Imphal: In a significant step towards addressing the long-standing issues faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur, the state government has constituted both State Level and District Level Committees to oversee and expedite their rehabilitation and resettlement. The move comes amid sustained protests by IDPs demanding to be resettled in their abandoned villages, which have been ongoing since November 21.

According to a press release from the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the decision reflects the government’s commitment to a coordinated and people-centered approach in ensuring the restoration of stability and support for families affected by the prolonged crisis. The committees are intended to provide both strategic oversight and on-ground implementation mechanisms to facilitate efficient and timely rehabilitation.

State Level Committee: Strategic Oversight

The State Level Committee will be chaired by the Chief Secretary and include key members such as the Commissioners of Finance, Home, and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. The Special or Additional Secretary (Home) will serve as the convenor of the committee.

The high-level committee is tasked with providing strategic oversight, policy direction, and guidance to the entire rehabilitation and resettlement effort. It will ensure unified decision-making across departments, address systemic challenges, and streamline administrative processes to support effective rehabilitation. By providing coordinated leadership, the State Level Committee aims to enhance inter-departmental cooperation and ensure that the government’s resettlement initiatives are executed efficiently.

District Level Committees: Field-Level Implementation

Complementing the State Level Committee, District Level Committees will be established in each district. These committees will be chaired by the respective Deputy Commissioners and will include the Project Director of the District Rural Development Agency, the Additional Deputy Commissioner as convenor, the Chief Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad, and the concerned Sub-Divisional Officers.

The District Level Committees are intended to serve as the primary mechanism for implementing rehabilitation measures on the ground. Their responsibilities include driving field-level coordination, ensuring seamless execution of resettlement efforts, monitoring progress, and providing timely feedback to the State Level Committee. By acting as the bridge between policy formulation and execution, the District Committees will play a critical role in overcoming bottlenecks and ensuring that assistance reaches displaced families without unnecessary delays.

Objectives and Expected Impact

The constitution of these committees is aimed at creating a structured framework for the rehabilitation of IDPs, streamlining processes, and enhancing accountability across administrative departments. The government hopes that this intervention will ensure efficient delivery of support and improve coordination between state and district authorities.

Through these mechanisms, the government seeks to address multiple dimensions of the displacement crisis, including housing, livelihood restoration, access to basic services, and the reintegration of displaced families into their home communities. By prioritizing a coordinated approach, the administration aims to ensure that no family is left without support during the resettlement process.

Context: The Manipur Crisis and IDP Protests

The establishment of these committees comes against the backdrop of the ongoing Manipur Crisis, which began on May 3, 2023. The crisis has led to significant loss of life and large-scale displacement, with more than 250 people reported killed and over 50,000 displaced from their homes. Many of these displaced individuals continue to reside in relief camps, awaiting resettlement in their original villages.

Since November 21, IDPs have been staging continuous protests, pressing the government to expedite their return to abandoned villages. The protests reflect deep frustration over the delays in rehabilitation and the perceived slow pace of administrative action.

The government had previously announced a target of complete rehabilitation for all IDPs by December, highlighting the urgency and significance of the current interventions. The creation of State and District Level Committees is part of a broader strategy to meet this commitment and respond to public demands for swift and effective action.

Moving Forward

The government has emphasized that both levels of committees will play complementary roles. The State Level Committee will focus on high-level strategic coordination, policy formulation, and problem-solving, while the District Level Committees will ensure that initiatives are implemented efficiently at the grassroots level.

The success of this initiative will depend on active coordination between departments, the effectiveness of monitoring mechanisms, and timely feedback from district authorities. Officials hope that this structured intervention will not only streamline resettlement processes but also build trust among displaced communities, demonstrating the government’s commitment to a responsive and people-centered approach.

With the winter season approaching, timely resettlement and provision of adequate facilities for IDPs will be critical to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations. By institutionalizing a clear framework for rehabilitation, the Manipur government aims to address both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term stability concerns.

As the state moves forward with these committees, all eyes will remain on the administration’s ability to deliver on its promises and ensure that displaced families are restored to their homes with dignity and security.