A team of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), led by its Convenor Khuraijam Athouba, visited Leimaram Waroiching Village today to assess the condition of villagers who returned to their homes on December 3, 2025, following resettlement efforts initiated by the Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur district.
The villagers, who were flagged off by the DC for their return after nearly three years of displacement, expressed appreciation for the COCOMI delegation. Several Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) also accompanied the team during the visit.
Speaking to reporters, Khuraijam Athouba urged the government, particularly the Bishnupur District Resettlement and Rehabilitation Committee, to conduct an immediate and detailed evaluation of the damaged houses that were abandoned since 2023. He stated that a uniform compensation package would not be adequate for rebuilding homes that have suffered varied levels of destruction.
Athouba noted that around seven to eight houses had been completely flattened, while many others were in severely deteriorated condition. “A proper, house-wise assessment is essential for reconstruction and repair. The committee must visit the village and prepare a suitable compensation plan,” he said.
The COCOMI leader assured that the organisation is ready to extend all possible support to restore normalcy in the lives of the returning families. He also highlighted the hardships faced by the villagers during their prolonged stay in relief camps, where their livelihood opportunities had collapsed.
Stressing the need to revive children’s education, Athouba called for a comprehensive rehabilitation policy to be framed by the Deputy Commissioner in coordination with the district committee. Such a policy, he said, must include provisions for housing, livelihood restoration and reinstatement of essential services to ensure a sustainable return for the villagers.