Imphal: The Manipur government on Saturday said it will provide security forces to protect farmers during the monsoon season for agricultural work in the violence-torn state roiled in ethnic conflict since May 3 in an effort to usher in normalcy with continuation of basic activities. The government had downgraded the VIP security cover of around 2000 security personnel for the purpose of providing security to the farmers.
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Inspector General of Police Immanuel K Muivah in a press briefing at Police Headquarters Imphal said the government appeal all farmers not to engage in farming activities without security arrangement because of the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur.
IGP IK Muivah said that the farmers should coordinate with the state police especially since the security personnel arrangements are made for the farmers. The farmers should make the best use of it by contacting the state police. “We are well aware of the security requirements in each districts by the respective superintendent of polices,” he added.
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The IGP also said the security apparatus is stretched given the current law and order situation affecting the entire state. Owing to this the state police has reduced various VIP state government while providing security personnel for farmers during the agricultural activities, he said.
IGP IK Muivah informed that the security arrangements to protect the farmers will come under the respective District Commissioners and SPs in consultation with the Agriculture Department. He informed that 822 security personnel will be deployed in Imphal West district, 290 security personnel in Imphal East, Bishnupur District 236, 147 in Thoubal District, 204 in Kakching District, 300 security personnel in Churachandpur District and 200 in Kangpokpi District.
In addition to providing security cover to the farmers in Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh had discussed distribution of fertilizers to the farmers on July 6. He has said that the primary purpose of the government is to restore normalcy in the state.