Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity and six organizations representing internally displaced persons issued a stern ultimatum on Wednesday. They will launch a mass agitation on August 1 if the state government halts Direct Benefit Transfer payments for families living outside official relief camps. COCOMI officials addressed the press at their Lamphel office to demand that the government drop the distinction between campers and non-campers.
Ethnic violence in the region ignited on May 3, 2023. Approximately 43,000 people remain displaced today. These families are still unable to return to their homes. The government has offered no clear timeline for resettlement. COCOMI convenor YK Dhiren rejected the plan to classify displaced families into separate groups. He stated, "The people did not choose to become internally displaced, nor are they responsible for the crisis. They were forced to leave their homes because of circumstances beyond their control."
Families living in rented homes or with relatives face mounting costs. They need the funds to cover rent and medical bills. Leishangthem Gojendro of Moreh warned that many families struggle to survive outside the camps. Naba Ningthoujam, an IDP from Churachandpur, noted that the move violates previous assurances from the Governor, Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary. The groups now demand the immediate release of all pending July payments by July 31.
Meitei Council Moreh General Secretary L. Brojen slammed the denial of aid as deeply unfortunate. He pointed to a previous High Court of Manipur directive that ordered authorities to handle such representations from a pan-India perspective. COCOMI made its stance clear: all IDPs deserve equal support until they are safely rehabilitated. They will start their protest if the state refuses to pay.
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