Volunteers of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity, including leaders of its women’s wing, have begun spending nights at various relief camps across the state to better understand and share the pain and grievances of internally displaced persons living in the camps.
On Monday, a COCOMI team led by Khuraijam Athouba, along with women’s wing leaders, spent the night at the relief camp set up at Moirang College in Bishnupur district. Earlier, the team had spent a night at the relief camp at Sajiwa as part of its ongoing outreach to displaced families.
The initiative coincides with the continuing rally and protest being staged by IDPs along with COCOMI at Lamboikhongnangkhong, demanding the fulfilment of the state government’s assurance to ensure the return of displaced persons to their respective homes. The protest has entered its fifteenth day and is scheduled to continue until December thirty-one. COCOMI has warned that if the government fails to take concrete measures for the return of IDPs, the organisation will announce the next phase of agitation.
The state government, currently under President’s Rule, had earlier announced that the return of IDPs would be carried out in a phased manner and completed by December. Former Chief Secretary P Singh had stated that the return process for areas such as Churachandpur and Moreh might take additional time. The Bishnupur district administration had earlier facilitated the return of some IDPs to Leimaram Waroiching village. In recent days, videos have also surfaced showing IDPs making their way back to Phaogakchao and Torbung Bangla.
Speaking to media persons, COCOMI Convenor Khuraijam Athouba said that during their stay at the relief camps, the team interacted with IDPs and learned about several problems and inconveniences faced by them. He said these issues would be taken up with the government. Athouba stated that officials and government machinery responsible for the return and rehabilitation of IDPs should spend at least one night in the relief camps to truly understand the sentiments and grievances of displaced families.
While appreciating the security arrangements made for the return of IDPs, Athouba pointed out that not all displaced persons have been able to return to villages such as Phaogakchao or Torbung Bangla. He appealed to the government machineries to ensure adequate protective measures by deploying appropriate security in vulnerable areas.
Athouba further said that COCOMI, along with the displaced persons, would continue to press the government for the return of IDPs to areas including Itham, Dolaithabi and Litanpokpi in Imphal East district.