Now, Manipur Govt sets up panels for monitoring & coordinating rehabilitation and resettlement initiatives for IDPs

 

The internally displaced people (IDPs) in Manipur have launched a month-long relay sit-in under the aegis of influential civil body, COCOMI, marking a major escalation by families who say they have been waiting for meaningful rehabilitation for more than a year.

COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba said the sit-in would continue for 31 days, declaring December the “ultimate month” for the government to fulfill its commitment on resettlement. He warned that the current protest was “only the beginning”, and that more intense agitations and mass movements would follow if authorities failed to take concrete action within the month. 

Meitei relief camp 

Inmates 

Appealing to “people from all walks of life” to join the protest, Athouba said collective public participation was crucial to securing a “rightful and dignified resettlement” for thousands of displaced families. 

He also criticised the recently concluded Sangai Festival 2025, alleging it was “organised without the consent of the people of Manipur.” 

Low turnout and empty stalls, he said, amounted to a “defeat of the festival” by citizens who chose solidarity with IDPs over celebration. 

As part of Monday’s protest action, COCOMI and IDP representatives submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Manipur and the Chief Secretary.

Manipur Govt set up IDP resettlement panels as displaced families begin 31-day protest Committees headed by the Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioners will coordinate and monitor IDP rehabilitation and resettlement. 

The month-long relay sit-in protest has been launched at Lamboikhongnang khong in Imphal West. 

The panels will also address the bottlenecks to ensure timely and efficient delivery of support. 

“The Government of Manipur has taken a significant step to strengthen ongoing efforts for the rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs in the state by constituting state-level and district-level committees with immediate effect,” it said. 

 “This structured intervention is expected to streamline processes, enhance coordination and ensure that assistance reaches families,” the statement added.

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