Manipur's Relief Camps to Close Amid Ongoing Resettlement Concerns

The Kakching district administration in Manipur has announced the closure of 11 relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) starting March 31, signaling a potential return to normalcy. However, many displaced families express deep concerns about their safety and the feasibility of returning home. While the government cites improvements in law and order, individuals like Memi Devi and Irengbam Tombi voice apprehensions about ongoing security challenges and the destruction of their communities. This situation highlights the complex recovery process in Manipur, where progress in some areas contrasts with persistent insecurity in others.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 13:57 IST

Closure of Relief Camps in Manipur

Imphal, Mar 30: In a significant development indicating a gradual return to normalcy in certain areas of Manipur, the district administration of Kakching has announced the closure of 11 relief camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs) effective March 31. This decision is attributed to advancements in resettlement initiatives.

However, this announcement has raised concerns among the displaced families who are apprehensive about the prospect of returning to their homes.

The directive, issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Kakching, was made considering the improved law and order situation and the ongoing rehabilitation efforts, particularly for IDPs from Sugnu, Wapokpi, Tengjeng, and Serou.

The camps scheduled for closure include various locations such as the Old Age Home Kakching, Kalyan Ashram Kakching, Indoor Stadium Kakching, and several schools and community halls.

Officials have clarified that not all IDPs will be able to return immediately. Those from Moreh, Napat, and other sensitive areas will remain at Yangbi Girls’ High School in Wabagai due to ongoing security issues.

While the state government is actively working on resettling displaced individuals across different regions, challenges persist in many areas due to security threats, damaged infrastructure, and a lack of trust among the affected populations.

Despite the administration's portrayal of this move as a step towards normalcy, the sentiments of the IDPs reflect a more cautious outlook.

Memi Devi, an IDP from Moreh, expressed her worries about the future, stating, “Sometimes I feel that everyone will return to their actual places, and only we will be left in relief camps. We feel dejected knowing it will not be easy to return.”

Irengbam Tombi, another IDP from Churachandpur currently residing in a relief camp in Imphal West, shared similar fears, highlighting the ongoing security challenges. “We also want to return, which is why we continue to press the state government to allow us. But we also realize that Churachandpur is now entirely Kuki-dominated and our settlements have been wiped out. Who will guarantee our security? Until complete normalcy is restored, who will risk their lives?” she remarked.

The differing perspectives illustrate the complex recovery landscape in Manipur, where administrative advancements in some districts contrast sharply with ongoing insecurity and displacement in others.