Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh told the state Assembly Monday that a fresh survey is underway to gauge the impact of ethnic violence on farmers. The move follows direct orders from the Central government. The Centre previously paid Rs 40 crore for 2023-24 losses. When the state requested Rs 88 crore for 2024-25, officials demanded a new audit before releasing more cash.
Violence has gutted 11,967.4 hectares of farmland since May 3, 2023. This shortfall totals 27,269 metric tons of grain. More than 9,100 farmers cannot work their fields. The damage centers on the foothills and border regions of Kangpokpi, Imphal East, Imphal West, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, and Bishnupur.
The COCOMI Farmers' Wing reports that many peripheral valley families have missed multiple planting seasons. They face extreme financial ruin. Co-convenor Konthoujam Thoiba warned that the group might ramp up protests if lawmakers ignore these grievances. During a press briefing at Lamphelpat, he emphasized the stakes for rural families. "Farming is not just about food consumption; paddy income funds our children's education and vital household expenses," Thoiba said.
The group claims the 2023 compensation rollout was flawed. Displaced workers from Ekou and Yenkhoman in Imphal East say they were ignored. Payments for 2024 and 2025 remain stuck. Farmers previously delayed statewide protests to support the National Register of Citizens movement. Now, they demand an Assembly resolution to clear all back pay. They also want security guarantees to safely return to their fields.
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