In a significant update on the ongoing rehabilitation efforts, Manipur Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel announced on Tuesday that approximately 10,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) have been successfully resettled across the state. This marks a crucial step in addressing the displacement crisis that began with the outbreak of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023.
Phased Resettlement and a Major Financial Package
Officials stated that the resettlement process is being executed in a gradual manner, with a firm emphasis on safety and long-term sustainability. The efforts are backed by a substantial Rs 523-crore resettlement and rehabilitation package, which was announced in the Manipur budget for 2025-26 by the Central government. Goel clarified that the plan is structured into three distinct phases to ensure orderly implementation.
The first phase focuses on families whose houses were partially damaged. The second involves resettling beneficiaries under a special Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) package within their own districts. The third and most complex phase entails the inter-district relocation of families between valley and hill areas, where a return to their original homes is not immediately possible due to security concerns.
Infrastructure Expansion and Security Measures
Highlighting the scale of the construction drive, the Chief Secretary revealed that nearly 4,000 houses are currently under construction, indicating a steady expansion of rehabilitation infrastructure in the coming months. The resettlement timeline is deliberately aligned with continuous ground-level security assessments and the readiness of this new housing.
Goel stressed that the government is concurrently implementing robust security protocols and confidence-building initiatives at both state and district levels. "These actions are being carried out... aiming to create a secure environment for IDPs and foster trust among all stakeholders within the community," he said. The integrated approach seeks to address both the financial and security needs of displaced families for a smooth transition.
A Call for Communication and a Dignified Process
Striking a note of caution, Goel emphasized that while the state government is undertaking adequate security measures, effective people-to-people communication must be established as a vital confidence-building step. He advised that resettlement should not be rushed without this foundation.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to ensuring a dignified, safe, and sustainable resettlement process for all displaced persons. This announcement follows earlier state plans to close all relief camps by December and complete the three-phase resettlement by the year's end. The conflict had initially displaced over 55,000 people, making the current resettlement of 10,000 a critical, yet partial, milestone in Manipur's long road to recovery.
