CM reaches out to Kuki-Zo, Meitei IDPs; interacts with Paolienlal Haokip, Khaute, Nemcha, Letzamang

By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, Feb 19 : Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh today interacted with internally displaced  people (IDPs) belonging to both Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities and heard their grievances as he attended the distribution of benefits to IDPs through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) at the Alternate Housing Complex, National Game Village (NGV) Relief Camp in Imphal West.
Around Rs 33 crore was released today, according to a statement issued by the CM's Secretariat.
Interacting with the IDPs, the Chief Minister said that the priority of the new State Government is to help them return to their respective homes with peace and goodwill.
He thanked Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla for his guidance in enabling some IDPs to return home.
During the function, the Chief Minister engaged with IDPs from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, meeting with them in person and via video conference.
He also listened to grievances related to resettlement, pensions, education, and healthcare.
IDPs from Nghamun Relief Camp (Kangpokpi) represented by Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen; Torbung Prefabricated (Churachandpur) represented by MLA Letzamang Haokip; Sadhbhav Mandap, Khominthang (Chura-chandpur) represented by MLA LM Khaute and Sadhbhav Mandap, Tuibong (Churachandpur) represented by MLA Paolienlal Haokip joined the programme virtually.
While the Chief Minister spoke with Kuki-Zo IDPs from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi through video conference, he was physically present at the Langol Alternate Housing Complex relief centre in Imphal West, where he met Meitei displaced individuals.
The IDPs from both communities shared their ordeals to the Chief Minister.
A young Kuki girl from Kangpokpi, asking to be treated as his (the CM) own daughter, shared the difficulties she faced in continuing her post-graduate studies.
A Meitei woman, on the other hand, pleaded for permission to return to her home in Moreh.
Another Kuki-Zo woman from a relief camp in Churachandpur shared the challenges they face in accessing medical treatment.
When a Meitei resident from Moreh, who had been living in the relief camp for nearly three years, voiced her desire to return home, the Chief Minister responded that the Government has been making every effort to rebuild trust between the two communities.
“I will not let your tears go in vain,” said the Chief Minister, adding that his Government’s priority is to remove the trust deficit between the two communities.
To an inmate at a relief camp in Churachandpur, the Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of the district in accessing medical care, given that most doctors in the State are from the Meitei community and advanced medical facilities are concentrated in Imphal.
“When BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte was recently admitted to Churachandpur district hospital in serious condition, I arranged two Meitei Pangal doctors to attend to him. They were able to visit Kuki-Zo areas without facing any issue. I will always remember the dedication and service of the two Meitei Pangal doctors, for their exceptional care,” he shared.
Furthermore, Khemchand noted that the ethnic conflict has disrupted the education of around 8,000 Kuki-Zo students.
While about 2,000 of them have been able to continue their studies in other States, the remaining 6,000 students are facing significant challenges, he said
"We need a special plan for these students," he said.
The Chief Minister also reassured that any Kuki-Zo tribal individual who wishes to travel to Imphal for medical treatment will be provided with foolproof security.
“There will be absolutely no issue for any of you to receive medical treatment at the hospitals in Imphal,” he assured the Kuki-Zo inmates from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi.
“A few new ambulances have also arrived, and we will make the necessary arrangements to ensure your access to care,” he told the Kuki-Zo IDPs.
The Chief Minister acknowledged that while some IDPs have returned, challenges persist in the resettlement process due to ongoing fear among certain sections of the population.
He emphasised that lasting peace will only be achieved when communities come to a mutual understanding.
The Chief Minister called on Civil Society Organizations from both the hills and the valley to collaborate in restoring normalcy.
He also urged all communities to live in unity and with mutual respect.
Khemchand announced that a special support of Rs 2,420 per person is being provided to help IDPs replace worn-out mattresses and essential items.
He also highlighted several financial assistance measures, including Rs 1 lakh per family whose homes were completely destroyed.
He said that Rs 25,000 each has already been disbursed as the first installment to 9,314 households, and an additional Rs 25,000 will be released to 434 more households.
Additionally, Rs 20,000 in extra assistance will be provided to all 9,748 eligible households.
He assured that those who have not yet received their benefits will also be supported by the Government.
LM Khaute raised issues regarding job cards and financial entitlements.
The Chief Minister stated that special job cards can be transferred between districts through an official process.
The programme was also attended by Minister Khuraijam Loken Singh, MLAs Sapam Kunjakeshwor, Nishikant Singh Sapam, Khwairakpam Raghumani Singh, Losii Dikho (via video conference), Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel, Commissioner to Chief Minister N Ashok Kumar, senior officials, public representatives, and IDPs among others.