Social worker Shanjoy Ahanthem, who contested the 2022 Assembly election from Kumbi Assembly Constituency, has expressed anguish over reports of four internally displaced persons (IDPs) dying by suicide, including two reportedly involving poisoning, and urged the government to introduce urgent measures to address the prolonged suffering of displaced families.
Shanjoy said it was deeply distressing that people forced to flee their homes had continued to endure severe hardship for nearly four years without being able to return and resume normal lives. He described the situation as a serious failure of governance, saying the government must ensure the safety, dignity and livelihood of displaced people.
He expressed concern that many IDPs were struggling with illness and other hardships without adequate access to specialised healthcare arrangements and financial assistance. The failure to provide targeted support, he said, was worsening their suffering and affecting their emotional well-being.
Drawing comparisons with the rehabilitation of displaced people in other parts of the country, including Kashmir, Shanjoy questioned why IDPs in Manipur had not received comparable assistance to rebuild their lives and secure their livelihoods. He pointed out that employment opportunities and financial support could help displaced families regain stability and independence.
Shanjoy urged the government to consider appropriate reservation provisions for eligible IDPs in government recruitment and ensure that educated and technically qualified displaced youths were given opportunities for public employment.
Expressing alarm over the reported suicides, he said the deaths should serve as a warning about the mounting distress among displaced people. He also recalled reports of 34 suicide deaths in the past, stating that the Supreme Court had expressed serious concern over the issue.
Calling for immediate intervention, Shanjoy urged the government to implement special measures covering healthcare, financial assistance, livelihood support and employment to prevent further tragedies and ease the prolonged suffering of internally displaced families.
