.
After the unfolding of the violent ethnic crisis more than two and a half years ago, in May 2023, farmers were facing difficulties in harvesting their paddy crops in fringe areas of the valley districts adjoining hill districts.
There were instances of farmers killed in in shootouts by armed miscreants while engaging in paddy crop harvesting activities in the fringe areas apart from them being scared away by gun shots.
Noting the previous years’ experiences, Bishnupur district administration initiated a crucial security measures to ensure smooth and safe conduct of harvesting activities in the fringe areas of the district.
Fringe areas of Bishnupur district, to note here, are among the worst affected areas of the ongoing ethnic violence.
A security meeting chaired by the deputy commissioner of the district, Pooja Elangbam, on Saturday, deliberated on the matter. The meeting held at the conference hall of the district mini secretariat complex was attended by key officials including SP (in-charge) Th Shangkar Deba, ADM Toijam Opendro, commanding officers and representatives of various Central forces, SDOs, OCs, and other concerned officials, an official source said.
The meeting focused on ensuring smooth conduct of harvesting activities in fringe areas and early rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the source added.
During the meeting, the DC emphasized the need for close coordination among all security agencies to ensure that the ongoing harvesting season proceeds without any untoward incidents.
She urged all officers to perform their duties with dedication and extend maximum assistance to the public in safely collecting their crops.
After detailed discussions, it was decided that harvesting activities in fringe areas will be conducted from 6.30 am to 4 pm, allowing adequate security coverage during these hours.
Elangbam further urged all farmers of the concerned areas to strictly comply with the scheduled time.
The district SP highlighted areas requiring enhanced security deployment and stressed the importance of proper planning to ensure safety throughout the harvesting season.
Officials of the security forces who attended that meeting informed that harvesting has already begun peacefully in some fringe areas and was expected to be completed across the district by the end of November.
The DC also sought collective cooperation for the early rehabilitation of IDPs, noting that several security officers have identified feasible locations where the process can begin soon.
The forces assured that all possible assistance would be extended in this regard.
As the situation has largely normalized, the DC appealed to all stakeholders to work together in the spirit of unity and development for a better and more peaceful district and state at large.