Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both hill and valley communities for the first time since the outbreak of violence in the state, reaffirming his government’s commitment to their welfare and resettlement.
The interaction was held in a hybrid format. The Chief Minister met displaced families in person at the Alternative Housing Complex in Langol, while IDPs staying in relief camps in Kangpokpi district and Churachandpur district joined virtually.
Senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLA L M Khaute and Saikot MLA Paolianlal Haokip, also participated through virtual mode.
During the programme, the government disbursed financial assistance to nearly 19,000 displaced persons through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), amounting to approximately ₹32 crore. The distribution ceremony was held at Langol, where the Chief Minister personally interacted with families affected by the violence.
Several IDPs shared their hardships and expressed their desire to return to their native places at the earliest. Responding to their concerns, Khemchand Singh acknowledged that the conflict had deepened mistrust between the two communities, widening the social and psychological divide.
“The trust deficit between the communities has widened significantly. In some areas, even if people are resettled, they may not be able to live freely without security arrangements and restrictions.
Therefore, reconciliation must come first. Manipur is inhabited by 36 communities. Each and every community should live peacefully with a sense of oneness,” he said.
Reiterating that the welfare and rehabilitation of IDPs remain a top priority, the Chief Minister said that even during the period of President’s Rule, efforts were made to facilitate the return of displaced families. However, certain areas such as Churachandpur and Moreh were not conducive for immediate resettlement at the time.
He added that since the formation of the present government, the issue of IDPs has remained a regular agenda in official meetings. While refraining from announcing a specific timeline for resettlement, he assured that sustained efforts are underway in coordination with stakeholders and civil society organisations from both hill and valley regions.
Consoling the displaced families, Khemchand Singh assured them that their aspiration to return home would eventually be fulfilled.
“Though we cannot fix an exact timeline at this moment, your wish to go back to your homes will certainly be realised,” he said.
