Plans to shut relief camps by Dec, displaced to be resettled in 3 phases: Manipur chief secy

Manipur chief secretary P.K. Singh announced on Friday that the state government aims to shut down all relief camps by December, with a phased plan in place for the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Speaking to reporters at an event in Imphal, Singh said the plan had been developed in coordination with the central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to facilitate the return and rehabilitation of displaced individuals.

"We’ve had a good round of discussions with the central government and MHA. The first phase involves those who can go back immediately — by July, and that process has already begun. The number of displaced has come down from 62,000 to 57,000," he said.

According to Singh, assessments have already been conducted in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. The second phase of returns is scheduled for October, with the third and final phase targeted for completion by December.

To assist displaced families in rebuilding their homes and livelihoods, Singh announced that financial aid amounting to Rs 3.03 lakh would be provided to those whose houses were destroyed.

"We also have around 7,000 people whose homes were not damaged but have become dilapidated after two years of neglect. Some form of monetary assistance will be provided to them as well," he said.

Singh acknowledged that even after December, an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 individuals may remain unable to return to their original homes, particularly from regions such as Moreh, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi.

"These people will be accommodated in pre-fabricated houses. An additional 1,000 units are being constructed for this purpose," he noted.

When asked about the status of inter-community movement and normalcy, Singh said efforts were underway to restore mobility and communication.

"Movement is likely to resume very soon. The central and state governments, civil society organisations (CSOs), and community leaders are all working together," he said.

He also pointed to signs of recovery in everyday life.

"Farming activities are happening, even on both sides of the divide. People are working within eye-ball distance, even sharing water. It’s a good sign. One or two incidents might still occur — mischievous elements are everywhere — but overall things are improving."

Singh added that several key infrastructure projects are nearing completion and may soon be inaugurated. These include the new civil secretariat in Imphal and Manipur Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata, which could be jointly launched when the opportunity permits.

With PTI inputs