Manipur: Kakching to shut 11 IDP relief camps from March 31

IMPHAL — The Kakching district administration in Manipur has decided to close 11 relief camps sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs) with effect from March 31.

An order to this effect was issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Kakching on March 23.

According to the order, the decision has been taken in view of the ongoing resettlement drive initiated by the district administration for IDPs from Sugnu, Wapokpi, Tangjeng and Serou areas, where the law and order situation has shown significant improvement.

The administration stated that the move is aimed at facilitating the return and resettlement of IDPs in their respective homes and localities.

The relief camps to be closed include Old Age Home Kakching, Kaliyan Ashram Kakching, Indoor Stadium Kakching, Kongoi Bazar Community Hall, SC/ST Hostel Kakching Municipal Council, Yumbimacha High School, Keirak Sanatombi High School, Hiyanglam Girls’ Junior High School, Sekmaijin Maning Leikai Panchayat Ghar, Lamjao Upper Primary School, and Langmeidong Higher Secondary School.

However, the order clarified that IDPs from Moreh, Napat and other vulnerable areas who are unable to return home will be accommodated at Yangbi Girls High School, Wabagai.

“The concerned nodal officers shall be responsible for facilitating the resettlement of IDPs from their respective relief camps,” the order stated.

Earlier in January, the state government had announced plans to resettle over 10,000 displaced families, comprising more than 40,000 IDPs, by the end of March.

So far, around 3,700 families, comprising approximately 16,500 individuals, have reportedly been resettled. The government has released about INR 124 crore for the purpose.

Manipur has been witnessing unrest since May 3, 2023, which has claimed over 260 lives and displaced around 60,000 people.

Since then, many displaced families have been living in relief camps across the state, while some have taken shelter outside Manipur.