IDPs remind Bhalla, CS of Dec timeline
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Days after committees were formed to fast track resettlement of internally displaced persons, the Governor and the Chief Secretary have been reminded of the Government's assurance to expedite "resettlement and homecoming of IDPs" by December.
Only 29 days are left for the Government to fulfil its assurance to expedite "resettlement and homecoming of IDPs", said a memorandum that has been submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary PK Goel.
The memorandum, signed by several representatives of the IDPs and COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba, said it wants the Government to take up visible ground action to fulfil its assurance.
Notably, this assurance for resettlement of IDPs in the original homes and villages was given by former Chief Secretary PK Singh in early July 2025.
On July 4, 2025, the former Chief Secretary had said that the Government was implementing resettlement of more than 60,000 internally displaced persons in three phases.
Noting some had already returned to their homes, PK Singh had said that the second and third phase of resettlement would be expedited in October 2025 and December 2025 respectively.
Stating that the Government would be closing all relief camps by December 2025, PK Singh had, however, noted that the resettlement may not be possible for some 10,000 IDPs from Moreh, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur even after December.
He had stated that the IDPs from Moreh, Kangpokpi or Churachandpur will be allowed to stay in some pre-fabricated houses. Meanwhile, the memorandum submitted to the Governor and the current Chief Secretary reminded them that they have only around 29 days to fulfil the Government's assurance.
Relay sit-in protest demonstrations will continue until measurable progress is seen to facilitate the return of IDPs to their respective homes, said the memorandum.
There must be transparency in the process and regular public communications on decisions and actions of the High-Level Committee that has been formed to expedite resettlement, it said.
The recent reconstitution of an inclusive High-Level Committee to strengthen rehabilitation and resettlement efforts is appreciated as a positive administrative step. However, structural changes must now translate into visible actions on the ground, said the IDPs in the memorandum.
Thousands of families continue to live in prolonged displacement, deprived of their basic rights and dignity. The Government is expected to fulfil its assurances with urgency, compassion, and accountability. IDPs stand ready to cooperate in all necessary processes. "We seek only the restoration of our homes, safety, and normalcy," said the IDPs.
Significantly, the Government had recently constituted State-level and district-level committees to accelerate rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs.
The State Level Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary and it will provide strategic oversight and policy direction.
The district-level committees are headed by respective Deputy Commissioners.
IMPHAL, Dec 3: Days after committees were formed to fast track resettlement of internally displaced persons, the Governor and the Chief Secretary have been reminded of the Government's assurance to expedite "resettlement and homecoming of IDPs" by December.
Only 29 days are left for the Government to fulfil its assurance to expedite "resettlement and homecoming of IDPs", said a memorandum that has been submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Secretary PK Goel.
The memorandum, signed by several representatives of the IDPs and COCOMI convenor Khuraijam Athouba, said it wants the Government to take up visible ground action to fulfil its assurance.
Notably, this assurance for resettlement of IDPs in the original homes and villages was given by former Chief Secretary PK Singh in early July 2025.
On July 4, 2025, the former Chief Secretary had said that the Government was implementing resettlement of more than 60,000 internally displaced persons in three phases.
Noting some had already returned to their homes, PK Singh had said that the second and third phase of resettlement would be expedited in October 2025 and December 2025 respectively.
Stating that the Government would be closing all relief camps by December 2025, PK Singh had, however, noted that the resettlement may not be possible for some 10,000 IDPs from Moreh, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur even after December.
He had stated that the IDPs from Moreh, Kangpokpi or Churachandpur will be allowed to stay in some pre-fabricated houses. Meanwhile, the memorandum submitted to the Governor and the current Chief Secretary reminded them that they have only around 29 days to fulfil the Government's assurance.
Relay sit-in protest demonstrations will continue until measurable progress is seen to facilitate the return of IDPs to their respective homes, said the memorandum.
There must be transparency in the process and regular public communications on decisions and actions of the High-Level Committee that has been formed to expedite resettlement, it said.
The recent reconstitution of an inclusive High-Level Committee to strengthen rehabilitation and resettlement efforts is appreciated as a positive administrative step. However, structural changes must now translate into visible actions on the ground, said the IDPs in the memorandum.
Thousands of families continue to live in prolonged displacement, deprived of their basic rights and dignity. The Government is expected to fulfil its assurances with urgency, compassion, and accountability. IDPs stand ready to cooperate in all necessary processes. "We seek only the restoration of our homes, safety, and normalcy," said the IDPs.
Significantly, the Government had recently constituted State-level and district-level committees to accelerate rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs.
The State Level Committee is chaired by the Chief Secretary and it will provide strategic oversight and policy direction.
The district-level committees are headed by respective Deputy Commissioners.