JIDPs urge Centre to extend relief to non-camp displaced families in Churachandpur

The Joint Internally Displaced Persons (JIDPs), Churachandpur, has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking urgent intervention to address what it described as discrimination and neglect faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly those residing outside relief camps.
In the memorandum, submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, the JIDPs stated that since the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023, more than 33,000 displaced persons have taken shelter in the district. Of these, around 15,409 persons from 3,133 families were accommodated in relief camps and received government assistance, while over 18,692 persons from 4,118 families living outside camps have allegedly received no support in cash or kind for nearly three years.
The JIDPs alleged that non-camp displaced families continue to face severe hardship in the absence of basic assistance, with many struggling for daily survival and livelihood. The memorandum highlighted that despite repeated appeals to authorities, including the Centre and the State Government, their grievances have not been addressed.
Seeking immediate intervention, the JIDPs urged the Centre to provide direct financial assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and extend relief measures to all displaced persons, irrespective of whether they reside in camps or outside. It also called for food security support in the form of free ration or equivalent assistance and a monthly subsistence allowance for affected families over a defined period.
The memorandum further sought livelihood and employment support, including priority consideration and proportionate opportunities in government recruitment processes during the years affected by the crisis, when many displaced persons were unable to participate due to security concerns.
Raising the issue of compensation, the JIDPs stated that claims for properties lost by Kuki-Zomi-Hmar IDPs displaced from Imphal valley remain pending, even as compensation has reportedly been provided in other cases. It demanded payment of compensation at prevailing market rates in accordance with existing laws.
On rehabilitation, the memorandum pointed out that the current financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh per household under PMAY-G is inadequate in view of rising construction costs and the scale of destruction, and called for enhanced support to ensure sustainable housing for displaced families.
The JIDPs also urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure inclusive implementation of relief measures covering all IDPs, issue directions to the State Government for time-bound action, and constitute a special monitoring mechanism to ensure transparency and equity in distribution of assistance. It further sought the setting up of enquiry committees at district levels to process and approve pending compensation claims.
Citing constitutional provisions under Articles 14 and 21, as well as the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and international principles on internal displacement, the memorandum asserted that all displaced persons are entitled to equal protection, rehabilitation, and assistance.