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.

Village authorities invoke 1956 Act to mandate prior notice for police, army patrols and drone surveillance

Tensions in Manipur took a new turn on Monday as village authorities in Noney district issued a formal notice restricting how security forces can operate in their areas. The Village Authority of Longjang/Thangal village has told the Manipur Police, Assam Rifles and CRPF that personnel cannot enter villages or deploy drones without advance intimation.

The notice, citing the Manipur Hill Areas Village Authority Act of 1956, asserts that village bodies hold responsibility for local security and law and order. Officials said any search operation, patrol, raid or arrest now requires prior communication to village authorities.

Women Block Assam Rifles Again

Just a day earlier, women in Shokwao and New Haven areas of Ukhrul district stopped Assam Rifles personnel from moving forward. Residents continued protesting late into Sunday evening, carrying torches. It remains unclear whether Monday's notice is directly linked to that blockade.

Deadly Week in Kangpokpi

The restrictions come amid a fresh wave of violence. On Monday, a Kuki militant group opened fire in Pongringlong Rongmei Naga village in Kangpokpi district. Shortly after, the body of Chunjanglung Panmei, a Naga village guard reported missing, was recovered from a forest area. He had been shot in the head.

In a separate incident, unidentified armed men fired shots in Ching Mamang village, leaving one person injured. Naga organisations have publicly accused security forces of bias and are demanding an impartial investigation. Some groups have alleged that the Centre is using Kuki outfits to wage what they call a "shadow war" in the state.

Women's Rally Demands NRC

Over in Imphal, thousands of women took to the streets on Monday in a 5-km mega rally. Organised by 14 civil society groups, the protest demanded implementation of the National Register of Citizens and the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants. The turnout suggested growing public frustration over what many see as unchecked inflows across porous borders.

Three Years, 731 Deaths in Relief Camps

Ethnic violence has now persisted in Manipur for nearly three years, with complete peace still elusive. Information obtained through an RTI request has revealed that 731 displaced persons have died while living in relief camps over this period.

Churachandpur district recorded the highest number of deaths at 248, followed by Bishnupur with 151 and Kangpokpi with 128. Official data shows that 43,676 people remain displaced across nine districts of the state, many of them still unwilling or unable to return to their original villages.

With village authorities now asserting greater control over security operations and fresh violence continuing to erupt, the coming days will test whether security forces can adapt to these local restrictions while maintaining order across the hills and valleys of Manipur.