Imphal: In view of the prevailing law and order situation in Manipur, the district administration of Bishnupur has deployed flying squad teams in fringe areas to ensure safe farming activities and prevent any untoward incidents during the ongoing kharif season.
This was informed by Bishnupur Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam during a recent District Level Security Coordination Committee meeting, which focused on ensuring peaceful cultivation during the ongoing kharif season and expediting the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
Chaired by Elangbam, the meeting also highlighted the significance of agriculture for the district’s economy, stating that Bishnupur, being primarily agrarian, must ensure uninterrupted and peaceful farming activities.
Elangbam said, “Flying squads comprising key stakeholders have also been formed for peaceful farming in fringe areas.”
The DC also urged all officers present to respond swiftly and in coordination in the event of any untoward incident and appealed for regular visits to fringe areas to engage with farmers, address their grievances at the ground level, and inform the district administration of intervention when necessary.
Farming in the Bishnupur district, particularly in areas bordering Churachandpur, was severely impacted by the violence that erupted in 2023. While law and order have gradually improved, allowing farming to resume in many places, periodic gun attacks continue to disrupt agricultural activities. As a result, farmers remain hesitant to cultivate in these fringe areas without adequate security.
The meeting also focused on the phased resettlement of IDPs.
Elangbam said, “The resettlement will occur in three phases, beginning with areas where law and order have significantly improved and called on security personnel to identify suitable locations for return and highlight areas needing enhanced security arrangements.”
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In addition to Bishnupur, flying squads have also been deployed in Jiribam. Jiribam DC Krishna Kumar said that the flying squads will improve coordination and ensure timely intervention to facilitate peaceful cultivation in the fringe areas.
The deputed officers shall liaise and coordinate with the police officers and central armed police forces (CAPF) concerned of their respective jurisdiction and submit weekly reports, he said.