Hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) today thronged to the office of Thoubal DC Office, Sawombung SDO Office, and Bishnupur DC Office protesting the government alleged decision to discontinued the monthly ration allowance provided to those living outside designated relief camps, prompting protests at Deputy Commissioners’ and Sub-Divisional Officers’ offices in several districts today.
The protests were staged by IDPs displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, which forced thousands of families to flee their homes after villages were burnt, properties destroyed, and livelihoods shattered. Nearly three years after the outbreak of the conflict, many displaced families say they are still struggling to rebuild their lives and remain heavily dependent on government assistance.
The agitating IDPs alleged that the State Government has stopped releasing the monthly ration allowance of Rs. 100 per person for July month. Until last month, the amount had been credited directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system in the first week of every. However, despite July nearing its end, no payment has been received.
According to the protesters, inquiries made with the authorities revealed that the allowance had been withdrawn for IDPs staying outside government relief camps, including those living with relatives or in rented accommodation. The revelation triggered widespread resentment, with displaced families gathering at the offices of the Deputy Commissioners in Thoubal and Bishnupur, as well as the Sawombung SDO Office, demanding immediate restoration of the benefit.
The protesting IDPs described the government’s decision as “deeply insensitive” and argued that it ignores the harsh realities faced by displaced families. They said many had moved out of relief camps not because their situation had improved, but because conditions inside the camps had become unbearable.
Initially, relief camps provided common kitchens and relief materials to displaced families. However, over time, severe overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, shortage of drinking water, lack of privacy, and health concerns compelled many families to seek shelter with relatives or rent modest accommodation elsewhere. In several camps, they claimed, as many as 10 to 15 people were forced to share a single room, making normal family life virtually impossible.
The IDPs also pointed out that communal kitchens could not adequately meet the dietary needs of everyone, particularly children, the elderly, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic illnesses. Many families therefore opted to prepare their own meals despite the additional financial burden, believing it was essential for their health and dignity.
They maintained that the modest monthly ration allowance, though small in amount, had become a crucial lifeline. Apart from purchasing food, the money was often used to meet household expenses, children’s educational needs, transport costs and emergency medical treatment. For families that have remained unemployed and displaced for more than three years, even this limited assistance provided a measure of relief.
The protesters warned that discontinuing the allowance solely because beneficiaries no longer reside inside relief camps amounts to penalising people for seeking humane living conditions. They argued that displacement does not end simply because a family moves into a relative’s house or a rented room, as they remain unable to return to their original homes or restore their livelihoods.
Calling the decision arbitrary and inhumane, the IDPs appealed to the State Government to immediately review and revoke the order. They urged the authorities to ensure that the monthly ration allowance is restored without delay and released regularly every month until all displaced families are able to return home safely and rebuild their lives.
The demonstrations at the Thoubal DC Office, Sawombung SDO Office, and Bishnupur DC Office remained peaceful, with the protesters submitting memoranda demanding urgent government intervention. They cautioned that withdrawing even minimal humanitarian support at a time when thousands continue to live in displacement would only deepen the hardships of families who have already endured years of conflict, uncertainty and loss.
