Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Manipur’s ongoing ethnic conflict staged a rally in Churachandpur on Tuesday, demanding fair treatment, timely compensation, and long-term rehabilitation measures.
The demonstration, held after a public meeting at Tuibong, saw participants marching through the district headquarters before submitting a memorandum to the local administration addressed to the Governor.
The IDPs alleged gross disparity and negligence in the government’s handling of their relief and rehabilitation, accusing authorities of discriminating between those living in official relief camps and those sheltering elsewhere.
The memorandum called for a transparent compensation process, the immediate release of pending aid, permanent housing solutions, livelihood restoration, and the creation of a proper IDP database to ensure accountability.
Dr. R. Sanga, convenor of the IDP Committee, said many displaced families living outside government-run camps were being “largely ignored” by officials.
“We are citizens of the same state, yet our suffering is treated differently depending on where we stay. The governments of India and Manipur must stop this neglect,” he said.
Another community representative, Dr. Vumkhoneh, echoed the sentiment, alleging that IDPs in Churachandpur, Imphal, and Kangpokpi were being subjected to unequal treatment in the distribution of aid.
The ongoing conflict between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which erupted in May last year, has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands.
Manipur remains under President’s Rule since February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
