Imphal, June 21, 2025: The shooting of a farmer in Manipur has ignited widespread outrage and urgent calls for action, with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) demanding the immediate creation of a "Farmer Safety Zone" along the state’s agrarian frontlines.
The victim, Mr. Ningthoujam Biren Singh, was reportedly shot near an SSB security line in Phubala on June 19, following a shocking breach through three layers of security - the BSF, JKLI, and SSB. The attack occurred in broad daylight, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of current security arrangements in the valley and foothill areas.
 |
| Security presence at Phubala after farmer shooting incident |
COCOMI condemned the incident as a “brutal and inhuman act” meant to terrorize farmers and disrupt cultivation. The committee said the attack has not only left the victim incapacitated but has also placed his family's livelihood at risk.
A COCOMI delegation visited the site of the incident and interacted with affected villagers and farmers. They also met with key police officials, including SP Bishnupur, ADGP L. Kailun, IGP K. Kabib, and SP Imphal West Ksh. Shivakanta, urging immediate and concrete steps for farmer protection.
In response to the attack, COCOMI has presented a charter of demands to both the state and central governments:
1. Declare Agrarian Belt as ‘Farmer Safety Zone’ - All foothill and canal-side farmlands should be designated as arms-free zones with shoot-at-sight orders for unauthorized armed intruders, especially those carrying assault rifles.
2. Fix Accountability for Security Lapses - A transparent investigation must be launched into how the breach occurred, and responsible officers must be held accountable.
3. Set Up Permanent Security Posts - COCOMI demands the immediate establishment of a permanent and well-equipped security post in the High Canal area to prevent further infiltration.
4. Unhindered Cultivation Rights - Farmers must be allowed to cultivate paddy fields up to traditional foothill boundaries. Security perimeters should be adjusted accordingly.
5. Strengthen Patrolling - Additional security personnel must be deployed for regular mobile patrolling, supported by static posts for 24/7 monitoring.
6. Immediate Medical & Economic Relief - The injured farmer must receive full medical care, and his family should be compensated with food security and livelihood support during his recovery.
COCOMI also criticized the gap between national rhetoric and ground realities, stating that despite the “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” slogan, Manipur’s farmers continue to face grave threats. The organization stressed that protecting those who feed the nation is not optional, but imperative.
ALSO READ: Brutal Killing of Village Chief’s Wife Sparks Outrage, Indefinite Shutdown Declared
As tensions rise in the region, COCOMI has called on the government to act swiftly and decisively, warning that failure to do so would further alienate and endanger already vulnerable communities.
