Manipur Governor Pledges Action on IDP Resettlement Challenges

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met with representatives of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) on Thursday, assuring them that the government is actively addressing their key concerns, including resettlement, housing, education, healthcare, and road accessibility, according to a Raj Bhavan statement. The pledge comes amid ongoing efforts to support over 57,000 people displaced by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities since May 2023, which has claimed at least 260 lives and left thousands homeless.

The delegation, comprising members of various Civil Society Organisations, raised pressing issues faced by IDPs residing in relief camps across Manipur’s hill and valley districts. "Representatives of various Civil Society Organisations of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) called on the Governor and apprised him of the challenges and grievances faced by them," the statement noted. Key concerns included the lack of proper road access, barriers to returning to their original homes, limited access to education for children, inadequate healthcare, and the urgent need for permanent housing solutions.

Governor Bhalla assured the representatives that these issues have been escalated to the relevant authorities, with "sustained efforts" underway to resolve them promptly. During a recent visit to Churachandpur district, Bhalla inaugurated a prefabricated resettlement camp at Torbung and a crèche centre, distributed relief materials, and engaged with IDPs, emphasizing the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy. He also highlighted a three-phase resettlement plan, announced by Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel, aiming to resettle all IDPs by December 2025, either in their original homes or in government-constructed temporary housing.

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The plan, which began in July, includes financial assistance of ₹1.3 lakh to ₹1.73 lakh for rebuilding approximately 8,000 destroyed homes and support for repairing 7,000 abandoned but dilapidated houses. Over 1,000 additional prefabricated homes are being constructed for IDPs from areas like Moreh and Kangpokpi. However, critics, including Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra, have argued that the plan lacks clarity and risks deepening the divide between communities, with no concrete roadmap for reconciliation.

The state, under President’s Rule since February 2025 following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, has seen some improvements in law and order, with Bhalla noting on Independence Day that the situation is "stable and under control." Security forces have intensified operations, including mobile check posts and anti-extortion measures, to ensure safety. Yet, challenges persist, with IDPs reporting psychological distress and fears of returning home due to ongoing insecurity and vigilante groups occupying properties.

Bhalla’s engagements, including meetings with MLAs, Kuki-Zo Council, and Zomi Council in Churachandpur, reflect a multi-pronged approach to address governance, connectivity, and welfare. The government has also allocated over ₹2,800 crore for infrastructure and rehabilitation, alongside initiatives like skill development and the ‘Hunar Se Rozgar’ scheme to support IDPs’ livelihoods. Despite these efforts, Amnesty International and local stakeholders have criticized the government for inadequate humanitarian aid, with many IDPs enduring inhumane camp conditions and limited access to basic necessities.

As Manipur navigates this humanitarian crisis, Bhalla’s assurances signal a commitment to action, but the path to lasting peace and resettlement remains complex, with calls for transparent investigations into the violence and stronger coordination with local groups to ensure safe returns.

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