In a significant development since the ethnic violence that erupted on May 23, 2023, internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both hill and valley districts jointly interacted with Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh through a video conferencing programme held on Thursday.
The Chief Minister attended the distribution of benefits to IDPs through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) at the Alternate Housing Complex, National Games Village (NGV) Relief Camp in Imphal West. Around ₹33 crore was released as part of the initiative.
For the first time since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, the Chief Minister interacted together with IDPs belonging to Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities — both in person and virtually. The state government organised a joint interaction programme connecting IDPs from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts. While he was physically present at the Langol Alternate Housing Complex in Imphal West, he interacted via video conference with Kuki-Zo IDPs from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
During the emotional interaction, IDPs from both communities narrated their hardships over the past three years. A young Kuki girl from Kangpokpi appealed to the Chief Minister to consider her as his daughter and highlighted the difficulties she faces in pursuing post-graduate studies. A Meitei woman from Moreh requested that she be allowed to return to her home in the border town. Another Kuki-Zo woman from Churachandpur spoke about challenges in accessing medical treatment.
Moved by the grievances, the Chief Minister assured them that his government’s priority is to help IDPs return home peacefully and bridge the trust deficit between communities. “I will not let your tears go in vain,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to remove fear and restore confidence among people.
He acknowledged the healthcare challenges faced by people in hill districts and assured fool-proof security for Kuki-Zo individuals seeking treatment in Imphal hospitals. He also noted that nearly 8,000 Kuki-Zo students have been affected by the conflict, of whom around 2,000 are studying outside the state, and said a special plan is needed for the remaining students.
Highlighting financial assistance measures, the Chief Minister said ₹2,420 per person is being provided for essential personal items. Families whose houses were completely burnt are eligible for ₹1 lakh assistance. So far, ₹25,000 as first instalment has been released to 9,314 households, with another 434 households set to receive the same. An additional ₹20,000 will be provided to 9,748 eligible families.
He stressed that Manipur is home to 36 communities and called upon civil society organisations from both hills and valley to work together for lasting peace. MLAs will visit all 36 relief camps as part of the initiative.
The programme was attended by several ministers, MLAs, senior officials, and district administrations. Similar DBT distribution programmes were also conducted in Bishnupur, Imphal East, Kakching and Thoubal districts as part of the state-wide initiative aimed at supporting internally displaced persons.
