At least 50 internally displaced families from Ekou village in Imphal East district on Monday returned financial assistance provided for rebuilding their homes, describing the amount as insufficient for reconstruction.

The families, currently residing in relief camps at Sajiwa and Swombung, collectively handed back the first instalment of ₹24 lakh to the Block Development Officer at Swombung.

According to the affected families, each household had received ₹48,000 as the initial instalment under a government housing scheme. However, they argued that the total sanctioned amount of ₹3 lakh per family falls short of the actual cost required to rebuild their homes.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the displaced families marched to the Swombung Community Development Block office around noon and returned the funds, demanding a revision of the financial assistance package.

They also highlighted their deteriorating living conditions, stating that ongoing circumstances have prevented their return to Ekou village. Even if they were to return, they said, the current financial support would not be enough to cover reconstruction expenses.

Warning of prolonged displacement, the families asserted that without enhanced financial aid, rebuilding their homes and resettlement would remain a distant prospect.