Imphal: The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in relief camps in Manipur’s Imphal East and Bishnupur districts has declined in recent months as authorities facilitate the phased return and rehabilitation of displaced families.
Officials provided the latest figures on August 16, highlighting a gradual reduction in the number of people dependent on relief camps since the ethnic conflict began in May 2023.
In Bishnupur, Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam said 41 relief camps are currently operating in the district, housing 7,892 IDPs. So far, 2,194 displaced people have been resettled.
The district had earlier recorded around 10,092 displaced persons. Under the phased resettlement process, 257 people have returned to Leimaram Waroiching, while another 389 have gone back to Phougakchao Ikhai and Haotak.
Returning families are being supported through direct benefit transfers for housing, financial assistance for self-help groups and scholarships for students.
However, the state Home Department has reported that 151 displaced people sheltered in relief camps in Bishnupur have died since the conflict began, with health-related issues and other challenges among the factors cited.
In Imphal East, Deputy Commissioner Dr Nivedita Lairenlakpam said the number of active relief camps has fallen from 15 to eight. The district administration is focusing on rebuilding houses to enable more displaced families to leave temporary shelters and return to their villages.
In Dolaithabi village, 37 houses constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) have been completed, with further returns expected in the coming days.
Several designated relief facilities in Imphal East, including Ideal Girls’ College in Akampat, prefabricated complexes at Sajiwa and the facility at Sawombung, continue to accommodate families displaced from Ekou, Dolaithabi and Keirao Bitra.
Across Manipur, more than 58,000 people have been displaced since the ethnic conflict erupted in May 2023. More than 43,000 people are still living in relief camps spread across nine districts, according to state data.