Meitei, Kuki IDPs share grievances during joint interaction with Manipur CM
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday assured the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across government-run relief camps in the state that their “tears will not go in vain,” pledging to bridge trust deficits between communities. He disbursed Rs. 32.85 crore to nearly 19,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across government-run relief camps in the state. The financial assistance was distributed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) at the Alternate Housing Complex, National Games Village (NGV) Relief Camp in Imphal West district.
This marked the first time since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023 that the Chief Minister interacted jointly with IDPs from both Meitei and Kuki communities. The state government organized a joint interaction programme covering relief camps in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Imphal West. Singh met IDPs in person at Langol Alternate Housing Complex, while engaging with displaced persons from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi via video conference, accompanied by Kuki MLAs from those districts.
During the session, IDPs shared emotional testimonies of hardship endured over the past three years. A young Kuki girl from Kangpokpi appealed to the Chief Minister to treat her as his own daughter, citing difficulties in pursuing her post-graduation. A Meitei woman pleaded for permission to return to her home in Moreh border town, while another Kuki woman from Churachandpur highlighted challenges in accessing medical treatment.
Singh acknowledged healthcare difficulties in Kuki areas, noting that most doctors are from the Meitei community and advanced facilities are concentrated in Imphal. He recalled sending Meitei Pangal doctors to Churachandpur to treat MLA Vungzagin Valte, emphasizing the importance of overcoming barriers. He reiterated that Kuki tribals visiting Imphal for medical treatment would be provided fool-proof security, with new ambulances deployed to improve access.
Education challenges were also highlighted, with Singh noting that around 8,000 Kuki students had been affected by the conflict. While 2,000 managed to continue studies outside the state, 6,000 remain without solutions. He promised a special plan to support their education.
Financial relief measures announced included 2,420 per person for essential items,1 lakh per family whose houses were fully burnt, 25,000 installments already released to 9,314 households, another 434 households awaiting release, and20,000 additional assistance for 9,748 eligible families. Singh assured that those yet to receive benefits would also be supported.
The Chief Minister stressed that lasting peace in Manipur depends on mutual understanding among its 36 communities. He urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from both hills and valleys to work together for unity and normalcy. BJP MLAs will visit all 36 relief camps to directly engage with IDPs.
The outreach programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLAs Letzamang Haokip, LM Khaute, and Paolienlal Haokip (virtually), Cabinet Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, Deputy CM Losii Dikho, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, senior officials, and public representatives. Singh listened patiently to grievances related to resettlement, pensions, education, and healthcare, reinforcing his government’s commitment to reconciliation and rebuilding trust.
The joint interaction between Manipur CM Khemchand Singh and IDPs from Meitei and Kuki communities marked a significant step toward reconciliation. Emotional exchanges underscored the hardships of displacement, while the government announced financial aid, healthcare assurances, and education plans. Singh’s emphasis on unity, dialogue, and mutual respect reflects a broader vision of peace rooted in inclusivity. His pledge to remove trust deficits and support IDPs signals renewed hope for healing and lasting peace in Manipur.