The Manipur government has launched a Rs 523 crore rehabilitation program for approximately 60,000 Internally Displaced People (IDPs) affected by violence. These individuals have been residing in relief camps since ethnic clashes erupted in May 2023. The government’s initiative involves phased resettlement as part of the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package announced in the Manipur budget 2025-26.
In the first phase, families with partially damaged homes will be resettled, followed by the relocation of families provided housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) (Special Package) within their respective districts. The third phase will focus on relocating families requiring inter-district moves between Valley and Hill districts, necessitating enhanced coordination, infrastructure development, and security measures.
A letter from Special Secretary (Home) A Subhash Singh to representatives of IDPs and the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs. The process is being implemented in a phased, dynamic, and pragmatic manner, considering factors such as security, site readiness, funding, climate, and livelihood feasibility.
Hundreds of IDPs affected by violence staged a protest rally in Imphal on January 12, urging Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to address their resettlement concerns. The COCOMI-backed rally demanded the safe return of displaced families to their original locations with adequate security arrangements. Following discussions with Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel and the Governor, the agitators dispersed.
