Manipur CM Khemchand says 36,000 IDPs have been resettled while support continues for 59,000 displaced people; government prepares aid proposal for missing families.
Imphal, Sept 3: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday informed the State Assembly that 36,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been resettled, while the government continues to provide financial assistance to around 59,000 people affected by the conflict that began on May 3, 2023.
Replying to a short-duration discussion moved by Congress MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh, the Chief Minister stated that around 60,000 people had been rendered homeless during the crisis. Of them, approximately 24,000 IDPs are still staying in relief camps across the state.
Khemchand attributed the progress in resettlement partly to the collective efforts and support of legislators.
The Chief Minister stated that IDPs from both the hills and valley share the desire to return to their respective homes and live in peace. Referring to his visits to relief camps and conflict-affected areas, he stated that he had interacted with people from different communities and found a common aspiration for peace and return.
Government explores livelihood support for returnees
Khemchand informed the Assembly that he had invited representatives of six to seven joint associations of IDPs for discussions last month to explore ways of assisting displaced people and facilitating their resettlement.
Although 36,000 IDPs have returned home, the government is continuing financial assistance to around 59,000 of the 60,000 affected people. The Chief Minister explained that many returnees continue to face difficulties because they lack livelihood and income opportunities.
He stated that monthly financial assistance was therefore being continued for those who had returned home as well.
The Chief Minister maintained that financial assistance alone could not address the consequences of a conflict that has continued for more than three years. He also pointed to the mental trauma experienced by affected people and stated that the Health Department was taking steps to address the issue.
He added that discussions were also being held with the Planning Department on further rehabilitation and livelihood measures. Support through initiatives such as labour cards issued by the Labour Department could be explored to create additional opportunities, he stated.
Khemchand stressed that suggestions from all sections would be considered and that the issue should be addressed without political considerations.
Government preparing Cabinet proposal for families of missing persons
Separately, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed the Assembly that preparations had been completed to place before the Cabinet a proposal to provide assistance to families of persons who remain missing since the outbreak of violence.
The Home Minister was responding to a question raised by ruling MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh during Question Hour regarding persons reported missing since May 3, 2023.
According to the Home Minister, 99 persons have been reported missing since the violence began. Of these, 34 have subsequently been traced, while 49 remain untraced. He also stated that 306 people had died in the violence.
The government has already disbursed ex-gratia assistance in confirmed death cases under the state government's existing Ex-Gratia Scheme and the Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims (CSACV).
Govindas stated that assistance to families of those who remain untraced was under consideration. Missing-person cases have been reported from different districts of the state.
He explained that under existing rules, when a person reported missing cannot be traced and no body is recovered for seven years, the person can be declared dead and government assistance becomes available to the family.
However, given the circumstances surrounding the missing persons in the ongoing conflict, the state government is preparing a proposal to seek Cabinet approval for providing assistance before the normal seven-year period.
The Home Minister stated that the state government could not take such a decision arbitrarily because assistance for missing persons was governed by existing Government of India rules. He added that arrangements were being made to place the proposal before the Cabinet after considering a limited relaxation or deviation from the applicable provisions.
Govindas also informed the House that security-related expenditure is fully reimbursed by the Government of India and that a major portion of expenditure related to the conflict is borne by the Centre.
MLA seeks special measures for missing persons' families
During a supplementary question, Dr Sapam Ranjan pointed to the prolonged hardship faced by families of missing persons.
He stated that some families had lived for years without knowing the whereabouts of their relatives, with some even performing final rites in the belief that the missing persons may have died.
The MLA also pointed out that many of those reported missing were the primary earners of their families and sought details of special measures being considered by the government to provide relief despite the existing rules.
The Chief Minister also stated that restoring connectivity and economic activity remained part of the government's efforts towards normalcy.
He referred to the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service and stated that efforts were underway to reopen the Moreh trade route.
Khemchand identified the trust deficit among communities as one of the most important challenges before the state. He stated that the government was working to build trust and create conditions for the return of normalcy, resettlement and restoration of economic and social activities.
