Imphal, January 30: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Keisham Meghachandra Singh has strongly criticised the Manipur Government over what he described as its continued failure to ensure the timely and dignified resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected by the ethnic violence in the state.
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| Keisham Meghachandra Singh (File Photo) |
In a statement issued on Friday, Meghachandra alleged that despite repeated assurances from the government, thousands of displaced families continue to live in relief camps under uncertain conditions, highlighting what he termed a lack of urgency and sensitivity in addressing one of the state's most pressing humanitarian challenges.
The Congress leader said the prolonged delay in rehabilitation has caused immense hardship to displaced families who have remained away from their homes for an extended period. He argued that the government's repeated announcements have not translated into meaningful action on the ground, leaving many affected people without permanent shelter, adequate livelihood opportunities, or a clear path towards rebuilding their lives.
Referring to a statement made by Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel in Imphal on January 29, Meghachandra noted that the state government had announced a roadmap to resettle 10,000 displaced families, comprising more than 40,000 Internally Displaced Persons, by March 31, 2026. The Chief Secretary had also stated that approximately 16,500 IDPs had already been resettled.
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However, Meghachandra questioned the government's claims, asserting that the situation on the ground does not reflect the figures presented by the administration. According to him, thousands of displaced persons continue to reside in relief camps across the state, where they allegedly face inadequate living conditions, limited access to essential services, livelihood insecurity, and uncertainty regarding their long-term rehabilitation.
He further stated that announcements and numerical targets alone cannot substitute for effective implementation. Stressing the need for transparency and accountability, the Congress leader called on the government to present a detailed, time-bound, and transparent rehabilitation plan that clearly outlines the process for resettlement, restoration of livelihoods, and rehabilitation of affected communities.
Meghachandra also emphasised that displaced families deserve not only physical relocation but also adequate security, access to education and healthcare, livelihood support, and the restoration of normal social and economic life. He argued that rehabilitation efforts should focus on restoring dignity and confidence among those who have suffered due to the prolonged conflict.
Describing the current situation as unacceptable, the MPCC president maintained that the continued delay in rehabilitating displaced persons reflects a serious failure of governance. He urged the government to act with greater urgency and compassion in fulfilling its responsibility towards citizens affected by the violence.
The remarks come in response to the government's recently announced resettlement roadmap. The Manipur Government has not issued any response to Meghachandra's criticism beyond its previously announced rehabilitation plan.
