Resettlement offers relief, but poverty shadows families in Manipur's Leimaram Waroiching

Recently resettled residents of Leimaram Waroiching in Bishnupur District are experiencing a long-awaited sigh of relief after returning to their homeland. 

However, beneath this relief lies a stark reality: an escalating livelihood crisis that continues to push the community into hardship and uncertainty.

Leimaram Waroiching, a scenic foothill village predominantly inhabited by the Meitei community, borders villages settled by the Kuki community. The conflict that erupted in May 2023 severely hit this region and its adjoining localities, resulting in widespread displacement and prolonged insecurity.

Many residents were forced to flee to relief camps, while others remained in the village under constant threat. As part of a notable effort on December 4, 64 displaced families were finally brought back to the village under the initiative of the deputy commissioner, Bishnupur district. However, at least seven families are yet to return.

This resettlement comes amid ongoing protests demanding rehabilitation for internally displaced persons, coordinated by the local committee with a deadline of December 31.

The return was carried out under strict security measures to avoid any tension. At the village entrance, officials conduct strict checks, name entries, and Aadhaar submission. Residents must return home by 6 pm, reflecting persistent insecurity in the area.

Leimapokpam Lairentombi, one of the recently resettled residents, conveyed deep gratitude to the government for enabling her return after more than 17 months. But her gratitude is shadowed by overwhelming economic distress and a dilapidated house that has deteriorated due to prolonged absence. While government assurances regarding house renovation have been made, she said that the absence of a steady livelihood has become a major obstacle for her poverty-stricken family.

She highlighted the grim economic condition in Leimaram Waroiching. Before the crisis, residents relied heavily on tourism from the popular Leimaram Waterfall, one of Manipur’s most frequented tourist sites. They earned by selling goods to visitors, a vital source of income. Now, entry to the waterfall is prohibited, cutting off the village’s main economic lifeline.

Also Read: ‘We want to go home, govt should help,’ says Kuki community during Meitei MLA’s visit

The community also relied on collecting forest products to support their families, which is now non-existent due to restrictions.

Lairentombi expressed appreciation for the government’s steps but urged them to take more measures to revive sources of livelihood. She also voiced solidarity with other displaced families who have lost everything.
“I can feel the pain of IDPs from Moreh and Churachandpur whose houses were vandalised and destroyed. I hope the government takes up their resettlement at the earliest,” she appealed.

Another resident, Ningthoujam Roshmita, explained that Leimaram Waroiching has been one of the most vulnerable areas due to its proximity to Kuki-inhabited villages. When the conflict broke out, villagers fled seeking safety. However, by May 2024, around 100 people had returned to protect their homes, while others remained in relief camps until recently.

“My house is very close to the Kuki village. We stayed back from May last year with courage. We were terrified during peak crisis, yet our determination to protect our village suppressed the fear,” she recounted.

Roshmita expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of government recognition for those who continued protecting the village despite immense personal risk.
“There are around 100 people in the village who stayed back risking our lives, but we never received government support except rations for only three months — November 2024, January 2025, and March 2025,” she said, urging the state government to extend assistance to ensure sustainable livelihood for villagers.

The sentiment across Leimaram Waroiching is clear: resettlement has allowed families to return home, but without economic revival, the relief remains incomplete. The struggle for survival continues, and residents hope for long-term livelihood interventions to rebuild their shattered lives.