Manipur's displaced people seek resettlement

Guwahati: Thousands of Internally Displaced People (IDP) and volunteers of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) took out a massive rally in Imphal West district on Monday.

These people, currently lodged in refugee camps since ethnic violence broke out on May 3, 2023, were demanding permanent relocation to their original homes. They had held a month-long protest in December.

A police official said the rally was stopped at Keisampat Junction and there were arguments between security forces and some displaced people.


A delegation of around 11 representatives, led by COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba, was allowed into the chief secretary's office where they submitted a memorandum pressing for urgent government intervention. The delegation later went to the Lok Bhavan where they submitted the memorandum to governor Ajay Bhalla, reiterating their demand for safe return and rehabilitation of IDPs in their native places.

Bhalla said in a statement that they shared broad concerns related to the situation of IDP and raised issues requiring attention. Discussions also touched upon matters linked to arrangements in certain areas adjoining the Valley and the Hills.