The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), a prominent Meitei body, has called for the urgent declaration of a "Farmer Safety Zone" in the vulnerable agrarian areas of Manipur, coupled with shoot-at-sight orders for unauthorized armed intruders. This demand follows a recent attack on a farmer in Bishnupur district, stoking outrage and raising concerns about the safety and security of the farming community.

The incident occurred on June 19, when Ningthoujam Biren Singh, a local farmer from Phubala Awang Maning Leikai, was shot in his left arm by unknown assailants while working in his paddy field. The location of the attack, a mere 30 meters from a Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) security post, has triggered serious questions about the effectiveness and reliability of the security arrangements in the area. COCOMI has alleged that the attack occurred after a breach of three layers of security, including personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF), Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JKLI), and SSB.

COCOMI has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate attempt to terrorize farmers, disrupt agricultural activities, and destabilize peace in the region. The committee stated that the injured farmer is now incapacitated for the current season, which poses a significant threat to his family's food and economic security. In response to the attack, COCOMI deployed its Farmers' Wing to the affected area and a high-level team, led by COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba, visited the site and met with villagers to assess the situation. The team also held discussions with senior police officials, including ADGP L. Kailun, IGP K. Kabib, and Superintendents of Police from Bishnupur and Imphal West districts, focusing on urgent security arrangements and long-term protection for farmers during the cultivation season.

COCOMI has presented a series of demands to the government, including the immediate designation of foothill cultivation areas as Farmer Safety Zones, with shoot-at-sight orders for any unauthorized armed intruders, particularly those carrying assault rifles or deadly weapons. The committee has also called for a transparent investigation to determine the cause of the security lapse and urged that responsibility be fixed on the concerned security officers. Further demands include the establishment of a permanent security post in the High Canal area, guaranteed access for Meitei farmers to their traditional farmland boundaries, strengthened mobile patrols with additional security companies, and comprehensive medical care and financial compensation for the injured farmer and his family.

COCOMI's call for a "Farmer Safety Zone" with shoot-at-sight orders reflects the deep concern and frustration within the Meitei community regarding the safety of farmers and the need for more effective security measures in the region. The committee has emphasized that slogans like "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan" must translate into tangible protection on the ground and has urged both the state and central governments to act swiftly and decisively to address the situation.