How is the Manipur Government Resettling Displaced Individuals?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Government's focus: Prioritizing the resettlement of IDPs.
- Safety measures: Assurance of secure return by state police and paramilitary forces.
- Community engagement: Chief Secretary encourages feedback from camp residents.
- Financial aid: Rs 3.03 lakh support for families with destroyed homes.
- Relief camps: Over 300 camps set up for displaced individuals.
Imphal, Aug 8 (NationPress) - The newly appointed Chief Secretary of Manipur, Puneet Kumar Goel, stated on Friday that the government is prioritizing the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by violence back to their original villages and homes in a peaceful and secure manner.
The Chief Secretary, along with Arun Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary of Agriculture, visited the Ngahmun Pre-Fabricated Relief Camp in the Champhai Sub-Division and the Mandop Relief Camp in the Kangpokpi district.
During his visit, Goel met with the residents of both camps, reiterating the government's commitment to ensuring that the violence-affected IDPs can return to their original homes safely. He assured that state police and paramilitary forces are diligently working to facilitate this return without any disturbances.
Moreover, the Chief Secretary urged camp residents to voice any requests or concerns regarding the improvement of facilities at their temporary shelters. He engaged with students and elderly individuals, listening attentively to their needs and discussing the available government assistance.
Goel also distributed stationery kits and sports supplies to students at both camps. The IDPs have faced numerous hardships due to their displacement but have expressed deep gratitude for the government's ongoing support. This aid has been crucial in providing them with essential resources for survival. Nevertheless, the IDPs voiced significant concerns about their current conditions, particularly the absence of examination centers, which hampers their children’s education and future prospects.
Later, Goel chaired a district-level meeting to assess the progress of the DA-JGUA and PM-JANMAN schemes with relevant departments. He commended the District Administration for successfully relocating some IDPs to their original homes.
The Chief Secretary also met with local civil society groups in the Kangpokpi district. With the situation gradually improving, the government of Manipur has begun the resettlement process for those displaced by violence. A senior official indicated that most IDPs are expected to return to their villages by December this year.
However, after December 2025, approximately 9,000 to 10,000 displaced individuals may remain unable to return, particularly those from regions like Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. These individuals will be offered accommodation in prefabricated homes.
The resettlement initiative commenced following extensive discussions with various departments of the Union government, including the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Financial assistance of Rs 3.03 lakh per family will be granted to those whose homes were destroyed, while those with partially damaged homes will receive a lump sum after two years of abandonment.
The state government has set up over 300 relief camps across the Imphal Valley and hilly areas, providing shelter to more than 57,000 men, women, and children displaced by ethnic violence over the past two years.