Manipur government launches data collection for internally displaced

IMPHAL — In a move to maintain a comprehensive database for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing law and order since the past more than two years, the Manipur government has launched an initiative to collect data on IDPs.

In a notice released to the media on Thursday, the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West District announced that the Manipur government is undertaking a data collection exercise for IDPs residing in the state via a portal developed by the IT department.

“This exercise will cover both the categories of IDPs staying in the relief camps as well as those staying at various places outside the relief camps,” the notice stated.

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As part of this exercise, the district administration of Imphal West has started and is near completion of capturing the data of the IDPs staying at the various relief camps of Imphal West district, it added.

It also informed all IDPs residing outside the relief camps of Imphal West district to contact the concerned authorities to facilitate the capturing of details of the IDPs within a week’s time, latest by June 25.

Following the May 3, 2023, incident where a student rally turned violent in Churachandpur district, Manipur witnessed widespread unrest, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacing more than 50,000 people.

Since then most of the displaced people are still staying in the relief camps across the state, while some are taking shelter outside the state.

Meanwhile the Thadou Inpi Manipur, a representative body of the Thadou community, has appealed to both the central and state governments to acknowledge a third category of displaced individuals who have received no government aid since the Manipur crisis erupted.

COVID-19 tally rises to 53

Manipur's COVID-19 tally rose to 53 on Thursday after 16 more cases tested positive. Imphal West (30) and Imphal East (15) reported the highest numbers, followed by Chandel (5), Bishnupur (4), Tengnoupal (2), and Kakching and Thoubal (1 each).

Also read: Manipur reports three new Covid-19 cases

According to the state health department's Integrated Disease Surveillance Project update released on Thursday, 185 people were tested for COVID-19 since June 1. Currently, 50 patients are in home isolation, with three having been discharged.

The state government appealed for public calm and continued adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, emphasising that these measures are precautionary and essential for ensuring preparedness and safety.