Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has told the state Assembly that 36,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been resettled since the ethnic crisis erupted in the state in May 2023. The government, however, continues to provide financial assistance to around 59,000 displaced people as many returnees still face difficulties rebuilding their livelihoods.

Khemchand made the statement during a short-duration discussion on the condition of displaced people, moved by Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar Singh. According to the Chief Minister, around 60,000 people were rendered homeless during the crisis, while 24,000 remain in relief camps across the state. 

36,000 IDPs Resettled

The Chief Minister said the state has made progress in returning displaced families to their homes. He credited the collective efforts of legislators and other stakeholders for the resettlement achieved so far.

Despite the return of thousands of people, the rehabilitation process remains incomplete, with thousands still dependent on relief camps and government support.

Khemchand said displaced people from both the hills and valley share a common desire to return home and live peacefully. During visits to relief camps and conflict-affected areas, he said he interacted with people from different communities and found that the wish to return to their respective homes was widely shared. 

Financial Aid Continues

The government is continuing financial assistance for approximately 59,000 of the 60,000 displaced people identified by the state.

Khemchand explained that returning home does not necessarily mean that affected families have become economically self-sufficient. Many returnees continue to struggle because of limited livelihood and income opportunities.

The continued financial assistance is therefore being used as a support mechanism while the government explores longer-term rehabilitation and livelihood measures. 

Focus on Livelihood and Rehabilitation

The Chief Minister said financial assistance alone cannot address the consequences of a conflict that has continued for more than three years. He pointed to the psychological impact of prolonged displacement and said the Health Department was taking steps to help people dealing with mental trauma.

He also said discussions were underway with the Planning Department on additional measures for rehabilitation and livelihood support. Labour Department initiatives, including labour cards, were cited as one possible route for helping affected people access opportunities.

The state government's 2026-27 budget also outlines housing and rehabilitation assistance for displaced families. It records central approval of funds for permanent houses, compensation for belongings and movable assets lost in fully burnt houses, and assistance for repairing partially damaged homes. (manipur.gov.in)

Government Engages IDP Groups

Khemchand said he had met representatives of several joint associations of displaced people in August to discuss their concerns and explore ways to accelerate assistance and resettlement.

The government has maintained that rehabilitation requires coordination across departments as well as engagement with affected communities.

The Chief Minister appealed for suggestions from different sections and said the IDP issue should be approached without political considerations. 

Restoring Connectivity and Economy

The government is also working to restore economic activity and connectivity in the state. Khemchand said the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service had resumed and that efforts were underway to reopen the Moreh trade route.

Restoring transport and commercial links is significant for displaced families seeking to rebuild livelihoods, particularly in areas where economic activity was disrupted during the conflict.

Trust Remains Key Challenge

Khemchand identified the trust deficit between communities as one of the biggest challenges to normalisation. He said the government was working towards rebuilding trust and creating conditions that would allow people to return, restart economic activity and resume social life.

The latest Assembly statement highlights that while the physical resettlement of 36,000 displaced people represents progress, rehabilitation remains a broader process involving housing, financial support, livelihoods, mental-health assistance and restoration of community confidence.

A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck Manipur in the early hours of Tuesday, sending tremors across parts of the Northeast. According to officials, the quake occurred at 5:59 am IST, catching residents off guard as many rushed out of their homes in fear.

Epicentre and Depth

The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) said the epicentre was located in Kamjong district of Manipur. The earthquake originated at a depth of 62 kilometres beneath the surface, which likely reduced the intensity of surface damage despite being widely felt.

Tremors Across Region

Apart from Manipur, tremors were reported in neighbouring states including Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya. Residents in several towns said the shaking lasted for a few seconds but was strong enough to prompt evacuation from homes and buildings.

No Major Damage Yet

Authorities have not reported any immediate loss of life or significant property damage. Local administration teams remain on alert, and assessments are underway to determine if remote or vulnerable areas have suffered any impact.

Panic Among Residents

Eyewitness accounts suggested widespread panic, especially in urban centres. Many people stepped out into open spaces as a precaution. Schools and offices were yet to report any disruption, but the sudden tremor created anxiety among residents.

Ongoing State Tensions

The earthquake comes amid ongoing unrest in Manipur, where law and order issues continue to disrupt normal life. Recent incidents of violence, protests and shutdowns have already strained public services in both valley and hill districts.

Protests and Shutdowns

Earlier this month, multiple organisations had called for shutdowns in protest against killings and violence in the state. Several districts witnessed closures of schools, markets and public transport, affecting daily life across the region.

Security Concerns Rise

Officials said security forces remain deployed in sensitive areas following recent violent incidents. Protests in Imphal and surrounding regions have occasionally turned tense, adding to concerns about public safety and governance challenges.

Monitoring and Preparedness

Disaster management authorities are closely monitoring the situation after the Manipur earthquake. Experts note that the Northeast falls under a high seismic zone, making such tremors relatively frequent.

What Lies Ahead

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and follow safety protocols in case of aftershocks. As per latest inputs, no aftershocks have been reported so far.