Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh announced in the State Assembly that 36,000 internally displaced persons have been successfully resettled out of the total 60,000 individuals displaced by the ethnic crisis originating on May 3, 2023. Replying to a short-duration discussion introduced by Congress MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh, the Chief Minister detailed the ongoing administrative measures required to address the prolonged humanitarian fallout across both hill and valley regions.
The state administration is maintaining monthly financial support for approximately 59,000 displaced citizens, including those who have returned to their properties. Chief Minister Khemchand Singh explained that financial relief alone cannot resolve the complex difficulties faced by families who continue to struggle with basic livelihood and income-generating opportunities following three years of disruption.
Resettlement Progress and Relief Camp Status
The ongoing legislative discussion highlighted the distinct demographic breakdown of the state's displaced population. Out of the roughly 60,000 citizens rendered homeless during the conflict, 36,000 individuals have returned to their respective areas. Meanwhile, approximately 24,000 people continue to reside in various designated relief camps located across different districts.
Chief Minister Khemchand Singh credited the collective efforts and cooperation of state legislators for enabling the phased resettlement progress. During recent outreach visits to relief shelters and vulnerable zones, he observed that residents from both the hill and valley districts shared a unified aspiration to return home and restore peaceful community coexistence.
Targeted Livelihood and Psychological Support
Addressing the psychological toll of the prolonged unrest, the state government has engaged the Health Department to deploy targeted interventions aimed at lessening mental trauma among survivors. Officials recognized that emotional recovery must accompany physical rebuilding efforts across affected communities.
To address economic stability, the Chief Minister noted ongoing consultations with the Planning Department regarding comprehensive rehabilitation frameworks. He specifically pointed to the Labour Department’s labour card issuance process as a practical avenue for expanding local employment opportunities and extending targeted welfare benefits to returning families.
Connectivity and Regional Trade Restoration
Beyond direct humanitarian assistance, the state government is prioritizing the re-establishment of vital regional supply chains and transportation links. The successful resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service marked an important milestone in restoring regular passenger mobility across state boundaries.
administrative preparations are actively underway to reopen the crucial Moreh trade route. Reviving this international border transit point is viewed by economic planners as an essential step toward revitalizing commercial activity and generating sustainable local revenue streams.
Legislative Outreach and Trust-Building Initiatives
Addressing the underlying social divisions, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh identified the existing trust deficit between different ethnic communities as the single most critical challenge facing the region. He emphasized that resolving the crisis requires bipartisan cooperation, urging all political parties to address rehabilitation matters free from partisan considerations.
Highlighting recent stakeholder engagement, the administration convened consultations last month with representatives from six to seven joint associations representing displaced persons. The Chief Minister assured the Assembly that the government remains fully committed to building lasting community trust and establishing conditions conducive to long-term normalcy.
