IMPHAL, May 24: The chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, on Saturday demanded full compensation for farmers in Manipur who suffered severe losses due to the ethnic violence that has gripped the state since May 2023. Speaking at the launch of the “Kisan Nyay Yodha” campaign at Congress Bhavan, Khaira launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led government, accusing it of reneging on its promises to the affected agrarian community.
Khaira criticised the government for failing to deliver on public assurances of compensation for farmers who lost access to their farmland due to the ongoing violence and prevailing security issues. “The BJP promised a relief package, but they have failed to deliver it. They cite security issues as the reason, but the truth is that many farmers are still unable to access their own fields, let alone cultivate them,” he said.
He further revealed that the BJP had earlier pledged a compensation package of approximately Rs 30 crore for affected farmers. However, Khaira claimed that even this “meagre amount” had not reached the ground, leaving farmers in distress.
Estimating the total loss incurred by farmers to be over Rs 250 crore, Khaira highlighted the grave impact of the ethnic conflict on Manipur’s agricultural sector. “Large swathes of farmland remain inaccessible and uncultivated due to the ongoing ethnic strife,” he stated, calling the situation a devastating blow to farmers’ livelihoods.
“We demand 100% compensation for all farmers affected by the violence and instability since 2023. Their livelihoods have been shattered through no fault of their own, and it is the state’s responsibility to ensure their survival,” Khaira asserted.
Beyond the economic toll, Khaira also strongly condemned the violence and atrocities committed during the conflict. Expressing deep concern over reported acts of brutality, he said: “What happened in Manipur in 2023 was horrifying. Innocent women were raped, civilians were tortured and killed. The response from the then BJP government was not just delayed, it was inadequate and shamefully small.”
He accused the authorities of delaying justice and criticised the state machinery for its inaction. “Victims of the violence are still running from pillar to post seeking justice. This reflects a complete failure of governance and institutional support,” Khaira added.
Highlighting the larger implications of the state’s inaction, he said: “We say we are building a multi-trillion dollar economy, but if women and minorities are being targeted with the tacit support of the establishment, then it is a dark chapter for Indian democracy. Justice delayed is justice denied, and till now, justice has not been served to the people of Manipur.”
Khaira’s remarks come amid ongoing concerns over the long-term impact of the ethnic violence. With thousands displaced, farmland abandoned, and deep social fractures between communities, Manipur continues to struggle for recovery more than a year since the violence erupted.
The “Kisan Nyay Yodha” initiative, launched by the Kisan Congress, aims to mobilise support for farmers’ rights and shed light on agrarian issues across India, with a particular focus on conflict-affected regions. Khaira concluded by calling upon civil society and political stakeholders to step forward in demanding both relief and justice for Manipur’s affected farming community.
