What Steps is Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla Taking to Rehabilitate Violence-Impacted Displaced People in Manipur?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Congress party in Manipur is pressing for immediate rehabilitation measures for over 57,000 displaced individuals who have endured over two years in relief camps following ethnic violence. They criticize the government's plans, arguing they lack clarity and risk further division. Will Governor Bhalla respond effectively to this urgent humanitarian crisis?
Key Takeaways
- Urgent rehabilitation of displaced individuals is needed.
- The Congress party is advocating for a clear plan.
- Over 57,000 people remain in relief camps.
- The government plans a three-phase resettlement.
- Financial aid is being provided to affected families.
Imphal, July 10 (NationPress) – The Opposition Congress in Manipur has called upon Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to take urgent action for the rehabilitation of individuals displaced by violence, who have been residing in relief camps across various districts for over two years since the ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023.
A four-member Congress team, headed by state Congress president Keisham Meghachandra Singh, visited the Raj Bhavan and submitted a formal request to the Governor’s office, pleading for the return of displaced individuals to their original districts.
“Governor Bhalla was unavailable in Imphal during our visit to the Raj Bhavan. Both the central and state administrations lack definitive strategies to address the ongoing ethnic turmoil in the region,” stated the Congress in their memorandum.
During his recent trip to Bishnupur district, Singh reported visiting two locations where prefabricated homes were built for displaced families.
“I discovered that the construction of these homes proceeded without any tender process, which raises alarming concerns about potential misappropriation of public funds amounting to hundreds of crores,” claimed the Congress leader in their memorandum.
Singh, who is also a member of the legislative assembly, previously expressed that the Congress categorically rejects the so-called three-phase resettlement initiative for displaced individuals, citing its failure to present a clear and actionable plan for returning people to their rightful residences.
“This plan does not foster unity or effective rehabilitation; rather, it could exacerbate existing divisions and prolong the displacement,” he remarked.
The state government has established over 300 relief camps in the Imphal Valley and hilly areas, providing shelter to more than 57,000 men, women, and children who were uprooted following the ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023.
In related developments, Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh stated last week that with conditions improving, the Manipur government has commenced the resettlement process for displaced individuals.
According to the Chief Secretary, this resettlement will unfold in three phases—July, October, and December—and aims to be finalized by December this year.
“Most displaced individuals will be returned to their original villages. However, it is anticipated that between 9,000 and 10,000 individuals may remain unable to return by December 2025, particularly from regions like Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. These individuals will be accommodated in prefabricated homes, with many already constructed and an additional 1,000 under construction,” Chief Secretary Singh informed the media.
He indicated that the resettlement effort has commenced following several discussions with various ministries of the Union Government, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The first phase of the resettlement is already in progress and is expected to conclude by the end of this month (July). The second phase is set for October, with the final phase scheduled for December.
As per the Chief Secretary, the number of displaced individuals has decreased from approximately 62,000 to 57,000.
He mentioned that affected families whose homes were destroyed would receive financial aid of Rs 3.03 lakh, while families whose residences were partially damaged would also receive a one-time financial grant after two years of displacement.
Chief Secretary Singh concluded that the state government has implemented multiple measures to restore free movement throughout different areas of the state.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the plight of the displaced individuals in Manipur. The Congress party's appeal to Governor Bhalla sheds light on a critical humanitarian issue that requires urgent attention. Both state and central governments must formulate coherent policies to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of these individuals, fostering unity and stability in the region.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of displaced people in Manipur?
Over 57,000 individuals are currently living in relief camps due to ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.
What steps has the Manipur government taken for resettlement?
The state government has initiated a three-phase resettlement process aimed to conclude by December 2023.
How many relief camps have been established?
More than 300 relief camps have been set up across the Imphal Valley and hilly areas.
What financial assistance is being provided to affected families?
Families whose homes were destroyed will receive Rs 3.03 lakh, while partially damaged homes will receive a one-time grant.
What critiques have been made about the resettlement plan?
The Congress party has criticized the plan for lacking a clear roadmap and risking deeper divisions among communities.
