Sit-in opposes inadequate compensation for Torbung crisis victims
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, July 19 2025: Residents of Torbung Gram Panchayat staged a sit-in protest at Phougakchao Ikhai community hall on Saturday, expressing strong dissatisfaction over the government 's compensation policy for villagers affected by the ongoing crisis.

Keithellakpam ongbi Kegeshana of Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai, who participated in the protest, said that the government's failure to fulfil its promises to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has diminished all hopes of their return to their native homes.

The crisis began from Torbung, yet those affected continue to suffer without adequate support.

During chief minister N Biren Singh's tenure, the government had announced a compensation scheme offering Rs 10 lakh for families with pucca houses, Rs 8 lakh for semi-pucca houses, Rs 5 lakh for kucha houses, and Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakh for those partially damaged, she said.

However, she pointed out that following the imposition of President's Rule in the state, the revised compensation amount was reduced to Rs 3 lakh per household for facilitating the return of IDPs, raising doubts about the sincerity of the government's intentions.

Condemning the government's backtracking on its earlier commitments, she stated, "This move makes it highly unlikely that displaced families will be able to return home with dignity and security".

She further warned that if the Governor fails to take immediate and meaningful action in favour of the IDPs, an intense form of agitation will be launched in coordination with local clubs, civil society organisations and Meira Paibi groups across the state.

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