Manipur: Kuki-Zo IDP committee issues ultimatum to govt, sets Dec 18 deadline

Imphal: The Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Persons Welfare Committee (KDIDPWC) has served an ultimatum to the Manipur government, demanding improved welfare measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltering in various relief camps, with a deadline set for December 18, 2025.

In a memorandum submitted to the state government, the KDIDPWC urged the authorities to resolve the unresolved problems faced by IDPs belonging to the Kuki-Zo community by December 18, warning that it would begin a series of protest actions the following day if no steps were taken.

The committee also alleged that the central and state governments have overlooked the suffering, trauma, and unresolved plight of nearly 50,000 internally displaced Kuki-Zo people still living in relief camps since violence erupted in May 2023.

The KDIDPWC listed the following issues in the memorandum:

• The daily relief allowance of Rs 84 for Kuki-Zo IDPs is inadequate, with a request to raise it to Rs 100.
• Several families reportedly saw their Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments stopped by the district administration.
• The Rs 1,000 instalment intended for recurring disbursement has reached some families multiple times, while others have received none.
• Compensation of Rs 25,000 is available only for fully burnt houses, excluding those with partial damage.
• Educational and medical support remains inconsistent, with gaps in registration for DBT eligibility.
• Long-term rehabilitation measures for Kuki-Zo families displaced from the Imphal valley, who have no homes to return to.
• Security on key supply routes to prevent disruption of essential goods.
• Compensation for families who lost land during the conflict.

Officials stated that the Manipur government has been working on a phased rehabilitation program, including providing financial assistance to returning families and constructing pre-fabricated housing units for those unable to return to their original homes.

Meanwhile, civil society organisations (CSOs) in affected areas have consistently raised concerns about living conditions in relief camps, lack of livelihood opportunities, and the need for dedicated efforts to restore normalcy.

Some CSOs, such as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), have previously issued ultimatums on security-related matters, including economic blockades when demands were not met.

Additionally, IDPs and various community groups continue to stage protests, demanding safe return, adequate compensation for their losses, and better implementation of rehabilitation measures.