Kisan Sabha holds convention, seeks policy for disaster victims

The Himachal Kisan Sabha organised a state-level convention of disaster-affected families at Vishwakarma Hall, Mandi, recently to highlight the plight of victims affected by the recurring natural disasters in the state. The convention focused on the demand for a fair rehabilitation policy — “land for land, and house for house.”

The convention was inaugurated by Rakesh Singha, state secretary of the Himachal Kisan Sabha, who, in his opening address, emphasised that continuous natural calamities have adversely impacted the lives and livelihood of the people across Himachal Pradesh.

“People have lost their fields, livestock, homes and even lives. In many places, families do not have even two biswas of land left to rebuild their houses,” said Singha. He urged the Central Government to amend the Forest Conservation Act to allow the allocation of at least five bighas of land to the disaster-affected families for resettlement.

He further demanded that the government should provide immediate housing to those who lost their homes and ensure monthly rent assistance for all displaced families until permanent rehabilitation is completed.

During the convention, several disaster-affected residents from different parts of the state shared their experiences and grievances. Many participants alleged that revenue officials failed to record their damages accurately, depriving them of government compensation and relief packages.

At the conclusion of the convention, it was decided that if the government fails to address these issues, the Himachal Kisan Sabha and disaster victims will launch state-wide protests. The first phase of demonstrations will be held on November 26 at all district and sub-divisional headquarters across the state to press for their demands.

If the government still does not take corrective measures, a second round of protests will be organised on January 19, 2026, at all sub-divisional offices.

Before launching these protest programs, a delegation of the Kisan Sabha will meet state government representatives and submit a memorandum outlining the key demands for fair compensation, land allocation and permanent rehabilitation of the affected families.

The convention ended with a strong message of solidarity among the disaster-hit communities and a call for immediate government intervention to ensure justice for the displaced.