IDPs of Manipur renew hope while hailing new govt

Internally displaced persons (IPDs) languishing at various relief camps across the valley districts of Manipur said that their hope and expectation were renewed while hailing a recent remark of chief minister Y Khemchand on the issue of the IDPs.
A day after he assumed office as the new chief minister of Manipur, Yumnam Khemchand had said that the top priority of his government was to look into the problems of the people displaced by the violent crisis in both hill and valley districts.
Hailing the remark of the new chief minister, bodies of the IDPs languishing in relief camps across the valley district, in a joint statement, on Saturday said that they look upon the government under Khemchand’s leadership with renewed hope and expectations. While extending congratulations to the new chief minister, the IDPs urged the new government to take immediate and concrete steps to address the prolonged humanitarian crisis arising from the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023.
At this critical phase in Manipur’s history, the people of the state, particularly the internally displaced persons who have endured immense suffering for nearly three years, are looking to the new leadership with renewed hope and expectations of stability, justice and inclusive governance, it stated.
The statement noted that many displaced families continue to live in relief camps and temporary shelters, awaiting safe return to their native villages and restoration of normal life.
The joint statement expressed confidence that the experience and understanding of ground realities possessed by chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh would help steer the state towards peace, rehabilitation and social harmony.
The immediate priority should be the restoration of peace and rule of law across Manipur, the IDPs stressed in the statement while adding that it would be followed by the safe return, rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes for displaced families.
The bodies of the IPDs also called for justice and accountability for victims of violence and protection of the constitutional rights of all communities, stating that lasting peace cannot be achieved without trust, fairness and equal treatment.
Strengthening unity and social harmony among communities was also essential for rebuilding Manipur after months of unrest, they added.
The joint statement was issued by the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee, the Meitei Council Moreh, the Committee on Protection of Meitei Victims Moreh, the Meitei Union Kangpokpi District, the Apex Committee of Victims Villages including Ekou, Sadu Yengkhuman, Dolaithabi, Leitanpokpi, Mairenpat and Gwaltabi, and the Torbung Gram Panchayat Victim Committee.
They also assured full cooperation with the new government while asserting that they would support all sincere efforts aimed at restoring normalcy and dignity to the lives of affected people.