Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Thousands of internally displaced persons gathered at the Kangpokpi district headquarters to demand the immediate release of overdue Direct Benefit Transfer payments. The protest, organized by the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee, highlighted the growing financial desperation of families living in relief camps and rented housing. These people fled their homes after ethnic violence erupted in the region.
Official records show 15,694 displaced persons in Kangpokpi, the highest count in Manipur. Families rely on this monthly cash for food, medicine, and school costs. The money covers admission fees, examination charges, uniforms, and books for children. Now, the funds have stopped. Protesters reported that July payments never arrived.
Displaced families face a grim reality. Food stocks in camps are shrinking fast. Committee members submitted a formal memorandum to the Manipur Chief Minister through Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen. They want a fixed, transparent payment schedule and an end to discriminatory practices between those in camps and those living in private rentals.
The committee stated, "DBT has become the only means of survival and dignity for displaced families until they are able to return to their homes and rebuild their livelihoods."
The group gave the government five days to fix the issue. If the money stays missing, they warned they will intensify their protests. Despite the friction, the committee expressed a willingness to help the state verify beneficiaries to ensure the cash reaches every eligible person without delay.
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