Manipur Governor reviews relief measures for Internally Displaced Persons; Calls for strengthened rehabilitation framework

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across the state.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, and senior representatives from various departments involved in managing relief operations.

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A comprehensive presentation was made highlighting the current status of IDPs, the challenges faced by the administration, and initiatives undertaken to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and psychological support.

One of the major points of discussion was the newly launched dedicated IDPs portal, which enables real-time monitoring and data management to ensure targeted and transparent delivery of services. Officials explained that the portal is proving critical in tracking the number of displaced individuals, coordinating logistics, and monitoring the distribution of relief materials and government aid.

Governor Bhalla stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, stating that timely delivery of welfare schemes to displaced families must remain the top priority.

“We must ensure that not a single displaced person is left behind due to administrative delays or data lapses,” he asserted, directing all concerned departments to work in unison.

The meeting also revisited the state government’s long-term rehabilitation plans, including livelihood restoration, temporary housing, and psychosocial care, especially for women and children who have borne the brunt of the conflict.

This review comes in the backdrop of over 60,000 people being displaced due to the Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict that erupted in May 2023. Thousands of people continue to live in relief camps, separated from their homes, communities, and normal livelihoods.
Despite intermittent peace-building efforts and deployment of central forces, tension still simmers in parts of the hill and valley districts, making rehabilitation a complex and urgent administrative challenge.

Civil society organizations and rights groups have repeatedly called for faster reintegration of IDPs into society, citing deteriorating conditions in overcrowded camps.

The Governor concluded the session with a directive to strengthen institutional mechanisms, reinforce the monitoring of relief efforts, and accelerate rehabilitation planning in consultation with both hill and valley stakeholders.