Security forces foil desperate IDPs’ attempt to access their damaged houses

Manipur government’s three-phase plan to resettle violent-conflict induced displaced persons came under scrutiny when security forces stopped internally displaced persons (IDPs) from accessing their damaged houses in Imphal East district adjoining Kangpokpi district before they return to their native village.
Recently, Manipur chief secretary PK Singh had stated that the government has a plan to shut down all relief camps of the IDPs by December, 2025 with a three-phase plan to resettle them, starting from the current months.
Boarding buses, a large number of IDPs staying in a relief camp near Sajiwa Jail in Imphal East district attempted to enter their native village at Dolaithabi, located in the fringe of Imphal East adjoining Kangpokpi district today morning.
The Meitei residents of Dolaithabi area had to flee after their houses were torched or vandalized by armed miscreants during the initial days of the outbreak of the violent clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis in May 2023.
Since then the displaced villagers stayed at relief camps at various places in Imphal until the government shifted to newly constructed temporary shelters near Sajiwa Jail.
After receiving notices for resettling them in their native villages, the IDPs today tried to enter their homes to assess the extent of damages caused to their houses before they shifted.
Their attempt was, however, foiled by the police backed by a large number of Central security forces who stopped them near Pukhao Terapur, only a few meters away from their villages.
The police, in an official statement, said that around 100 displaced villagers from Dolaithabi, currently residing in a relief camp near Sajiwa, moved towards Dolaithabi with the intent to return to their native village.
“As the area lies in a sensitive fringe zone, they were stopped near Pukhao Terapur to prevent any untoward incident,” the statement asserted.
It stated that adequate security measures have been put in place, including the deployment of one company of Mahila (Women) CRPF.
The district administration and senior police officers were presently engaging in dialogue with local leaders to find an amicable resolution to the issue, it added.
“The situation remains peaceful and is under control. It is being closely monitored by senior officers to ensure continued stability, it said.
According to the IDPs, the intention behind their attempt to enter their native villages was to assess the extent of damages caused to their houses during the violence before they were allowed to resettle.
Earlier, only a few police and Central security personnel stopped the IDPs from further proceeding.
However, with additional forces arrived, the security personnel outnumbered the IDPs who refused to go back while repeatedly insisting to allow them access their houses atleast for five minutes.
Unable to breach the security, some IDPs even attempted to cross a river to reach their village, showcasing their strong desire to return home.
They, however, could not reach due to the elaborate security arrangement being put in place.
Congress MLA Th Lokeswor who is also the local MLA said that Wednesday’s incident showed how desperate the IDPs are to return home.
He requested the security forces not to take intense action against them considering their sentiments.
He cautioned that the state chief secretary and the SP of Imphal East district should bear the sole responsibility if any unwanted take place.
Recently, Manipur chief secretary PK Singh had said that the state administration under President’s Rule devised a three-phase plan after discussions with the Central government and the Union ministry of home affairs.
According to him, the first phase targets those who can return immediately and the phase is underway and expected to be completed by July.
The second phase will conclude by October, and the final phase by December.