The Missing Names: A Failure in IDP Documentation and Rehabilitation

The recent revelation that several internally displaced persons (IDPs) are missing from official records shows the failure of authorities to properly document and rehabilitate those affected by the ongoing crisis in Manipur. This is not just an administrative lapse but a sign of deeper issues in managing the displaced population. The absence of names from official lists means denial of access to relief, rehabilitation, and support, making life even harder for those who have already lost their homes and livelihoods.
The issue of IDP documentation is not new. Since the ethnic conflict erupted in Manipur, thousands have been forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter in relief camps or with relatives. However, the government’s response has been weak. Proper documentation is the first step in ensuring that IDPs receive aid, but the failure to accurately record names raises serious concerns. It suggests inefficiency and, in some cases, deliberate exclusion. When names are missing from the lists, individuals are effectively cut off from essential resources, worsening their already dire situation.
This failure in documentation also shows the larger problem of IDP rehabilitation. Beyond immediate relief, long-term solutions such as resettlement, employment, and education remain largely ignored. Without a proper database, any future rehabilitation program will be flawed. Moreover, the absence of records allows the state to minimize the scale of displacement, reducing accountability.
The consequences of this neglect are clear. Families who have already suffered for months are now forced to prove their displacement status just to receive basic aid. Many IDPs, having lost all their identification documents during the violence, struggle to navigate the bureaucratic obstacles placed before them. Instead of a streamlined process, they face unnecessary scrutiny, delays, and in some cases, outright rejection.
The upcoming parliamentary session presents an opportunity to address these problems. The government must allocate a dedicated budget for the proper documentation and rehabilitation of IDPs. This should include funding for a transparent, verifiable database that ensures every displaced person is accounted for. Financial provisions must also be made for long-term rehabilitation programs, including housing, education, and employment support. If this issue is not prioritized in the national budget, it will only confirm that the government is indifferent to the plight of the displaced.
Beyond budgetary allocations, accountability measures must be put in place to correct errors in documentation. A proper review of existing IDP records should be conducted, with clear provisions for including those who have been left out. This should be supported by a decentralized approach that involves local communities and civil society organizations in the verification process, reducing the chances of further mistakes.
The crisis in Manipur has continued for too long, and the displaced population cannot be ignored any longer. The missing names from IDP lists are not just an administrative issue—they represent ongoing neglect. Without urgent action, the government risks deepening the humanitarian crisis and further alienating its own citizens. The upcoming parliamentary session must serve as a turning point in ensuring that the displaced receive the attention and support they deserve.