Internally displaced persons protest government’s inaction into their long pending demand of resettlement in Imphal, Manipur
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IMPHAL — A large number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) on Monday attempted to march to the Lok Bhavan in Imphal, protesting government’s inaction into their long pending demand of resettlement.
Holding placards, some of which read ‘Resettlement is a right, not a favour,’ ‘30 memorandums, no response, Governor answer us,’ ‘No more delay on resettlement,’ ‘December promises, January silence, IDPs demand Justice,’ the IDPs, including the womenfolk, started the protest march from Takhellambam Leikai along the Imphal-Airport Road Monday afternoon.
However, they were prevented by a large number of security personnel, including Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force by erecting barricades at the Keishampat junction, about 100 metres away from the Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the state Governor in Imphal West District.
Later, an 11-member delegation including five representatives from the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), were allowed to meet Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in presence of Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel, and Commissioner (Home) N Ashok Kumar, at Lok Bhavan.
During the meeting, the delegation reiterated their key demands of resettlement.
In response, the governor informed the delegation that the government will give a reply by Tuesday, according to COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba.
Meanwhile, the Lok Bhavan also issued a press release, stating that the delegation shared “broad concerns related to the situation of IDPs and raised various issues requiring attention.”
“Discussions also touched upon matters linked to arrangements in certain areas adjoining the Valley and the Hills.”
“Governor listened to the delegation and noted that steps related to resettlement and rehabilitation are already underway,” it added. “He (Governor) reiterated that efforts are being taken to facilitate the safe and gradual return of IDPs.”
Prior to highlighting their demands to the Governor, the delegation also had a separate meeting with the chief secretary at his New Secretariat office.
Most of the IDPs, excluding the children who are presently taking shelter at multiple relief camps in the valley areas, participated in the day’s protest march. However, till date, no government response followed despite repeated appeals.
Normal traffic in and around Keishampat was disturbed for about three hours in view of the day’s march and subsequent sit-in by blocking one side of the busy Imphal Airport route at Keishampat.
It may be noted that more than 50,000 people were displaced and more than 250 persons killed in the Manipur crisis which erupted from Churachandpur district on May 3, 2023.