Governor assures action as Meitei IDPs renew plea for rehabilitation

In a renewed push to seek urgent redressal for the ongoing suffering of internally displaced Meitei families, the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee (CMUC) met with the Governor of Manipur and pressed for action on their long-pending demands. The delegation, representing Meiteis displaced from Churachandpur during the 2023 conflict, expressed deep frustration over the government’s continued inaction despite submitting detailed memorandums on March 13 and April 21 this year.
During the meeting, the CMUC delegation reiterated the worsening conditions faced by displaced families who have been forced to live in temporary shelters for over a year. They highlighted the lack of educational assistance for children, the need for IDP-led management of relief camps, and the persistent challenges in accessing vital documents such as birth and domicile certificates. They also demanded the government initiate an organised and safe return of displaced families to their homes, provide employment opportunities tailored to their skillsets, and construct temporary shelters at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district as an interim measure until permanent rehabilitation becomes possible.
The Governor reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and assured the delegation that select demands would be addressed within three days. He also pledged to expedite communication with relevant departments to ensure timely and concrete action.
While CMUC leaders cautiously welcomed the Governor’s assurance, they emphasised that the community would monitor developments closely and decide their next steps based on the actual response. They warned that if visible progress is not achieved within the promised timeframe, the displaced community would be forced to intensify its agitation.
The CMUC’s memorandum pointed out that hundreds of students have had their education disrupted and are in urgent need of government-supported learning opportunities. They also argued that relief camps could be better managed by the displaced persons themselves, rather than external local committees, which have often failed to address day-to-day grievances. The committee raised concerns about alleged discrimination and delays in the issuance of official documents, which have further compounded the uncertainty and instability in the lives of IDPs.
The organisation further urged the government to formulate a structured resettlement plan to facilitate the safe return of displaced families to their original homes. To address the immediate need for secure accommodation, the CMUC proposed the construction of temporary housing on identified government land in Phougakchao Ikhai, Bishnupur district.
The Governor’s assurance has brought a temporary sense of hope to the displaced community. However, with little change on the ground so far, CMUC leaders have made it clear that only visible and timely government action can restore the confidence of families who have endured hardship, displacement, and neglect for over a year.