Guwahati: The valley districts of Manipur are teetering on the brink of a food crisis as the Food Corporation of India (FCI) godowns in the region struggle with critically low food grain stocks.
The depletion of stocks is primarily attributed to the inability of FCI to offload food grains due to persistent threats from extremist groups.
According to official data, the four FCI godowns located in the valley districts of Manipur are facing an average stock deficit of 85%.
The godowns in Bishnupur, Sangaiprou, Sawombung, and Thoubal—all situated in Meitei-dominated areas—currently hold a meager 14.5% of their total storage capacity.
While Bishnupur has 36% and Sangaiprou has 22% stocks, Sawombung and Thoubal are completely devoid of food grains.
In stark contrast, the FCI godowns in Jiribam and Ukhrul, located in predominantly non-Meitei areas, have ample stocks, with 107% and 53% respectively.
Sources indicate that FCI officials and employees stationed in the valley districts have been subjected to constant threats and extortion demands from Meitei extremist groups.
The militants have even prevented FCI trucks from offloading food grains in the valley areas unless extortion payments are made.
Additionally, truckers transporting FCI food grains have faced numerous challenges due to ongoing militant threats.
FCI officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that the Manipur government has been unresponsive to their concerns regarding security and has failed to take adequate measures to protect FCI officials and facilities.
Recently, top FCI officials, including the Executive Director, visited Imphal to assess the situation. If the current circumstances persist, the valley areas are likely to face a severe food crisis.
