Imphal: Nearly 10,000 people displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023 have been resettled so far, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel said on Tuesday, as the state government continues phased rehabilitation efforts under a centrally supported package.
Goel said the government has initiated a structured resettlement process for internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the Rs 573 crore Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package announced by the Centre in the 2025–26 Manipur Budget.
The violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities claimed at least 260 lives and rendered thousands homeless. The state has been under President’s Rule since February this year.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of displaced families, the chief secretary said sustained efforts are being made to ensure their safe and voluntary return.
In a statement, Goel noted that a significant decline in violence since November 2024 has created conditions conducive to resettlement. “The reduction in incidents has enabled the government, in coordination with security agencies and the IDPs themselves, to pursue a phased resettlement process,” he said.
With support from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the state government continues to provide essential services in relief camps, while extending assistance in healthcare, education and livelihood generation through schemes such as the rural employment guarantee programme and Self-Help Group (SHG) initiatives.
Goel said a State-Level Committee chaired by the chief secretary has been constituted to monitor, coordinate and ensure timely implementation of all rehabilitation and resettlement activities. “So far, around 10,000 IDPs from over 2,200 households have been resettled, and another 4,000 houses are at various stages of construction,” he added.
The chief secretary said security arrangements are being strengthened with the state police, Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles and the Army establishing security posts in villages to facilitate the safe return of families.
ALSO READ: BJP MLA Yumnam Khemchand becomes first Indian to earn 5th Dan in traditional Taekwondo
“Ensuring the safety of returning families remains the highest priority, and security will not be compromised for expediency,” Goel said, adding that confidence-building through effective people-to-people communication is essential and resettlement should not be rushed without it.
