Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Kangpokpi district staged a protest at Keithelmanbi Military Colony in Champhai Sub-Division, declaring “No Return Without Justice and Normalcy” even as the state and Centre move ahead with rehabilitation plans.
Organised by the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee (KDIDWC), the gathering on Wednesday saw displaced families hold placards reading “Justice for IDPs” and raise slogans demanding accountability, transparency and comprehensive relief before any return to their native villages.
Addressing the protest, KDIDWC spokesperson Neihoiching Vaiphei said symbolic announcements could not substitute meaningful action. “Announcements alone do not restore lives disrupted by conflict,” Vaiphei said, outlining what she described as structured demands for survival, dignity and long-term rehabilitation.
Among the key demands were continuation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments until full normalcy is restored, immediate release of pending agricultural compensation for 2023 losses, full educational support for displaced students and expedited processing of property damage claims.
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The protesters also sought financial assistance of ₹1 lakh per family, to be disbursed in four instalments, comprehensive medical support and universal distribution of PMAY-G housing benefits irrespective of employment status.
Further demands included ₹1,000 disbursed in five instalments to all IDPs, enhanced compensation for destroyed houses, ₹10 lakh for kacha houses, ₹15 lakh for semi-pucca and ₹20 lakh for pucca structures, for claims filed before March 31, and immediate registration of all unregistered IDPs in the district.
While the Manipur government has set March 31, 2026, as the target date for rehabilitation, protesters insisted that restoration of normalcy could not be reduced to administrative deadlines.
“No Return Till Normalcy Is Restored,” the crowd repeatedly chanted, underscoring their position that safe return must be anchored in justice, transparent governance and dignified resettlement.
The protest highlights continuing distrust among displaced families, who say that despite official assurances, equitable relief and secure rehabilitation remain unresolved.
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