Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Churachandpur have urged the Manipur government to prioritise their resettlement before holding the Sangai Festival and reopening border trade at Moreh. The demand came from the Meitei Society Churachandpur during a press conference. The organisation recently submitted a memorandum to the Governor, Chief Minister and state Home Minister.
It said authorities had promised phased rehabilitation but had not met the announced timelines. Meanwhile, the organisation also raised concerns about movement restrictions between Manipur’s hill and valley areas.
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Key Facts
- Location: Churachandpur, Manipur
- Organisation: Meitei Society Churachandpur
- Main demand: Early and secure resettlement of IDPs
- Issues raised: Sangai Festival, Moreh border trade and freedom of movement
- Key spokesperson: Ningthoujam Ramesh Singh
- Resettlement deadlines cited: December 2025 and March 31, 2026
IDPs Seek Early Resettlement
The Meitei Society Churachandpur said the government should first address the needs of displaced families before moving ahead with major initiatives.
According to the organisation, authorities assured IDPs from both the hills and valley that they would receive phased resettlement during the President’s Rule period.
The first phase, according to the organisation, was expected to finish by December 2025. The remaining resettlement was due by March 31, 2026.
However, the organisation said the government missed both timelines despite the formation of an elected government.
Relief Camps Remain a Major Concern
Meitei Society Churachandpur general secretary Ningthoujam Ramesh Singh alleged that authorities had not taken concrete steps to complete the resettlement process.
He said many displaced families continue to live in relief camps and depend on government assistance and welfare schemes.
Singh also questioned claims that peace had returned to Manipur while thousands of displaced people remained without permanent homes.
“Until and unless IDPs are resettled, it is meaningless to say peace has returned in Manipur,” Singh said.
Organisation Raises Movement Concerns
The organisation also raised concerns about restrictions on movement between hill and valley areas.
Singh said civil society representatives and legislators from the Kuki community had visited valley districts and met the Chief Minister. However, he alleged that people from the valley still faced restrictions when travelling to several hill areas.
He called for equal freedom of movement for members of different communities.
Singh specifically mentioned Moreh, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi and the National Highways as areas where he sought greater freedom of movement.
He said Meitei and Naga residents should receive the same access that members of other communities have to Imphal and other valley areas.
Sangai Festival Comes Under Focus
The Meitei Society also questioned the proposed organisation of the Sangai Festival while many people remain displaced.
The organisation said the government should focus on rehabilitation, resettlement and restoring normalcy before organising major public events.
Furthermore, Singh warned that holding the festival without addressing the displacement issue could create additional tensions.
He said authorities should consider security and confidence-building measures before bringing communities affected by the conflict together at such events.
“Until the IDPs are provided with a secure place to live, the Sangai Festival should not be organised,” Singh said.
Moreh Border Trade Also Raises Questions
The organisation also linked the resettlement issue with the proposed reopening of border trade at Moreh.
It urged the government to prioritise normalcy and rehabilitation before restarting trade activities at the border town.
Separately, a body representing traders and economic stakeholders has also called for the reopening of Moreh border trade only after authorities restore normalcy and resettle displaced residents.
Civil Society Groups Seek Rehabilitation
The latest demand comes amid continuing calls from civil society organisations and displaced people for stronger rehabilitation measures.
In September, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) also called for the Sangai Festival to take place only after peace returns and authorities resettle IDPs.
The demands highlight the continuing debate over how the government should balance economic activity, public events and rehabilitation efforts in conflict-affected areas.
Questions and Answers
What are Manipur IDPs demanding?
They are demanding early and secure resettlement before the Sangai Festival and the reopening of border trade at Moreh.
Who raised the demand?
The Meitei Society Churachandpur raised the demand through a memorandum and press conference.
What resettlement deadlines did the organisation mention?
It said authorities had planned the first phase for December 2025 and the remaining resettlement by March 31, 2026.
What concerns did the organisation raise about movement?
It called for equal freedom of movement between Manipur’s hill and valley areas.
What did the organisation say about the Sangai Festival?
It urged the government to address IDP resettlement and security concerns before organising the festival.
Location Context
Manipur remains a strategically important state in Northeast India. Churachandpur and Moreh hold particular significance because of their locations along key social, commercial and border corridors. Therefore, developments involving rehabilitation, movement and border trade can have wider implications for the state and the region.
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