Manipur has formed State Level and District Level Committees to boost the rehabilitation and resettlement of thousands of internally displaced persons who have been living in relief camps since the eruption of violence in May 2023. The decision comes at a time when displaced families have been staging continuous protests, demanding a return to their abandoned villages.
The State Level Committee will be led by the chief secretary and supported by senior officials from finance, home, and rural development departments. Its role is to guide policy, unify decision-making, and address administrative issues that have slowed the pace of rehabilitation over the past several months.
At the implementation level, District Level Committees chaired by deputy commissioners will take charge of field operations. These committees will coordinate welfare measures, track the delivery of support, and communicate ground realities to the state administration to ensure quicker decisions. They are also responsible for resolving district-level hurdles that may delay the return of families to their homes.
The government expects this structured approach to strengthen cooperation between departments, streamline workflows, and ensure that relief and rehabilitation benefits reach displaced households more efficiently. Authorities believe the framework will help restore stability as the state continues to navigate the long-term effects of the conflict that displaced more than 50,000 people and resulted in over 250 deaths.
Although the government had earlier indicated that full rehabilitation would be completed by December, delays and uncertainty have increased frustration among displaced communities. Their recent protests highlight the growing urgency for safe return, long-term resettlement, and protection of abandoned villages.
With the new committees now activated, the administration aims to accelerate rehabilitation efforts and rebuild trust among affected families who have been waiting for clarity and concrete action.
