By NE NOW NEWS
Guwahati: Manipur’s Khodang village in the Churachandpur–Kakching–Bishnupur border region returned to habitation on May 28, becoming the first Kuki-Zo settlement to be officially resettled after the mass displacement caused by the ethnic conflict that broke out in May 2023.
A formal programme marking the return of residents was held in the buffer zone area, where Paolenlal Haokip inaugurated the event.
The ceremony began with the installation of a memorial stone, followed by a prayer led by Pastor Zalal of the GTPA.
The village had been abandoned since May 28, 2023, when residents left following reported violence.
Locals said most of the 40-plus houses in the settlement were damaged or destroyed during the unrest, while a few remained intact.
The village chief said the return of residents was made possible with support from the MLA, district authorities, civil society organisations, and village-level leadership.
He said families would now be able to resume normal life and livelihoods after nearly two years away.
Officials said reconstruction work has covered around 40 houses, while plans are in place to build about 10 more homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme.
Members of Kuki civil organisations, student groups, women’s organisations, chiefs’ bodies, and personnel from the security forces attended the programme.