Manipur's Resettlement Strategy Emphasizes Safety First Approach
Manipur, currently under President's Rule, has officially stated its position on resettling people displaced by ethnic violence. The state government makes clear that any relocation of affected individuals will happen only in locations where authorities can guarantee long-term safety and stability. This announcement comes directly from the state's special secretary for home affairs.
Phased Rehabilitation Program Underway
In a detailed letter issued on Wednesday, officials informed representatives of internally displaced persons about the ongoing resettlement initiative. This program operates under a substantial Rs 1,523-crore rehabilitation package announced in the 2025-26 state budget. The government has designed the process to unfold in carefully managed phases rather than as a single rushed operation.
The letter specifically addresses the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity alongside IDP representatives. Authorities emphasize that resettlement depends on multiple critical factors. These include the current security situation, readiness of proposed sites, availability of land, flow of funds, local climatic conditions, and feasibility of livelihood opportunities.
Three-Phase Structure Addresses Different Needs
The rehabilitation package organizes assistance into three distinct phases. Phase One covers families whose homes suffered partial damage during the conflict. Phase Two provides resettlement for families allocated housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin special package within their own districts.
Phase Three represents the most challenging component. This phase addresses families requiring inter-district relocation between valley and hill areas. The government acknowledges this requires enhanced coordination between different regions. It also demands significant infrastructure development and integrated security arrangements to ensure success.
Scale of Displacement and Current Status
The ethnic conflict between Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities has created substantial humanitarian challenges. Approximately 60,000 people from both communities have been displaced from their homes. While authorities have resettled about 10,000 individuals so far, many remain in temporary housing or have returned to their original villages.
A significant number continue living in relief camps scattered across Manipur. Some have also sought shelter in neighboring Mizoram. The government recognizes the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions that address both immediate shelter and long-term stability.
Holistic Approach Beyond Mere Relocation
Officials stress that their rehabilitation plan extends far beyond simply moving people from one location to another. The letter describes it as a holistic process with multiple dimensions. This approach focuses on creating sustainable livelihoods for displaced families. It also prioritizes educational opportunities and overall well-being for all affected individuals.
Joint planning teams bring together deputy commissioners, security forces, and local stakeholders. These groups work collaboratively to assess each potential resettlement site. Their evaluation considers security requirements alongside housing development needs.
Construction of security barracks and deployment infrastructure proceeds alongside residential development. This integrated approach aims to create communities where safety and normalcy can coexist.
Dynamic Implementation Without Rigid Deadlines
The government describes its implementation strategy as phased, dynamic, and pragmatic. Officials explicitly reject a rigid, one-time, deadline-driven exercise. Instead, they emphasize flexibility and responsiveness to ground realities.
This measured approach acknowledges the complexity of rebuilding communities torn apart by violence. It recognizes that sustainable resettlement requires careful planning and continuous assessment of changing circumstances.
The letter concludes by reiterating the fundamental principle guiding all decisions. Resettlement will proceed only where reasonable assurance of long-term safety and stability exists. This commitment forms the cornerstone of Manipur's rehabilitation efforts for those displaced by ethnic conflict.
