Imphal, Manipur – Manipur Chief Minister has reaffirmed that the rehabilitation and dignified return of thousands of people displaced by ethnic violence since May 2023 continues to be the number one priority of his government. Speaking to media persons after a high-level review meeting on relief and rehabilitation, the CM said the administration is working on a multi-pronged strategy to create conditions for safe, voluntary, and sustainable return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their original villages.
The statement assumes significance as Manipur approaches the third year of one of the longest and most complex internal displacement crises in recent Indian history.
Current Displacement Snapshot
- Over 60,000 people still living in relief camps across Imphal Valley, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and other districts
- Thousands more staying with relatives or in rented accommodations
- Large number of villages in hill and valley districts remain uninhabitable due to destruction of houses, burning of crops, and continued security concerns
Key Points from CM’s Statement
- Safe return first — “Rehabilitation without safety is meaningless. We will not force anyone to return until the ground situation allows peaceful co-existence.”
- Phased approach — Priority given to villages where both communities express willingness to live together again; pilot return programmes already underway in select locations.
- Massive reconstruction push — Accelerated funding under SDRF, NDRF, and special central assistance for rebuilding houses, schools, churches, temples, and basic infrastructure in affected villages.
- Livelihood restoration — Special packages for farmers (seed, fertilizer, farm equipment), petty traders, and daily wagers to restart economic activity upon return.
- Psychosocial support — Tie-up with NGOs and central agencies to provide sustained counselling, trauma care, and community reconciliation initiatives.
- Security matrix — Continued deployment of central forces, area domination exercises, and confidence-building patrolling in vulnerable return zones.
The Chief Minister also appealed to civil society, community leaders, and religious institutions from both sides to play an active role in trust-building and dialogue at the village level.
Opposition & Civil Society Reaction
While acknowledging the intent, opposition parties and some IDP welfare groups have criticized the pace of rehabilitation:
- “Talk of return sounds good, but actual ground progress is painfully slow,” said a senior opposition leader.
- Many families complain that promised interim relief (cash, rations, temporary shelters) remains inconsistent.
- Demand for a comprehensive rehabilitation policy with clear timelines, transparent funding tracking, and third-party monitoring.
The state government has countered by pointing to the complexity of the crisis — involving deep ethnic mistrust, disputed land ownership, destroyed properties, and fragile law-and-order situation in many pockets.
Centre–State Coordination
The Centre has repeatedly assured full support, including:
- Additional funds under the Special Assistance to States category
- Deployment of more CAPF companies
- Technical assistance from NDMA and NITI Aayog for rehabilitation planning
The issue of displaced persons is expected to remain a dominant talking point in Manipur politics throughout 2026, especially with Assembly elections approaching in early 2027.
The Chief Minister concluded by saying: “We are not just rebuilding houses — we are trying to rebuild lives, trust, and hope. It will take time, but this government will not rest until every displaced family finds a safe way back home.”
Relevant Tags
Manipur IDP Rehabilitation, Displaced Persons Return, Ethnic Violence Aftermath, Manipur Relief Camps, Chief Minister Priority, Northeast Internal Displacement, Manipur Peace Process, Village Return Programme, Manipur Government Statement, Northeast Conflict Recovery
Hashtags
#ManipurRehabilitation #IDPReturn #ManipurCM #DisplacedFamilies #EthnicConflictRecovery #ManipurNews #NortheastIndia #ReliefAndRehab #SafeReturn #ManipurPeace
