The Loumi Sinmi Apunba Lup (LOUSAL) has urged the state government to take action against an agriculture officer of Thoubal district who gave permission and order for digging paddy land in front paddy fields of Phundrei and Langathel villages.
Addressing the press on Monday at the Manipur Press Club, LOUSAL president Mutum Churamani said that a week ago, a team of LOUSAL from Thoubal district and Langathel Clubs went for a survey at Phundrei and Langathel villages’ paddy lands. However, it was found that the team was digging paddy lands of Phundrei and Langathel villages.
The paddy land is about 20,000 sangam and they had dug up about 50 sangam. It will affect the neighbouring areas and reduce the soil fertility, he said.
Digging was banned by the team in coordination with villagers but on February 11, the digging began again, he informed.
Churamani said that the concerned district agriculture officer gave permission to dig the paddy land. It is a violation of Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, he said.
He urged the state government to look into the matter and take action against the agriculture officer according to the law.
