Manipur CM distributes financial aid worth Rs 32 crore to nearly 19000 displaced persons through DBT

Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday, February 19, interacted with internally displaced persons (IDPs) from both hill and valley communities for the first time since the violence outbreak.

The interaction was conducted in a hybrid format, with the Chief Minister meeting displaced families in person at the Alternative Housing Complex in Langol, while IDPs from relief camps in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur districts joined virtually. Senior leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLA LM Khaute from Churachandpur, and Saikot MLA Paolianlal Haokip, also participated through virtual mode.

During the programme, the Manipur government disbursed financial assistance to nearly 19,000 displaced persons through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), amounting to approximately Rs 32 crore. The distribution ceremony was held at Langol, where the Chief Minister personally interacted with families affected by the violence.

In an emotional exchange, several displaced persons shared their hardship and expressed their desire to return to their native places at the earliest. Responding to their concerns, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the conflict had deepened mistrust between the two warring communities, widening the social and psychological divide.

He emphasised that reconciliation and rebuilding trust are essential prerequisites for safe and sustainable resettlement. “The trust deficit between the communities has widened significantly. In some areas, even if people are resettled, they may not be able to live freely without security arrangements and restrictions. Therefore, reconciliation must come first. Manipur is inhabited by 36 communities. Each and every community should live peacefully with sense of oneness,” he said.

Khemchand Singh reiterated that the welfare and resettlement of IDPs remain a top priority for the government. He noted that even during the period of President’s Rule, efforts were made to facilitate the return of several displaced families, although certain areas such as Churachandpur and Moreh were not conducive for immediate resettlement.

He added that since the formation of the present government, the issue of IDPs has been a regular agenda in official meetings. While refraining from announcing a specific timeline for resettlement, the Chief Minister assured displaced families that consistent efforts are underway in coordination with stakeholders and civil society organisations from both hill and valley regions.

Consoling the displaced families, he assured them that their aspiration to return home would be fulfilled one day. “Though we cannot fix an exact timeline at this moment, your wish to go back to your homes will certainly be realised,” he said.