28/03/2026
*PRESS RELEASE*
*IDPWCC Condemns Statement of Manipur Home Minister on IDP Return Situation*
The Internally Displaced Persons Welfare Committee Churachandpur (IDPWCC) strongly condemns the recent statement made by Govindas Konthoujam, Hon’ble Home Minister of Manipur, claiming that *“many families are now in a position to return.”* This statement is misleading, insensitive, and disconnected from the ground realities faced by thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
IDPWCC would like to place the following facts before the public and the government:
*1. Lack of Stakeholder Representation:*
At both the State and District levels, the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Committees have been constituted without the inclusion of key stakeholders, particularly representatives from IDP committees across affected districts. This exclusion undermines transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making in matters directly affecting displaced communities.
*2. Inadequacy of PMAY-G Housing Assistance:*
Under the Special PMAY-G scheme, the sanctioned amount of ₹3 lakh for housing is grossly insufficient to construct a safe and livable home in present conditions. It is deeply concerning that even government school toilet constructions are being sanctioned at costs exceeding ₹4 lakh, highlighting the inadequacy and disparity in allocation for displaced families’ rehabilitation.
*3. Neglect of Non-Camp IDPs:*
More than 4,000 IDP families, in Churachandpur District, who are not residing in designated relief camps (non-camped IDPs) have been completely excluded from relief measures since May 2023. These families continue to suffer without access to basic assistance, reflecting a serious gap in the government’s relief policy.
*Demand for Fair Compensation and Comprehensive Rehabilitation:*
IDPWCC demands that the government ensure fair and just compensation for all affected IDPs, comparable to provisions extended to other displaced communities such as the Bru and Kashmiri Pandits. Compensation must be based on current market value in accordance with the *Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.*
*Additionally, IDPWCC demands:*
•Free ration support for three years at the rate of ₹150 per person per day
•Monthly stipend of ₹10,000 per family
•Housing Building Assistance (HBA) of ₹8 lakh
•Fixed deposit support of ₹8 lakh per family
•Reservation/priority quota for IDPs in all government employment
IDPWCC reiterates that the situation on the ground is far from conducive for safe and dignified return. Any narrative suggesting otherwise not only trivializes the suffering of IDPs but also delays meaningful rehabilitation efforts.
The Committee urges the Government of Manipur to engage in sincere dialogue with IDP representatives and take immediate corrective measures to ensure justice, dignity, and sustainable rehabilitation for all displaced persons.
Issued by:
Internally Displaced Persons Welfare Committee Churachandpur (IDPWCC)
