The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has expressed dissatisfaction with the response of the State Government regarding the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), warning that it is prepared to launch an intensified agitation if immediate action is not taken.
The response, issued by A. Subhash Singh, Special Secretary (Home) and Convenor of the State Level Monitoring Committee, outlined the State Government’s position on the resettlement of IDPs, stating that the process is being implemented in a phased and “pragmatic” manner rather than as a rigid, deadline-driven exercise. The government cited multiple factors—including security concerns, site readiness, land availability, fund flow, and livelihood feasibility—as reasons for the delay in completing the resettlement promised in December 2025.
According to the government, the phased resettlement plan is structured in three stages: first, the rehabilitation of families whose homes were partially damaged; second, resettlement under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana—Gramin (PMAY-G) Special Package within districts; and third, inter-district relocations requiring enhanced infrastructure and security arrangements. The government also highlighted the implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) from November 1, 2025, and ongoing support in healthcare, education, employment, and livelihood initiatives for IDPs.
While the government maintained that resettlement is a continuous humanitarian mission and assured that concerns are being addressed with “utmost seriousness, sensitivity and urgency,” COCOMI said the response falls far short of expectations. Khuraijam Athouba, Convenor of COCOMI, told reporters that the organisation was “not satisfied” with the government’s explanation and insisted that the IDPs’ rights to timely resettlement and restoration of dignity cannot be delayed further.
“COCOMI is all set for an intensified agitation,” Athouba said, warning that protests and mobilisation would escalate if the government does not meet its commitments to displaced families. The committee emphasised that IDPs have endured prolonged hardship in relief camps and that delays in rehabilitation have caused widespread frustration and distress.
The standoff highlights ongoing tensions in Manipur over displaced populations and the challenges faced in implementing large-scale resettlement amid security and logistical constraints. COCOMI has repeatedly demanded that all displaced families be restored to permanent housing with adequate security and livelihood support, stressing that phased promises without immediate action are unacceptable.