Imphal: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur continued to express concerns over their safety, rehabilitation and livelihoods, with several displaced families staging protests with black flags on Independence Day.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh acknowledged their concerns after meeting a group of IDPs who said they could visit their homes only during the day and did not feel safe staying there overnight.
More than 43,000 IDPs remain in relief camps across nine districts, while the total number of displaced people in the state has exceeded 58,000 since May 2023.
Speaking at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister said he was deeply moved by the concerns raised by the IDPs.
He said he was particularly concerned after hearing from residents of an area bordering Churachandpur district who said they could return to their homes only during the daytime because they did not feel safe staying there at night.
The Chief Minister also said the displaced people were facing difficulties in finding livelihood opportunities. He added that people affected by any crisis experience similar pain and hardship.
IDPs at relief camps across Manipur hoisted black flags on August 15 to protest against the Independence Day celebrations.
Displaced families at Sajiwa, Sawombung and Akampat also staged demonstrations, calling for a permanent solution to their displacement. Some protesters rejected the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, saying they no longer have homes to return to.
Manipur Home Department data shows that more than 43,000 IDPs are currently staying in relief camps across nine districts. The total number of displaced people in the state has exceeded 58,000 since the ethnic violence began in May 2023.
Churachandpur district has around 33,000 displaced people, including about 15,000 living in relief camps and 18,000 staying outside formal relief facilities.