The Sadar Hills District Congress Committee (SH-DCC) has urged the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Kangpokpi, Hemant Kumar, to take immediate steps to address key issues affecting residents, including the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, highway restrictions and tensions in border areas.
A delegation led by SH-DCC president Dr Lamtinthang Haokip submitted a representation to the Deputy Commissioner on August 25, outlining several concerns linked to displacement, voter inclusion, essential supplies and public welfare.
Congress Seeks Rehabilitation and Equal Treatment for IDPs
The Sadar Hills Congress Committee called for the proper rehabilitation of people displaced by the ongoing conflict and stressed that all IDPs should receive equal access to government welfare schemes and grievance-redressal mechanisms.
The committee specifically urged the administration to ensure that displaced families living outside relief camps are not excluded from assistance available to those staying in officially recognised camps. It said access to relief and welfare support should not depend on the location where an affected family is currently residing.
Demand for Inclusion of Displaced Voters in SIR
The Congress body also raised concerns over the ongoing SIR 2026 exercise and urged the district administration to ensure that all eligible voters, particularly those displaced by the conflict, are included in the electoral revision process.
The committee emphasised the importance of protecting the voting rights and political representation of conflict-affected residents who may currently be living away from their original places of residence due to displacement.
Census Exercise Should Be Deferred, Says Committee
Among its other demands, the SH-DCC sought the deferment of the Census 2026-27 exercise until unresolved issues concerning internally displaced families are adequately addressed.
The committee argued that displaced families should first be properly rehabilitated and their participation and representation ensured before the census process moves forward. According to the representation, conducting the exercise while a significant number of people remain displaced could create concerns regarding proper enumeration and representation.
Concerns Raised Over Imphal-Dimapur Highway Restrictions
The Sadar Hills Congress Committee also highlighted the impact of restrictions and disruptions along the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway, a crucial route for the movement of people and essential commodities.
While calling for the reopening and smooth movement of commuters, the committee stressed that the restoration of traffic should also ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods and daily necessities.
According to the Congress body, prolonged disruptions have affected people from different communities, including daily-wage workers, traders, businessmen and shopkeepers. Supply disruptions have also contributed to rising prices and affected livelihoods, it said.
Appeal to Address Border Tensions and Local Grievances
The delegation further raised concerns regarding tensions along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border and urged the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner to take steps to address issues affecting residents.
The committee specifically drew attention to the grievances of people living in the Twilang area along the IT Road and the south-western parts of Sadar Hills, including the Leimakhong-Tingkai belt.
It urged the district administration to respond promptly to local concerns and work towards resolving issues affecting the security, movement and welfare of residents in these areas.
Congress Calls for Prompt Administrative Action
The representation to the new Kangpokpi Deputy Commissioner comes as Manipur continues to deal with challenges related to conflict displacement, rehabilitation and the restoration of normalcy.
By raising issues concerning IDPs, voter inclusion, the proposed census exercise, highway access and local tensions, the Sadar Hills District Congress Committee has called for a coordinated administrative response to address the concerns of affected communities.
The committee expressed hope that the new district administration would take the grievances seriously and initiate necessary measures to ensure relief, representation, uninterrupted access to essential supplies and greater stability in the region.