To restore normalcy in Manipur, 133 individuals from the Meitei community, who had been residing in a relief camp in Jiribam district since June, were safely escorted back to their homes on August 6. This development follows recent peace talks between Hmar and Meitei groups in Assam’s Cachar district, where both sides agreed to collaborate on ensuring safe movement and normalcy within the district.
As of early August, 768 Meitei individuals remained in relief camps in Jiribam, while over 1,000 Hmar and Kuki people from the same district sought refuge in Cachar, Assam. This return operation represents a crucial step in addressing the ongoing displacement crisis.
The coordinated effort was led by the Jiribam District Administration, Jiribam District Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Assam Rifles (AR). The Manipur Police announced on X (formerly Twitter), “In a coordinated effort by Jiribam District Administration, Jiribam District Police, CRPF, and AR, Internally Displaced People who were staying at Chingdong Leikai Primary School Relief Camp returned to their homes at Mongbung Meitei Village, Jiribam District. A total of 133 people comprising 26 men, 45 women, and 62 children returned safely to their homes.”
On Tuesday afternoon, district officials confirmed that the 133 residents, including 62 children and 46 women, were relocated from the Chingdong Leikai Primary School relief camp to their homes in Mongbung village, approximately six kilometers from the town center. Notably, the younger men of the village had continued to stay behind during the unrest, maintaining a presence in their community.
