Farmers in Samuk Village Face Crisis as Blockade Leaves Crops Worth Lakhs Rotting
People of Samuk Village under Kangchup Geljang Sub-division in Kangpokpi District are facing a deepening humanitarian and economic crisis due to the ongoing unrest and movement restrictions in the area.
According to the villagers, the situation worsened after the killing of six Naga individuals at Leilon Vaiphei village, following which the route through Leimakhong has remained completely blocked.
Situated about 32 kilometres from Imphal, Samuk Village has been effectively cut off from major markets. Villagers said that reaching Imphal via the Leimakhong route requires passing through seven Kuki-dominated villages. Owing to the prevailing security situation, residents are unable to travel outside the village, while traders and transporters are also unable to enter.
Samuk is known for cultivating a wide range of seasonal vegetables. Farmers said that large quantities of cabbage, carrots, beetroot and rajma (kidney beans) are now ready for harvest. However, with no means to transport the produce to markets in Imphal and other areas, the crops have started rotting in the fields, resulting in financial losses running into lakhs of rupees.
“Our entire year’s hard work is going to waste. We are watching our crops decay before our eyes because we cannot cross the blockade,” a local farmer said.
The villagers stated that the majority of families in Samuk depend entirely on the sale of these vegetables for their livelihood. With no income for several weeks, many households are now struggling to meet their daily expenses.
The prolonged disruption has also affected the education of children in the village. According to the residents, several students have either been sent home or are at risk of being expelled from their schools because their parents are unable to pay school fees.
Appealing for urgent intervention, the villagers urged the State Government to ensure safe and secure passage for farmers or establish a special mechanism to transport agricultural produce to markets. They also called upon civil society organisations to support their demand and press for immediate action before the crisis worsens.
The community has further sought immediate relief measures along with a long-term security solution, stating that the farmers of Kangchup Geljang should not continue to bear the economic consequences of the ongoing unrest.