Call for Restoration of Financial Aid for Displaced Persons in Manipur
Concerns Raised by COCOMI Regarding Financial Assistance
Members of COCOMI address the press in Lamphel, on Wednesday. (AT Photo)
Imphal, July 29: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has claimed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing outside government relief camps have not received any Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) financial support since July.
During a press conference held at their office in Lamphel, COCOMI urged the Manipur government to promptly reinstate this financial aid, arguing that halting assistance before the complete rehabilitation of displaced families is “unjustified.”
The event saw participation from IDPs, COCOMI volunteers, and representatives from affected communities, all voicing their concerns.
COCOMI leaders emphasized that numerous families uprooted by ethnic violence are still reliant on government aid for their daily needs.
They contended that ceasing financial support at this critical juncture would impose additional hardships on vulnerable families still struggling to rebuild their lives.
IDP representative L. Gojendro Meitei highlighted that the issue mainly affects non-camp IDPs, who have not received DBT-based financial assistance since July.
He noted that those in government-recognized relief camps continue to receive aid under the current relief program.
According to Gojendro, the government had been providing approximately Rs 100 per person daily, which has been crucial for displaced families living in rented spaces or with relatives to cover basic food and household costs.
Subhachandra, Co-Convenor of the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee, warned that displaced families would initiate protests if the overdue ration assistance is not credited by July 31.
He stated, "If the ration amount is not transferred by the 31st of this month, IDPs are fully prepared to organise an agitation from the very next day."
The ethnic violence that began on May 3, 2023, has displaced tens of thousands in Manipur, forcing many into government relief camps, rented homes, or living with relatives.
While some individuals remain in designated relief camps, others outside have depended on government financial support as they await safe return or permanent rehabilitation.
In light of this situation, the speakers insisted that relief efforts must persist until every displaced family is rehabilitated with dignity and security.
As of the time of this report, there was no immediate response from the state government regarding these allegations.