Manipur IDPs Urge PM Modi to Restore Peace and Rehabilitation
Imphal, Manipur, July 30, 2025: Amid ongoing ethnic strife and security concerns, thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur took to the streets in a powerful protest, pleading for the central government’s intervention. Their demands were straightforward but desperate: to return home, live in peace, and see justice delivered.
Cries for Help from Camps and Relief Shelters
The protest was primarily organized by IDPs living in relief camps across the districts of Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Imphal West. Most of them were displaced during the ethnic violence that erupted in 2023 between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Despite relative calm in some areas, many remain homeless and fearful of returning to their original settlements.
Protesters carried placards reading “We Want Peace, Not Promises” and “Let Us Go Home,” chanting slogans aimed at drawing national attention. Many women and children participated in the peaceful march that culminated near the state secretariat in Imphal.
Appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The IDPs addressed a formal memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting his urgent attention. “We feel abandoned and unheard,” said one of the protest leaders, Lhingboi Sitlhou. “Our only hope now is the Prime Minister.”
The memorandum called for:
- Immediate restoration of peace and law & order
- Safe and dignified return of displaced families
- Compensation for damaged homes and lost livelihoods
- Accountability for those involved in the violence
Current Living Conditions in IDP Camps
Conditions in the relief camps remain grim, with overcrowding, insufficient medical supplies, and psychological trauma affecting thousands. Many camps lack basic sanitation, and children have been out of school for months. NGOs working in the region report rising cases of malnutrition and depression, especially among the elderly and women.
In a visit to some of the IDP camps, a Times of India report documented the overcrowding, poor health facilities, and widespread anxiety about the future. The plight of children, many of whom suffer from PTSD and trauma-related disorders, was particularly highlighted.
What Triggered the Displacement?
The violence of May 2023, sparked by a controversial court ruling related to Scheduled Tribe status, spiraled into large-scale ethnic clashes. Over 60,000 people were displaced, and hundreds of villages were torched. Despite various peace talks, the affected communities say there’s little on-ground progress toward reconciliation.
Witnesses claim that armed groups took advantage of the political instability to fan ethnic sentiments. Entire neighborhoods were razed overnight, forcing families to flee with only the clothes on their backs.
Political and Social Response
While some politicians from both state and central governments have visited the camps, displaced persons accuse them of making token gestures. “They came for photo-ops but brought no solutions,” said protestor T. Haokip. Civil society organizations, however, have provided legal aid, food distribution, and trauma counseling in some of the camps.
Opposition parties have also criticized the ruling government for its lackluster response. Some lawmakers have demanded a parliamentary session specifically to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Manipur.
Experts Warn of a Deepening Crisis
Security experts and sociologists have warned that long-term displacement could create a “lost generation” in Manipur. “These IDPs are not just statistics. They are citizens deprived of their basic rights,” said Dr. Abha Singh, a Delhi-based human rights researcher. “The longer this continues, the harder it will be to rehabilitate them.”
Educationists also point out the devastating impact on children. “Entire batches of school-age children have missed out on education for over a year,” said Dr. Paban Singh, principal of a school now converted into a shelter.
Central Government’s Stand
So far, the Ministry of Home Affairs has claimed that the situation is under control and has sent additional paramilitary forces. But there has been no comprehensive rehabilitation policy for IDPs in Manipur, which has drawn criticism from across the political spectrum.
The Ministry recently launched an inter-agency task force to monitor camp conditions, but results have been slow. A Ministry of Home Affairs report said more than 180 relief camps are operating in the state.
Future Outlook and Demands
The protesting IDPs have vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until a roadmap is provided for their return. Their core demands include:
- A special rehabilitation commission for Manipur IDPs
- Monthly financial aid until full rehabilitation
- Inclusion in policymaking processes related to return and compensation
Unless immediate and meaningful actions are taken, Manipur’s displaced communities fear becoming permanent refugees in their own homeland. The clock is ticking, and the window for effective intervention may soon close.
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