IT News
Imphal, Aug 1:
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Moreh, Churachandpur, and other peripheral areas staged a rally today, protesting the government’s failure to facilitate their return to their respective homes. These IDPs, currently living as refugees within their own state, voiced their frustration and anger over the lack of government action to restore them to their homes.
The rally, which began peacefully, escalated when police fired rounds of smoke bombs, tear gas shells, and even rubber bullets to disperse the protesters at the Singjamei area. The clash resulted in injuries to both the IDPs and journalists covering the event. According to the protesters, more than 10 individuals have been injured. R.C. Mangang, an Impact TV reporter, was reportedly assaulted by the police despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist.
Many IDPs from different relief camps also participated in the rally, chanting slogans for the right to return home and the expulsion of Assam Rifles from Manipur, and demanding the implementation of NRC. “We want to return home with dignity,” echoed the protest rally.
“How long are we going to live on the rice and dal given by the government in relief camps without any privacy? This is our right to demand. Our Manipur Police have attacked us, our women and children, and we have to thank them,” one IDP stated.
The IDPs decried their inhumane treatment by the authorities, highlighting that they were merely protesting for their fundamental right to return home. The rally signifies the growing tension and dissatisfaction among the displaced communities, who remain in limbo due to the government’s inaction.
Another protester stated, “We have no sin against anyone. It is the government because of which we are in this situation. Now, the government has attacked women and children. I lost my mother during this conflict.” Another IDP from Churachandpur said, “We have to stand in line for food holding our utensils. Now we live as prisoners in jail. The government divided us. IDPs from Churachandpur have been scattered to many relief camps due to the thinking of the government that we would start trouble. We have to take permission before going anywhere.”
Regarding the monetary assistance given to the IDPs in the relief camps, one IDP protester remarked, “the government is not consistent regarding the payment. Sometimes they pay, sometimes they do not.”
While the scuffle between police and IDPs was taking place, the Manipur Legislative Assembly was in session, discussing issues unrelated to the plight of the IDPs. Regarding what the assembly should do, one woman IDP protester said, “We want to return home. Our patience is running out. We are not afraid to die. People have actually died. The assembly should decide that we should be allowed to return home. Why is the government not listening to us? We are desperate to return home. We do not want to stay in relief camps.”
Responding to the announcement that Rs. 101.75 crores has been sanctioned for the relief and construction of the shelters for IDPs yesterday, one IDP stated, “It’s been 15 months. For us, Rs. 101.75 crores has been sanctioned. They want to build more shelters for us, but we do not want that. Instead of giving the money to us, it should be used to strengthen Manipur Police so that they can give us protection and we can return home with dignity.”
“We have no future. People say that we should get married. How are we going to get married in the relief camp? We have left all our memories and come here. What is the government doing? Superfine rice and dal we are eating. We want to earn our own living and stay in our own homes with dignity,” one young woman from the relief camp expressed.
