What Steps is the Manipur Government Taking to Support Violence-Affected Residents?
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Synopsis
On December 1, the Manipur government took decisive action by establishing state and district committees aimed at expediting the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence. This move signals a commitment to restoring stability and supporting affected families, amidst ongoing protests and rising tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Formation of state and district committees to assist IDPs.
- Committees aim to enhance coordination and support for rehabilitation efforts.
- Over 300 relief camps have been established in the state.
- IDPs have initiated protests demanding their return home.
- Government's commitment to restore stability is crucial.
Imphal, Dec 1 (NationPress) In a pivotal move, the Manipur government announced the formation of both state-level and district-level committees to enhance the ongoing initiatives aimed at the rehabilitation and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have been residing in relief camps since the ethnic unrest began in May 2023.
A senior official from the state government highlighted that this decision to establish high-level committees underscores the government's dedication to adopting a coordinated, responsive, and community-focused strategy for reinstating stability and assisting affected families.
The state-level committee, led by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and including the Commissioners of Finance, Home, and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Departments, with the Special or Additional Secretary (Home) as the Convenor, will provide strategic oversight and policy guidance.
This elevated body is structured to facilitate cohesive decision-making, improve cross-departmental collaboration, and tackle systemic issues that could hinder the overall progress of rehabilitation and resettlement efforts throughout the state.
The official added that supporting this initiative, District-Level Committees, chaired by the respective Deputy Commissioners and assisted by the Project Director (DRDA), with the Additional Deputy Commissioner as Convenor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, and the relevant Sub-Divisional Officers, will act as the primary mechanism for on-ground implementation.
These committees are charged with overseeing and coordinating all rehabilitation and resettlement efforts for IDPs, addressing challenges, and ensuring timely and effective provision of support.
This organized approach is anticipated to streamline procedures, bolster inter-departmental cooperation, and guarantee that assistance reaches families in need, according to the official.
Meanwhile, in the lead-up to the 10-day Sangai Tourism Festival, which commenced at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal on November 21, various groups of IDPs alongside several Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella organization of multiple Meitei civil society groups, called for a cease-work strike. They urged the public to boycott the festival and conducted a series of protests.
Numerous police personnel and IDPs were injured during clashes in the Imphal East district related to the festival, which the government portrayed as an effort to restore normalcy in the beleaguered state.
The tensions arose when men and women from Ekou, Dolaithabi, and Yengkhuman areas, currently sheltering in multiple relief camps, attempted to return to their original homes, only to be obstructed by security forces.
In response, the security personnel employed cane charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several IDPs and numerous police officers.
A spokesperson representing the IDPs stated that since the state government is hosting the annual Sangai Tourism Festival from November 21 to 30, it is presumed normalcy has returned to their regions, and thus, they should be permitted to go back home instead of remaining in relief camps.
The IDPs inhabiting various relief camps across Manipur have initiated a month-long protest starting Monday at Lamboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West.
Protesters are demanding that the government adhere to its promise to facilitate their return home within December.
The state government has set up over 300 relief camps in both the Imphal valley and hilly areas to shelter more than 59,000 men, women, and children who were displaced following the ethnic violence that erupted in the state more than two-and-a-half years ago.
Point of View
It's essential to recognize the gravity of the situation in Manipur. The government's proactive stance in forming committees to address the needs of IDPs is commendable. However, the ongoing unrest and protests underscore the complexities involved in restoring peace and normalcy. We must remain focused on the voices of the affected families and ensure that their needs are prioritized in all actions taken.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the formation of these committees?
The committees were formed to enhance the ongoing rehabilitation and resettlement efforts for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence in Manipur.
Who will oversee the state-level committee?
The Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel will chair the state-level committee, which includes various departmental commissioners.
What is the role of the District-Level Committees?
District-Level Committees will implement rehabilitation measures on the ground, ensuring coordination and timely feedback to the state-level committee.
How many relief camps have been established in Manipur?
Over 300 relief camps have been set up across the Imphal valley and hilly regions to provide shelter for more than 59,000 displaced individuals.
What have the IDPs demanded from the government?
The IDPs are demanding that the government fulfill its commitment to facilitate their return home within December.
