Manipur still has nearly 10,000 internally displaced persons

IMPHAL — Nearly 10,000 people remain to be displaced, following the ethnic conflict that broke out between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zo communities of Manipur in May 3, 2023, killed more than 200 people and rendered thousands of citizens homeless.

As many as 8,848 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently staying in 46 relief camps, while 1,115 are staying outside the relief camps in Manipur’s Bishnupur district.

This was shared by district officials during the first meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee at Bishnupur district headquarters on Thursday. The panel was constituted for the rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs in the state, amid the ongoing crisis.

The officials updated that 384 temporary houses, including pre-fabricated ones, have been constructed in the district. So far, 338 families have shifted to these newly constructed temporary houses and 818 families have returned to their original residence/place.

Minister for Public Works Department Govindas Konthoujam, who is also the chairperson of the Cabinet Sub-Committee, Govindas asked the concerned SDOs/SDCs to furnish details of areas where a conducive atmosphere for the return of IDPs is possible but needs repairing of the properties.

Assuring assistance to students belonging to IDPs, regarding their admission to schools and colleges, he said the government will discuss increasing of intake in government institutes if required.

Bishnupur DC, L Bikram said that the government has been extending livelihood facilities to IDPs through CMESS scheme, MGNREGS special job cards, and skill development training programmes. He added that the identification of land for the construction of houses for displaced families, who cannot return to their original residence, is under process.

The members of the panel, which include legislators, and officials of district administration attended the meeting convened for identifying the grievances of IDPs staying in relief camps, assessing the needs and requirements of persons in relief camps, supervising measures for the resettlement and rehabilitation of IDPs, and supervising the identification of land for temporary relocation of IDPs.

The team also visited relief camps at Moirang College, Santhong Community Hall, Moirangkhunou Mayai Leikai Mandop, and Kumbi Leirak Achouba Community Hall and Laishang Leikai Lampak, and interacted with the inmates.

During the interaction, inmates expressed their grievances and requirements to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.