Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday attended a programme for the distribution of benefits to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) at the Alternate Housing Complex, National Games Village (NGV) Relief Camp in Imphal West, where around Rs 33 crore was released.
Addressing the gathering, CM Singh said that facilitating the safe and peaceful return of IDPs to their homes would be the first priority of the new government. He also thanked Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, for his guidance in enabling displaced families to return home.
For the first time since ethnic violence broke out in Manipur in May 2023, the Chief Minister interacted with IDPs of Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. While he was physically present at Langol Alternate Housing complex in Imphal West district, he connected with with Kuki-Zo IDPs of Churachandpur and Kangpokpi through video conference.
During the interactions, IDPs of both communities shared their hardships over the past three years. A young Kuki girl from Kangpokpi spoke about difficulties in pursuing her post-graduation, while a Meitei woman pleaded for assistance in returning home in Moreh border. Another Kuki-Zo woman highlighted difficulties in accessing medical treatment.
Responding to their concerns, the Manipur Chief Minister assured that his government is working to bridge the trust deficit between the two communities. “I will not let your tears go in vain,” he said.
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He acknowledged health challenges faced by residents of Churachandpur, noting that most advanced medical facilities are located in Imphal. The Chief Minister said Kuki-Zo tribals seeking medical treatment in Imphal would be provided foolproof security and assured that newly arrived ambulances would be deployed to improve emergency services.
Further, CM Khemchand highlighted the impact of the conflict on education and said that around 8000 Kuki-Zo students have been affected, of whom 2000 are pursuing their studies in other states. He called for a special plan to support the remaining 6000 students.
The Chief Minister also outlined financial assistance for displaced families. A special support of Rs 2,420 per person is being provided to help replace essential personal items. He highlighted financial assistance measures including Rs 1 lakh per family whose houses were fully burnt; Rs 25,000 already released to 9,314 households as first instalment; Rs 25,000 first instalment to be released to another 434 households; and Rs 20,000 additional assistance for all 9,748 eligible households. He added that those who have not yet received benefits will also be supported by the government.
CM stressed that Manipur is home to 36 communities and called upon civil society organizations from both hills and valley region to work together to restore normalcy. He also added that MLAs would visit all 36 relief camps as part of confidence-building measures.
The programme was attended by several ministers and officials including Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLA Sapam Kunjakeshwor Singh, MLA Nishikant Sapam, MLA Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh, MLA Losii Dikho (via video conference), Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Commissioner to Chief Minister N. Ashok Kumar, senior officials and public representatives.
