Displaced residents stopped from returning to Dolaithabi by Security Forces

Around 100 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Dolaithabi, currently housed in a relief camp near Sajiwa, were stopped by security forces on Wednesday as they attempted to return to their native village in Imphal East district.
The group was intercepted near Pukhao Terapur, approximately 2.5 km from Dolaithabi, which has been declared a sensitive fringe area due to its proximity to past conflict zones. Authorities said the move was a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incident, citing the volatile history of the region, which witnessed heavy violence during the ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023.
Security arrangements were intensified in the area, with one company of Mahila CRPF and other personnel deployed. The District Administration and senior police officials are currently in talks with local leaders to de-escalate the situation and explore a peaceful resolution.
Officials confirmed that the situation remains peaceful and under control. Senior officers are monitoring developments on the ground, while Manipur Police have appealed for public cooperation to maintain order.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February this year following months of unrest that has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.