COCOMI, IDPs press Mnp govt on resettlement plan

Internally displaced persons (IDPs), backed by the Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), on Saturday reminded the Manipur government of its December 2025 deadline for rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families.
In July, the state administration under President’s Rule had announced its plan to close all relief camps by December 2025 through a three-phase rehabilitation programme. Since December 1, IDPs have launched a month-long relay sit-in protest at Lamboikhongnangkhong, Imphal, pressing the government to fulfil its assurance.
On Saturday, representatives of IDPs along with COCOMI leaders submitted a memorandum to the Governor, urging accelerated efforts to meet the deadline. A copy was also forwarded to the chief secretary. The memorandum acknowledged recent progress, including the resettlement of 257 IDPs from 64 households in Bishnupur district, but termed the scale “limited” compared to the magnitude of displacement.
The memorandum stressed that public expectations were rising and called for concrete, verifiable action. It reaffirmed that the ongoing protest would continue until substantial progress was achieved, ensuring safe and dignified return of all displaced families. It further urged authorities to expedite field-level implementation across affected districts and issue a public update on the current status and next steps. Placards at the protest site read “Immediate resettlement,” “Restore our rights,” and “Ensure safety for IDPs.” Protesters alleged that fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, dignity of life, and access to essential services, continued to be undermined amid the prolonged crisis.
COCOMI leaders reiterated that restoring normalcy in Manipur would not be possible without addressing the plight of IDPs and safeguarding their rights and properties. The committee urged both the state and Central governments to act without delay.
Meanwhile, residents of Ejeirong village in Noney district, led by their village chief, extended solidarity by donating a truckload of vegetables to the protesting IDPs in Imphal.