Manipur CM announces Rs 33 crore aid for Internally Displaced Persons, vows safe and peaceful return home

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the distribution of benefits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) at the Alternate Housing Complex. Around Rs 33 crore was released.

Interacting with the IDPs, the Chief Minister said that the first step after the formation of the new government following President’s Rule is to help them return to their respective homes with peace and goodwill.

For the first time since May 2023, when Manipur was engulfed by ethnic violence, the Chief Minister interacted with IDPs from the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities together, both in person and through video conference, as part of the function.


The state government organised a joint interaction programme for IDPs from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Imphal West. While the Chief Minister interacted with Kuki-Zo IDPs from Churachandpur through video conference, he was physically present at an IDP centre at the Langol Alternate Housing Complex in Imphal West district.

IDPs from both communities opened their hearts, narrating to the Chief Minister the plight and hardships they have faced over the last three years. A young Kuki girl from Kangpokpi district asked the Chief Minister to consider her as his own daughter and said she was facing difficulties in pursuing her post-graduation. A Meitei woman pleaded with the Chief Minister to allow her to return to her home in the border town of Moreh. Another Kuki-Zo woman from a relief camp in Churachandpur explained the difficulties they face in accessing medical treatment.

There were tears, choked voices, and teary eyes as IDPs from both communities interacted with the new Chief Minister, seeing a ray of hope that they may soon return to their homes and lead normal lives.

When a Meitei resident of Moreh told the Chief Minister that she had been in a relief camp for almost three years and expressed her desire to see her home once again, Khemchand said that although he could not give an exact date, his government is trying hard to bridge relations between the two warring sides so that fear of entering each other’s areas is completely removed. “I will not let your tears go in vain,” the Chief Minister said, adding that his government’s priority is to remove the trust deficit between the two communities.

To an inmate of a relief camp in Churachandpur, the Chief Minister said he understands the hardships faced by the people of the district in accessing medical treatment, as the majority of doctors in the state are from the Meitei community and advanced medical facilities are located in Imphal. “When BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte was admitted to Churachandpur District Hospital recently in serious condition, I sent two Meitei Pangal doctors as they did not face problems visiting Kuki-Zo areas. I will never forget the services rendered by those two Meitei Pangal doctors, including a lady doctor,” he said.

Khemchand said there are about 8,000 Kuki-Zo students whose studies have been affected by the ethnic conflict. He said about 2,000 of them were able to pursue their studies in other states; however, problems remain for the remaining 6,000 students. “We need a special plan for such students,” he said.

The Chief Minister also reiterated that any Kuki-Zo tribal wishing to visit Imphal for medical treatment will be provided foolproof security. “There will be absolutely no problem for you all in getting medical treatment in Imphal hospitals. A few new ambulances have also arrived, and we will make necessary arrangements,” he told Kuki-Zo inmates from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.

The Chief Minister said that although some IDPs have returned, challenges remain as fear continues among sections of the population. He stated that lasting peace will come only when communities reach mutual understanding. He appealed to civil society organisations from both the hills and the valley to work together for the restoration of normalcy and urged all communities to live with unity and mutual respect.

Singh stated that special support of Rs 2,420 per person is being provided so that IDPs can replace worn-out mattresses and essential personal items.

He highlighted financial assistance measures, including Rs 1 lakh per family whose houses were completely burnt; Rs 25,000 already released to 9,314 households as the first instalment; Rs 25,000 as the first instalment to be released to another 434 households; and Rs 20,000 additional assistance for all 9,748 eligible households. He added that those who have not yet received benefits will also be supported by the government.

He said Manipur is home to 36 communities and stressed that people in the hills and the valley must live as one. He added that MLAs will visit all 36 relief camps where IDPs are residing as part of this initiative. He urged IDPs and civil society organisations to bridge trust gaps and strengthen peace.

During interactions with IDPs at the venue and via video conference, the Chief Minister listened patiently to grievances related to resettlement, pensions, education, and healthcare. IDPs from Nghamun Relief Camp (Kangpokpi), represented by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen; Torbung Prefabricated (Churachandpur), represented by MLA Letzamang Haokip; Sadhbhav Mandap Khominthang (Churachandpur), represented by MLA L.M. Khaute; and Sadhbhav Mandap Tuibong (Churachandpur), represented by MLA Paolienlal Haokip joined virtually.

MLA L.M. Khaute raised issues regarding job cards and financial entitlements. The Chief Minister stated that special job cards can be transferred between districts through an official process and informed that pending cases may be submitted through the MLA.