Kangpokpi, February 26: Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district staged a protest at Keithelmanbi Military Colony, declaring that rehabilitation without justice and restored normalcy is unacceptable.
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| Internally displaced persons from Kangpokpi district stage a protest demanding justice, continued DBT support and fair compensation before rehabilitation.(Image: Video Screenshot) |
The demonstration, organised by the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee (KDIDWC), saw displaced families holding placards reading “Justice for IDPs” and chanting slogans such as “No Return Till Normalcy Is Restored.”
Addressing the gathering, KDIDWC spokesperson Neihoiching Vaiphei said displaced families would not accept symbolic relief measures in place of structured and time-bound rehabilitation. She stressed that any return must be anchored in accountability, transparency and lasting peace.
The protesters demanded continuation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) support until full restoration of normalcy, immediate release of pending agricultural compensation for 2023 losses, and comprehensive educational and medical assistance for displaced families.
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They also called for expedited processing of property damage claims, financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per family in phased instalments, enhanced compensation for destroyed homes, and universal distribution of PMAY-G housing benefits irrespective of employment status.
Additional demands included proper registration of all unregistered IDPs and increased compensation ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh depending on the extent of house damage.
Although the Manipur government has reportedly set March 31, 2026, as a target for rehabilitation, protesters asserted that deadlines alone cannot guarantee safe and dignified resettlement.
The protest underscores continuing concerns among displaced families, who maintain that sustainable peace must be based on justice, security and equitable relief — not merely administrative timelines.
