Manipur Government Plans IDP Resettlement by December Amidst Improving Conditions

Resettlement Plans for Internally Displaced Persons

Imphal, July 5: The Chief Secretary of Manipur, Prashant Kumar Singh, announced today that the state is making strides towards the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) by December, coinciding with a gradual return to normalcy.

Singh made these remarks while attending the second foundation day celebration of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST). He was joined by Additional Chief Secretary for Tribal Affairs and Hills, Anurag Bajpai, and MSCST chairperson T Mathieu Rongmei.

The resettlement process for IDPs will occur in three phases scheduled for July, October, and December. Those unable to return home by year-end will be provided with prefabricated shelters, as the government aims to close relief camps by the end of this year.

In response to inquiries about the Prime Minister's potential visit to Manipur, Singh stated that the state government has not received any formal notification regarding this matter.

Previously, Singh suggested that the next MSCST foundation day celebration be held in a hill district to encourage greater involvement from tribal communities. He expressed optimism that the improving situation in the state would lead to participation from all tribal groups next year.

The Manipur government has begun collecting data on IDPs currently residing in the state. The region has experienced ethnic violence since a student rally in Churachandpur district escalated on May 3, 2023, resulting in approximately 250 fatalities and displacing over 50,000 individuals.

Many IDPs continue to reside in relief camps throughout the state, while others have sought refuge outside of Manipur.