Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on August 24 met displaced camp and non-camp families from various districts at his Secretariat and listened to their grievances and concerns regarding the conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) relief camps and their native villages.
During the meeting, the IDPs pressed the Chief Minister for dignified and swift rehabilitation, a secure return to their original native places, and equal financial or relief support regardless of whether they live inside or outside formal camps.
The IDPs demanded immediate and secure pathways to return to their native homes in conflict-affected areas rather than indefinite stays in relief camps.
They also sought equal relief and livelihood support, including financial aid, medical provisions and essential amenities for non-camp IDPs living with relatives or in rented accommodation, rather than restricting benefits solely to designated camp residents.
They also demanded transparent, time-bound plans for permanent housing or prefabricated units for families whose original houses were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.
The IDPs also appealed, with support from political and civil groups, for the postponement of major statewide exercises such as the Census and house-listing operations until all displaced persons are fully rehabilitated and normalcy is restored.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar, Special Secretary (Home) Ahanthem Subash Singh, Deputy Commissioners of various districts and representatives of the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee, Meitei Council Moreh, Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims, Moreh, Meitei Union Kangpokpi, Torbung Gram Panchayat Victim Committee and the Apex Committee of Victims’ Villages.
Later, the Chief Minister assured the IDPs that all the issues raised by them would be addressed and that the government was sincerely working for their rehabilitation and resettlement.
The meeting was held five days after former Manipur Chief Minister and state Congress president Okram Ibobi Singh, during a press conference, called on the state government to prioritise the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and restoration of normalcy before undertaking any census operation in the state.
Official data from a State Home Department Right to Information (RTI) filing puts the total number of cumulatively displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur at 58,881 following the ethnic conflict that started on May 3, 2023.
While partial resettlement efforts have moved thousands back to their native areas, more than 43,000 individuals remain displaced across various camps and temporary shelters.