No return sans normalcy : Kpi IDPs
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Our Correspondent
KANGPOKPI, Feb 26: Even as the Central BJP leadership speaks of rehabili- tation initiatives, welfare measures, and restoration of normalcy in Manipur, hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Kangpokpi district have contended that the reality on the ground remains grim - marked by hardship, uncertainty, and unfulfilled assurances.
Under the aegis of the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee (KDIDWC), displaced families gathered at Keithelmanbi Military Colo-ny in Kangpokpi's Cham- phai Sub-Division, raising a call for justice.
Holding placards under the banner “Justice for IDPs”, protesters chanted slogans demanding transparency, accountability, and comprehensive rehabilitation before any talk of return.
The demonstrators underscored that while announcements have been made at various levels, critical issues continue to plague displaced families - from lack of transparency in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) disbursements to inadequate property damage compensation, absence of quality educational support for children, limited medical assis- tance, and incomplete registration of IDPs.
Speaking at the protest, KDIDWC spokesperson Neihoiching Vaiphei laid out a detailed charter of demands, stating that the displaced community will not accept symbolic relief but seek structured, equitable, and time-bound action.
Key demands raised by the IDPs:
Continuation of DBT payments until complete restoration of normalcy to ensure survival and dignity.
Pending agricultural compensation for rice and cultivation losses from 2023 to be released immediately to all eligible beneficiaries.
Full educational support, including school fees and transportation costs, for IDP students.
Expedited assessment and processing of property damage claims already submitted to the Deputy Commissioner.
Financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh, disbursed in four installments of Rs 25,000, to all IDPs irrespective of the extent of house damage.
Comprehensive medical assistance for displaced families.
Universal distribution of PMAY-G housing benefits, without treating it as compensation and irrespective of employment status.
Enhanced compensation for destroyed homes viz Rs 10 lakh for kacha houses, Rs 15 lakh for semi-pucca, and Rs 20 lakh for pucca houses for applicants filing claims before March 31.
Immediate registration of all unregistered IDPs in Kangpokpi district.
The Government of Manipur has reportedly set March 31, 2026, as a target for rehabilitation of displaced families.
However, the protesters maintained that rehabilitation cannot be reduced to deadlines and paperwork while core grievances remain unresolved.
The protest marks a renewed assertion from Kangpokpi’s displaced population that any sustainable peace must be anchored in justice, transparent governance, and dignified resettlement, not merely policy declarations.
As the State moves toward rehabilitation targets, the voices from Kangpokpi signal that for Manipur’s IDPs, the struggle is far from over.
KANGPOKPI, Feb 26: Even as the Central BJP leadership speaks of rehabili- tation initiatives, welfare measures, and restoration of normalcy in Manipur, hundreds of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Kangpokpi district have contended that the reality on the ground remains grim - marked by hardship, uncertainty, and unfulfilled assurances.
Under the aegis of the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee (KDIDWC), displaced families gathered at Keithelmanbi Military Colo-ny in Kangpokpi's Cham- phai Sub-Division, raising a call for justice.
Holding placards under the banner “Justice for IDPs”, protesters chanted slogans demanding transparency, accountability, and comprehensive rehabilitation before any talk of return.
The demonstrators underscored that while announcements have been made at various levels, critical issues continue to plague displaced families - from lack of transparency in Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) disbursements to inadequate property damage compensation, absence of quality educational support for children, limited medical assis- tance, and incomplete registration of IDPs.
Speaking at the protest, KDIDWC spokesperson Neihoiching Vaiphei laid out a detailed charter of demands, stating that the displaced community will not accept symbolic relief but seek structured, equitable, and time-bound action.
Key demands raised by the IDPs:
Continuation of DBT payments until complete restoration of normalcy to ensure survival and dignity.
Pending agricultural compensation for rice and cultivation losses from 2023 to be released immediately to all eligible beneficiaries.
Full educational support, including school fees and transportation costs, for IDP students.
Expedited assessment and processing of property damage claims already submitted to the Deputy Commissioner.
Financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh, disbursed in four installments of Rs 25,000, to all IDPs irrespective of the extent of house damage.
Comprehensive medical assistance for displaced families.
Universal distribution of PMAY-G housing benefits, without treating it as compensation and irrespective of employment status.
Enhanced compensation for destroyed homes viz Rs 10 lakh for kacha houses, Rs 15 lakh for semi-pucca, and Rs 20 lakh for pucca houses for applicants filing claims before March 31.
Immediate registration of all unregistered IDPs in Kangpokpi district.
The Government of Manipur has reportedly set March 31, 2026, as a target for rehabilitation of displaced families.
However, the protesters maintained that rehabilitation cannot be reduced to deadlines and paperwork while core grievances remain unresolved.
The protest marks a renewed assertion from Kangpokpi’s displaced population that any sustainable peace must be anchored in justice, transparent governance, and dignified resettlement, not merely policy declarations.
As the State moves toward rehabilitation targets, the voices from Kangpokpi signal that for Manipur’s IDPs, the struggle is far from over.