Imphal: Angry farmers gathered at the Keirak Sekmai Barrage today to protest the release of vital irrigation water. The gates opened on August 24, sending water into the river while fields across Kakching district went dry. Participants arrived from Keirak, Tejpur, Lamjao, Laimanai, Langmeidong, Wabagai, and Hiyanglam.
Paddy crops around Keirak have reached the flowering stage. Without water, the harvest faces total failure. Farmers questioned why the department would dump water into the river during this vital time. They warned of more intense protests if the supply does not return. "Opening or closing the barrage gates requires approval from senior departmental officials," noted Wabagai MLA Dr. Usham Deben.
Dr. Deben arrived at the site to mediate the tense standoff with departmental staff. He labeled the unauthorized opening of the gates as improper. He ordered the gates lowered and contacted senior officers to force compliance. The protest included Caretaker Pradhan of Keirak Gram Panchayat Elangbam Ongbi Shanti Leima, local growers, and members of the Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi.
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