The Chingoi Lamlen Kanba Lup (CLKL), an umbrella body of seven villages in Heirok AC, has warned to stop any kinds of construction work on the paddy fields within its jurisdiction
Villages covered by CLKL include Ningel, Kakmayai, Chandrakhong, Leirongthel, Pitra, Phanja-khong, Malom and others.
Speaking to media at a press conference held at Kakmayai playground on Monday, CLKL general secretary Sanaton Sorokhaibam said that villagers of Kakmayai and other nearby villages came across several large vehicles used in the construction of a private factory at Kakmayai Awang loukol from the last few days.
Agriculture is the main source of income for the villagers, he added.
He also mentioned the deteriorating conditions of nearby rivers like Chandrakhong River, Kakmayai River and Ningel River due to stone excavation practiced at the root of the rivers and riverbeds and it is one of the reasons for low productivity of yields.
He said that the farmers of Kakmayai area are dejected over the construction works at the paddy lands as digging of large holes will lead to drying up of waters. As a result of which all the surrounding paddy lands will be turned into a wasteland, Sanaton added.
He said, lawbreakers can be punished according to the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act 2014. CLKL will be opposing any kinds of construction work at the paddylands at any cost except practicing agriculture and allied activities, the general secretary added.
He also drew the attention of the authorities concerned to implement the paddy lands act for the sake of the farmers. Members of CLKL attended the press conference.
