Will the Manipur government successfully rehabilitate 40,000 violence-affected individuals by March?
Synopsis
The Manipur government is on a mission to rehabilitate 40,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by ethnic violence. With a comprehensive strategy in place, the initiative aims to restore lives and communities by March 2026, focusing on not just relocation but overall well-being.
Key Takeaways
Manipur government plans to rehabilitate 40,000 IDPs by March 2026.
Focus on securing stable living conditions and resuming livelihoods.
Holistic approach includes education and wellness for IDPs.
3,700 families have been resettled as of January 29.
Over 300 relief camps established for displaced individuals.
Imphal, Jan 30 (NationPress) The government of Manipur has revealed its intention to reintegrate approximately 40,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who have been residing in relief camps since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023, by March of this year.
Manipur's Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel announced this rehabilitation initiative, stating that the government aims to resettle over 10,000 displaced IDP families, totaling more than 40,000 individuals, by March 31, 2026.
He emphasized, “The Government is dedicated to ensuring the prompt and safe rehabilitation of all displaced individuals as soon as possible.” The Chief Secretary mentioned that the state government has periodically updated the residents of Manipur regarding the progress of the IDPs' resettlement.
As part of this strategy, a state-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary and including the Commissioner of the Home Department, the Director General of Police, and other senior officials, has been established to oversee the rehabilitation efforts, Goel stated.
Additionally, district-level committees led by District Magistrates have been instituted. According to the Chief Secretary, these committees convene regularly to conduct thorough reviews of the rehabilitation process.
The primary objective of the government is to progressively and securely rehabilitate IDPs, restore stable living conditions, and facilitate the resumption of livelihoods, education, and normal community life.
The government's vision transcends merely relocating IDPs from camps to their homes; it aims for a comprehensive transition out of relief camps, focusing on livelihoods, education, and the overall well-being of the IDPs. By December 2025, over 2,200 families, comprising approximately 10,000 IDPs, had been resettled, Goel reported.
To maintain this progress, around 7,000 housing units have been sanctioned under the Special PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin) for the reconstruction of severely damaged homes, with these units currently at various stages of completion. The government has allocated roughly Rs 124 crore for the resettlement of IDPs across different locations. As of January 29, approximately 3,700 families comprising about 16,500 IDPs have been successfully resettled.
In a related event, numerous IDPs affected by violence conducted a protest rally in Imphal on January 12, seeking an affirmative response from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla regarding their resettlement.
Supported by COCOMI, the IDPs organized the rally, insisting that displaced families be permitted to return to their original locales with adequate security measures. A delegation led by COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba met with Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and subsequently visited the Governor, after which the demonstrators dispersed.
An official from Lok Bhavan confirmed that the COCOMI-IDPs joint delegation engaged with the Governor at Lok Bhavan, Imphal, where they discussed significant concerns regarding the situation of the displaced individuals and highlighted various issues needing attention.
The state government has established over 300 relief camps throughout the Imphal Valley and hilly areas, providing shelter to more than 60,000 men, women, and children displaced since the onset of ethnic violence in May 2023.
Point of View
The commitment shown by the Manipur government to rehabilitate IDPs highlights a crucial step towards restoring stability and normalcy in the region. It is vital that the government continues to engage with affected communities to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs met, fostering trust and cooperation.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the plans for the rehabilitation of IDPs in Manipur?
The Manipur government aims to rehabilitate approximately 40,000 IDPs by March 2026, focusing on providing stable living conditions and restoring livelihoods.
How many families have been resettled so far?
As of January 29, approximately 3,700 families, consisting of about 16,500 IDPs, have been successfully resettled.
What is the government's approach to IDP rehabilitation?
The government emphasizes a holistic approach, focusing on not just relocation but also on livelihood, education, and overall wellness for the IDPs.
Who oversees the rehabilitation process?
A state-level committee, led by the Chief Secretary, along with district-level committees, monitors the rehabilitation process.
How many relief camps have been established in Manipur?
The state government has set up over 300 relief camps across the Imphal Valley and hilly regions.
