'Manipur to complete rehabilitation of violence-hit people after law and order improves'

Imphal: The Manipur government will complete the resettlement and rehabilitation of people displaced by the ethnic violence once the law and order situation in the state further improves, Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh informed the Assembly on Monday.

Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Kangujam Ranjit Singh, the Minister said the government remains committed to the welfare and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in relief camps and is treating the issue with utmost seriousness.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare of the people affected by the unprecedented ethnic violence.

Addressing concerns over compensation for movable assets lost during the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, Singh said no compensation has been provided so far. However, he assured the House that the government would examine the matter after the resettlement and rehabilitation process is completed.

Earlier, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had last week informed the state Assembly that around 36,000 of the 60,000 people displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, have already been resettled.

Replying to a short-duration discussion moved by Congress MLA Lokeshwar Singh, the Chief Minister told the House that around 24,000 people affected by the ethnic violence are still living in various relief camps across the state.

He also attributed the progress made in the resettlement of the IDPs to the collective support and efforts of the MLAs.

Despite the resettlement of 36,000 IDPs, the government is still providing financial assistance to around 59,000 of the total 60,000 IDPs, Khemchand Singh said.

The Chief Minister explained that even those who have returned home continue to face difficulties due to the lack of livelihood and earning opportunities.

Therefore, the government continues to extend monthly financial support to them, he added.

The Chief Minister informed the House that the need and desire to return home among IDPs from both the hills and valley regions are the same.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IANS

[email protected]