PEN flags food grain diversion; IDP families allege relief exclusion

The People’s Empowerment Network (PEN), based in Churachandpur district, has submitted a memorandum to Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleging large-scale diversion and misappropriation of food grains meant for internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) and the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) [OMSS(D)] in Manipur.
PEN stated that thousands of displaced Scheduled Tribe families in Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts continue to face acute food insecurity nearly three years after the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023. It alleged that essential commodities, particularly rice allocated under central schemes, have not reached beneficiaries despite documented procurement and payments.
According to the memorandum, over 8,300 quintals of rice procured between August 2025 and February 2026 for distribution to IDPs in Churachandpur have reportedly not reached relief camps, raising concerns of diversion and black marketing. The organisation also cited a joint appeal submitted on March 23, 2026 by more than 130 IDPs from multiple relief camps, claiming that no rice has been received under OMSS(D) since the introduction of the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system from November 1, 2025. It further stated that the current DBT assistance of Rs. 84 per person per day is inadequate to meet basic food requirements.
The memorandum highlighted irregularities in NFSA distribution, including short supply and non-delivery of entitled food grains. PEN has sought a high-level independent inquiry into the procurement and distribution process, along with accountability measures against those involved. It also urged enhancement of DBT to Rs. 100 per person per day and restoration of essential commodity supplies.
Meanwhile, five IDP families residing at Khominthang, New Lamka Relief Centre (Sadbhavna Mandap) in Churachandpur have separately alleged prolonged exclusion from relief assistance. In a statement issued on April 17, the families said they have not been included in the DBT system since its implementation and have received neither financial aid nor food supplies for the past five months.
They stated that the lack of assistance has pushed them into severe hardship and also raised concerns over non-distribution of rice under OMSS(D) and NFSA. The families have demanded immediate inclusion in DBT, enhancement of assistance to Rs. 100 per day, and provision of free medical care.
They further informed that a memorandum will be submitted to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, seeking urgent intervention to address their grievances.