Manipur’s displaced people demand clear assurance on return to original homes, not ‘appropriate’ places

The Meitei Society of Churachandpur has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the authorities to take a clear and unequivocal stance on the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), insisting that they must be allowed to return to their original homes rather than to vaguely termed “appropriate places.”

Addressing a press conference at the Manipur Press Club today, Irom Abung Meitei, Assistant Secretary (Information and Publicity) of the society, welcomed the Prime Minister’s long-awaited visit to Manipur after more than 28 months of conflict. However, he expressed disappointment and confusion over the PM’s speech, particularly the assurance of resettling displaced people at “appropriate places.”

“The word ‘appropriate’ carries double meanings. Does it mean prefabricated shelters or new settlements, or does it mean our original homes? We would have greatly appreciated it if the Hon’ble Prime Minister had clearly and unequivocally promised to resettle the displaced at their original places as soon as possible,” he said.

The society highlighted the sufferings endured by IDPs since the onset of the crisis and demanded that all displaced persons—whether from the hills or valley—be resettled in their original homes as they existed before May 3, 2023.

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They also laid out specific demands, including the reconstruction of demolished houses before resettlement, monetary compensation to every affected household, and a central government job for at least one member of each displaced family.

The Meitei Society expressed disappointment that the Prime Minister did not announce any concrete policy or programme for the rehabilitation and welfare of IDPs, calling it “very unfortunate.”

Nonetheless, they reiterated their optimism about peace returning to Manipur soon and pledged full cooperation in efforts to restore normalcy. “We sincerely urge all concerned to make Manipur the epitome of peace, progress, and prosperity,” the appeal concluded.