Seven houses have been completely flattened and most others require extensive reconstruction at the Leimaram Waroiching resettlement site, where displaced families recently returned after 2.7 years, according to a report submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur District.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), which conducted a ground survey, has called for an urgent reassessment of rehabilitation and support measures. The report highlights that prolonged displacement and harsh weather have left the majority of homes needing “70–80% renovation or reconstruction to make them inhabitable.”
Sanitation remains another major concern. Many houses reportedly lack toilet facilities or have unusable ones, posing significant hygiene risks to returning families.
“Given that each house has suffered different degrees of damage, a house-wise survey and assessment is essential to estimate appropriate amounts based on current market rates,” the report noted. COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said the standard assistance provided so far is “insufficient to carry out even minimum repairs.”
The organisation also flagged issues with the current security arrangements. Strict checks at the village entrance reportedly caused “significant delays,” including during COCOMI’s visit, where members experienced prolonged entry verification and group photographing. The report recommends relocating security deployment to the border area separating Kuki and Meitei settlement zones to “maintain broader security while reducing hardship for innocent civilians.”
COCOMI has urged immediate house-by-house damage assessment, revised compensation packages reflecting real reconstruction costs, priority construction of toilet facilities, and a review of the existing security structure.
The Deputy Commissioner, who chairs the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Committee for Internally Displaced Persons, has been assured of COCOMI’s full cooperation in coordinating with village authorities, assessing damages, and providing necessary assistance.
The Leimaram Waroiching resettlement is among several ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of families displaced by the ethnic violence that began in May 2023.
