COCOMI Demands Farmer Safety Zone After Shocking Attack Near Security Line

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has strongly condemned the brutal and targeted attack on farmer Ningthoujam Biren Singh, who was shot at point-blank range just 30 meters from the SSB security line. The horrifying breach through three layers of security — BSF, JKLI, and SSB — has raised grave concerns over the effectiveness and intent behind current deployments in the valley.

This was not just a lapse. It appears to be a deliberate provocation aimed at instilling fear among farmers and disrupting the cultivation season, thereby threatening both livelihood and food security in the region.

COCOMI Responds Swiftly

Since the report surfaced on 19th June, a dedicated team from the COCOMI Farmers’ Wing has been on the ground, working alongside the terrified villagers of Phubala. On 20th June, COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba led a high-level team to the incident site to conduct a detailed assessment and hold public consultations. That evening, the team also met with Bishnupur SP and senior police officials, including ADGP L. Kailun, IGP K. Kabib, and SP Imphal West Ksh. Shivakanta.

Key Demands Presented to the Government

1. Declare a Farmer Safety Zone with Shoot-at-Sight Orders: All foothill and canal-adjacent agricultural zones should be declared as protected zones. Armed intruders must face immediate shoot-at-sight orders to ensure farmers' safety.
2. Fix Accountability on Security Lapses: A transparent investigation must be conducted to determine how armed miscreants could bypass multiple security layers. IG Kabib’s assurances must translate into real accountability.
3. Permanent Security Post in High Canal Area: A well-equipped security outpost must be established in the High Canal Zone to prevent future attacks.
4. Ensure Free and Safe Cultivation Access: Farmers must have unobstructed access to traditional agricultural lands up to the foothills. The current security perimeter must be relocated accordingly.
5. Strengthen Patrols: Additional companies must be deployed for regular patrolling while maintaining existing static posts to provide round-the-clock protection in sensitive zones.
6. Medical & Economic Relief: The injured farmer should receive full medical treatment, and his family must be provided with immediate livelihood support and food security until he recovers.

A Call for Action

Despite slogans like “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, farmers in Manipur continue to face armed threats and violence. COCOMI demands that the Government of Manipur and the Government of India urgently act to protect those who feed the nation. The silence and inaction so far are unacceptable — accountability must be fixed, and real protection must be provided immediately.

Issued by:
(Laikhuram Jayenta)
Convenor, IPR Sub-Committee
COCOMI