Manipur IDPs staged black-flag protests on Independence Day, raising concerns over safety, rehabilitation and livelihoods amid prolonged displacement
Imphal: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur marked Independence Day with black-flag protests, raising concerns over their safety, rehabilitation and livelihoods as thousands remain displaced more than three years after the ethnic violence began.
Displaced families at Sajiwa, Sawombung and Akampat staged demonstrations on August 15, calling for a permanent solution to their displacement. Some protesters also rejected the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, saying they no longer had homes to return to.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh acknowledged the concerns after meeting a group of IDPs. He said he was deeply moved by accounts of displaced residents who could visit their homes only during the day but did not feel safe staying overnight.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the difficulties faced by displaced people in finding livelihood opportunities and said the concerns raised by them were deeply troubling.
According to Manipur Home Department data, more than 43,000 IDPs are currently staying in relief camps across nine districts, while the total number of displaced people in the state has crossed 58,000 since May 2023.
Churachandpur has around 33,000 displaced people, including about 15,000 in relief camps and 18,000 living outside formal relief facilities. The protests came as displaced families continued to demand conditions that would allow them to safely return home and rebuild their lives.
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