Imphal: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Ekou village in Manipur on Monday returned Rs 24 lakh in cash to the authorities, rejecting government assistance meant for house construction under a rehabilitation scheme.
The displaced residents, currently staying in government-run relief camps at Sajiwa and Sawombung in Imphal East district, marched to a government office and handed over the amount to the Sawombung Junior Block Development Officer (BDO) amid protests.
Ekou village, located along the foothills bordering Kangpokpi district, was among the worst-affected areas during the ethnic violence in the state. Most residents, predominantly from the Meitei community, fled their homes following attacks and have since been living in relief camps.
The Manipur government has implemented a rehabilitation package that provides Rs 3 lakh per family for rebuilding damaged or destroyed houses. This includes Rs 1.30 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) and Rs 1.70 lakh from the State Home Department. As part of the scheme, an initial instalment of Rs 48,000 had been credited to beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
However, the IDPs from Ekou have refused to accept the financial assistance, describing it as inadequate. Longjam Basanta, one of the displaced persons, said they had earlier submitted a representation to the Imphal East district administration requesting that the funds not be transferred to their accounts. He alleged that the amount offered was insufficient for rebuilding homes and accused the government of attempting to “hoodwink” affected families with what he termed a “trivial” sum.
Officials said that, as of late January 2026, more than 3,700 families, comprising around 16,500 displaced persons, have been resettled across Manipur. The residents of Ekou village are, however, yet to return to their homes.