Manipur Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh has said that solving the problems faced by people displaced due to ethnic violence will be the main focus of his government. He stated that the administration will soon prepare a clear plan to ensure that internally displaced persons (IDPs) can safely return to their homes in different parts of Manipur. Speaking to reporters a day after taking oath as the Chief Minister, Singh said that thousands of families are still living in relief camps and are facing many daily challenges. According to him, the most serious concern is that many of these families are unable to return to their villages because the situation in some areas is still not fully stable. He said the government understands the pain and hardship faced by the displaced people and is working to find a long-term solution. “Our first priority will be to look after the problems of IDPs in both the hills and the valley. The biggest issue is that they are not able to return to their homes. The government will formulate a roadmap very soon,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the media.
The state has been facing ethnic unrest for a long period, which has forced a large number of residents to leave their homes and move to temporary relief camps set up by the government and various organisations. Many of these displaced families have been living in camps for months, depending on government assistance and support from civil society groups. Officials say that apart from shelter, these families require regular food supplies, healthcare services, education facilities for children, and livelihood support. Government sources indicated that the proposed roadmap may include several steps such as restoring security in sensitive areas, rebuilding damaged houses, improving basic infrastructure in affected villages, and providing financial assistance to displaced families. Officials also said that discussions are expected to be held with local community leaders, security agencies, and district administrations to ensure that the return process is carried out safely and smoothly. Experts believe that the safe return of displaced families will play an important role in restoring normal life in the state. They say that along with security arrangements, confidence-building measures among different communities will also be necessary so that people feel safe enough to return to their homes. Community organisations and social groups have also urged the government to take quick steps to improve living conditions in relief camps until permanent solutions are implemented.
Since taking office, Chief Minister Singh has held several meetings with senior officials to review the situation in violence-affected districts. Government officials said that the administration is also collecting detailed data about the number of displaced families, the condition of their houses, and the type of support required for rehabilitation. This information is expected to help authorities design a more effective rehabilitation plan.Many displaced families have expressed hope that the new government will speed up the process of rehabilitation and ensure their safe return. Some residents staying in relief camps said they want to go back to their villages as soon as possible but are waiting for clear assurances about safety and rebuilding support. The Chief Minister said the government is committed to restoring peace and normalcy across the state and will work in coordination with all concerned agencies to achieve this goal. He added that addressing the difficulties faced by displaced people is not only a humanitarian responsibility but also an important step toward long-term stability and development in Manipur.
