Imphal, July 4, 2025: The Government of Manipur has initiated the phased resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in relief camps, with the first phase already underway. Chief Secretary Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh announced today that the displaced people will be returned to their homes in three batches, with the second and third phases scheduled for October and December respectively.
Following December, all relief centres are expected to be closed, Dr. Singh stated during a media interaction after attending the 2nd foundation day of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) at Hotel Imphal.
However, for IDPs from Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh, where the situation remains unstable, the Government will provide prefabricated housing as a temporary solution until full resettlement is viable. According to the Chief Secretary, security arrangements have also been strengthened to allow displaced farmers from both communities to safely resume paddy cultivation - many of whom are now seen working side by side and even sharing water sources.
The number of IDPs has reportedly decreased from approximately 62,000 to 57,000, with some already returning to their native villages in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.
During the interaction, Dr. Singh also said that 7,000 to 8,000 houses were destroyed during the ethnic violence, and the Government has committed ₹1.70 lakh per family for house reconstruction. For homes not destroyed but abandoned, financial assistance will also be provided for repairs.
Efforts are underway to ensure unhindered access to National Highways for all communities, with the Ministry of Home Affairs holding multiple rounds of talks with civil society organizations to resolve blockades and ensure free movement.
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Addressing questions on Aadhaar enrolment, the Chief Secretary highlighted that for residents aged 18 and above, applications must be routed through the Special Secretary (Home) and will be subject to verification. For children, Aadhaar will be issued based on biometric availability, and will later be updated between the ages of 15 to 17.
While there is no official confirmation yet regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Manipur, Dr. Singh confirmed that preparations are underway for inaugurating multiple infrastructure projects including the new Civil Secretariat, Police Headquarters, and Manipur Bhavans in Delhi and Kolkata.
Proposing a more inclusive future, Dr. Singh suggested that next year's MSCST foundation day be hosted in a hill district to promote greater tribal participation and unity.
