Manipur: People deprived of NFSA rice quotas for eight months stage protest in Imphal East

Imphal: Hundreds of people who had not gotten monthly quotas of rice for the past eight months under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) took out a rally and stormed the gate of the District Commissioner’s office in Imphal East district on Monday.

Sheikh Noorul Hassan, MLA of the Kshetrigao assembly constituency in Imphal East district led the rally that ultimately stormed the DC Office, Imphal East district.

The participants in the rally shouted the slogan for the resignation of the Manipur CAF & PD minister immediately for his failure to issue the rice quotas under the NFSA for the past eight months.

MLA Sheikh Noorul Hassan said, that the non-release of rice quotas under the National Food Security Act for the Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency for the past eight months is denying the basic food rights of the needy.

“I am writing to urge the concerned Minister and competent authorities to intervene and release the rice quota immediately,” the MLA said.

He added, “The people’s frustration may lead to various forms of democratic agitation and protest. As a representative, I must heed the will and aspirations of the people.”

Additionally, the National Food Security Act (NFSA) agents and sub-agents of the Kshetrigao assembly segment submitted a memorandum to Khumanthem Diana, Deputy Commissioner, Imphal East on July 22, 2024, through the Additional District Magistrate (ADM).

The memorandum bearing the signature of 23 NFSA agents demands the release of the eight-month pending PDS rice for the Kshetrigao Assembly Constituency and also appeals for the declaration of the names of newly appointed Fair Price Shop (FPS) agents.