More than two and a half years have elapsed without any communication from the ITLF regarding the status of the case, the location of the submitted documents, or details on how the collected funds have been utilized. The IDPs express frustration over repeated attempts to seek clarification, which have reportedly been ignored, raising serious concerns about potential misrepresentation by the Forum.
In their complaint, the IDPs assert that this behavior constitutes a significant breach of ethical responsibility and accountability, potentially undermining trust in the ITLF. They demand a thorough written explanation regarding the purpose of the collected funds, complete financial transparency, an update on their documents, and an overall account of the funds raised.
The petitioners have cautioned that a lack of transparency may reinforce suspicions of misappropriation and exploitation of vulnerable displaced populations. This incident emphasizes the vulnerable status of IDPs and signals the critical need for institutional oversight to prevent exploitation by organizations that claim to represent their interests.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Imphal, currently taking shelter in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts, have accused the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) of misleading them into handing over money and personal documents under false pretences. According to a formal complaint submitted to the President of ITLF, Lamka, the Forum’s Planning Department allegedly collected ₹13,000 per land plot from IDPs more than two years ago, along with land pattas and other personal documents. The collections were reportedly made on the assurance that the funds were required to file a compensation case in the Supreme Court of India.
The complainants stated that more than two and a half years have passed without any communication from the ITLF regarding the status of the purported case, the whereabouts of the submitted documents, or the utilisation of the funds collected. They alleged that repeated attempts to seek clarification have been met with silence, raising serious concerns of misrepresentation. In the complaint, the IDPs said such actions amount to a grave breach of accountability and ethical responsibility, undermining trust in the Forum. They have demanded a detailed written explanation on the purpose of the collections, complete financial disclosure, the current status of their documents, and a comprehensive account of the total funds collected. The petitioners warned that failure to ensure transparency would strengthen suspicions of misappropriation and deliberate exploitation of vulnerable displaced communities. The incident has once again highlighted the precarious situation of IDPs and underscored the urgent need for institutional oversight to prevent exploitation by organisations claiming to act on their behalf.
