Imphal, September 3 (Daily Kiran) : The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, announced on Thursday that approximately 36,000 of the 60,000 people displaced by ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, have been resettled. Speaking to the state assembly, he responded to a short discussion initiated by Congress MLA Lokeshwar Singh regarding the ongoing crisis.
Despite the progress in resettling these individuals, Singh noted that around 24,000 displaced persons are still residing in various relief camps across the state. He attributed the successful resettlement efforts to the collective cooperation and dedication of the legislators.
Singh emphasized that even with 36,000 individuals resettled, the government continues to provide financial assistance to nearly 59,000 displaced persons. He acknowledged the challenges faced by those who have returned home, citing a lack of livelihood and income opportunities as significant hurdles.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the desire to return home is shared among displaced individuals from both the hills and valley regions. During his visits to relief camps and violence-affected areas, he engaged with community members who expressed a common wish for peace and the chance to return to their homes.
Demonstrating a serious commitment to addressing the plight of the displaced, Singh mentioned that last month, he convened representatives from six to seven joint organizations to discuss ways to facilitate assistance and resettlement.
He stressed that merely providing financial aid would not suffice to mitigate the effects of the prolonged conflict. The longstanding ethnic crisis has inflicted mental trauma on affected individuals, and the health department is taking steps to alleviate their psychological distress.
Singh is also in discussions with the planning department regarding further initiatives to assist in resettlement and livelihood. He referenced potential solutions, such as labor cards from the labor department, as a means to create job opportunities.
The Chief Minister welcomed suggestions from all quarters, asserting that the issue should be approached without political bias. Regarding connectivity and economic activities, he noted the successful launch of an interstate bus service between Imphal, Dimapur (Nagaland), and Guwahati, and mentioned efforts to reopen the trade route with Myanmar at Moreh.
Singh identified the lack of trust between communities as a significant challenge. He assured the assembly that the government is dedicated to fostering trust, restoring normalcy, facilitating resettlement, and reviving economic and social activities in the state.
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