Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday informed the State Assembly that 36,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been resettled out of the nearly 60,000 people rendered homeless by the crisis that began on May 3, 2023.
Replying to a short-duration discussion moved by Congress MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh, the Chief Minister said around 24,000 IDPs are still living in relief camps across the state. He attributed the progress in resettlement to the collective efforts and support of MLAs.
Khemchand said IDPs from both the hills and the valley share the same desire to return home. During his visits to relief camps and conflict-affected areas, he said he had interacted with people from different communities and found that their common aspiration was to live in peace and return to their respective homes.
Taking serious note of the continuing IDP crisis, the Chief Minister said he had last month held discussions with representatives of six to seven joint associations of IDPs to explore ways to provide assistance and facilitate their resettlement.
Despite the resettlement of 36,000 IDPs, the government continues to provide financial assistance to around 59,000 of the 60,000 affected people.
Khemchand said those who have returned home continue to face difficulties due to a lack of livelihood and earning opportunities, prompting the government to continue its monthly financial support.
The Chief Minister said financial assistance alone cannot address the impact of a conflict that has continued for more than three years. The prolonged crisis has also caused mental trauma among affected people, he said, adding that the Health Department is taking steps to help address the psychological impact.
He said he was also discussing the issue with the Planning Department to explore further measures for rehabilitation and livelihood support. He cited initiatives such as the Labour Department’s labour card as one possible avenue for extending assistance and creating employment opportunities.
Khemchand stressed that the government welcomes suggestions from all quarters and said the issue should be addressed without political considerations.
On the restoration of connectivity and economic activity, the Chief Minister said the government was working towards reopening the Moreh trade route following the resumption of the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati bus service.
Identifying the trust deficit among communities as the most important challenge, Khemchand said the government was working to rebuild trust and create conditions conducive to the return of normalcy, resettlement, and the restoration of economic and social activities in the state.
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