IDPs, COCOMI ask for credible deterrence

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 29: While reminding the Government of its assurance to resettle IDPs by December 2025, joint representatives of IDPs and COCOMI has urged the Government to immediately reinforce security forces, including State and Central agencies around all resettlement sites, particularly areas with known volatility, so as to ensure credible deterrence and protection of returning families.
A joint reminder memorandum submitted by COCOMI and representatives of IDPs to the Governor and the Chief Secretary has reiterated the demand for district-wise and village-wise resettlement schedule within the remaining days of December 2025.
It also asked for security guarantees and administrative preparedness to ensure safe and dignified return.
Restoration of basic services including housing, electricity, water, healthcare and education was another demand raised by the IDPs and COCOMI.
The recent attacks, coupled with ongoing public questioning of security preparedness, risk eroding trust, delaying the resettlement timetable and provoking serious public criticism, if left unaddressed, it said.
The memorandum urged the Government to strengthen intelligence gathering and preventive operations aimed at deterring armed groups and individuals planning attacks against civilians and the resettlement process. It also asked the Government to commit to providing timely, clear updates on security plans and risk assessments directly to IDP communities and public stakeholders to counter misinformation and prevent escalation of fear.
The memorandum further urged the Governor and the Chief Secretary to honour the previously communicated resettlement timeframe and associated completion schedules, integrating enhanced security measures to prevent avoidable delays that could further erode confidence. Failure to address the persistent threats after explicit assurances of protected and time-bound resettlement will invite intensified public criticism from displaced people, civil society and the general public, it reiterated.