Hope on the Move: Manipur’s IDPs Start Returning Home After Over 2 Years in Relief Camps
In a significant step toward restoring normalcy in violence-hit Manipur, a fresh batch of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) has begun returning to their native villages as the state administration initiates a phased resettlement process.
On Thursday, 257 IDPs from 64 families were safely escorted back to Waroiching village in Bishnupur district under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam. The families had been living at the Leimaram High School Relief Camp since ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in May 2023.
District authorities issued new identification cards to the returning residents to facilitate recognition by security personnel and ensure uninterrupted movement. Officials confirmed that this marks the second phase of resettlement in the area, following the earlier return of 49 individuals. The next target for rehabilitation includes displaced families from parts of Kumbi.
The renewed administrative push follows the government’s decision to set up state-level and district-level resettlement committees on December 1. Headed by the Chief Secretary, the state panel is tasked with providing strategic guidance; resolve administrative hurdles, and ensure coordinated implementation.
District-level committees led by the respective Deputy Commissioners will serve as the primary on-ground mechanism, monitoring field operations and offering regular feedback to speed up decision-making.
Officials said the structured approach is aimed at streamlining relief efforts and ensuring timely delivery of support to the nearly 60,000 people displaced since the outbreak of violence in May 2023.
The development comes even as IDP groups and civil society body COCOMI continue a month-long sit-in protest, urging authorities to honor their commitment to complete resettlement by December.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 13, 2025, a measure extended until February 2026, as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of ethnic conflict that has claimed hundreds of lives and uprooted thousands.
