Nearly 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Dolaithabi village in Manipur’s Imphal East district made a bold attempt to return to their ancestral land on Tuesday. These villagers, displaced for over two years due to the ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023, currently reside at the Sajiwa Relief Camp. Their journey back home, however, was not just a physical one — it was a plea for dignity, belonging, and survival.The group began their march early Tuesday morning but was stopped by security forces near the volatile Pukhao Terapur area. Despite the presence of barricades and personnel, many of the determined villagers refused to give up. In a dramatic turn, several of them waded across the Iril River on foot, braving muddy banks and strong currents, to reach Dolaithabi.
This act of defiance has brought fresh attention to the plight of thousands who remain displaced in Manipur, living in cramped relief camps without a clear roadmap for rehabilitation.Among the returnees was RK Prem Singh, a resident of Dolaithabi, who spoke to reporters with visible emotion. “We’ve had enough of relief camps. They are not homes. We crossed the river because we are ready to reclaim our land, even if it means risking our lives,” he said. “We will not go back unless there is a clear plan from the government to resettle us.” His words echo the deep frustration that has been brewing among displaced communities across Manipur. For Singh and others, the return to their village is not merely a symbolic act; it is a fight for survival and justice. He said that only two houses remain standing in Dolaithabi, while the rest have either been reduced to ashes or lie in ruins. “Our fields are now being farmed by others. It’s not just about land, it’s about our identity,” he said, holding back tears.
The villagers of Dolaithabi were among the many who had to flee their homes when violence between Meitei and Kuki communities broke out in May 2023. What was supposed to be temporary shelter has turned into a prolonged ordeal for those housed in camps like the one in Sajiwa. The IDPs report a lack of livelihood opportunities, inadequate sanitation, and cramped living conditions.
