IDPs return to native villages after 5 months
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02 2023: Nearly 550 locals of Phougakchao Ikhai who got displaced due to violent aggression by the Kuki militants and their associates in the initial stage of ongoing conflict have returned to their native place.

With the resettlement of these 550 locals, Phougak-chao Ikhai now has about 850 residents living in their villages (about 300 people didn't flee) .

The locals of Phougak-chao Ikhai which falls under Torbung Gram Panchayat in Bishnupur district were found staying at their places by a group of media persons who inspected the area.

Reportedly, about 1700 people of 300 households of Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai, Maning Leikai, Mayai Leikai, Awang Leikai, Makha Leikai and Phougakchao Bazar fled from their villages following the onslaught of Kuki militants.

IDPs return to native villages after 5 months

Villages under Phouga-kchao have about 2000 residents of which about 1700 got displaced.

It is reported that about 900 people of Phougakchao Ikhai are taking refuge elsewhere.

The group of media persons witnessed a semblance of normalcy returning in these villages with shops opening and children playing in open spaces.

Speaking to the media persons, former Pradhan of Torbung Gram Panchayat Sapam Rajen said that many of the locals of Phougakchao Ikhai fled from their villages after the Kuki militants launched their hostile and violent campaign against the Meeteis but 300 of them stayed behind to guard their villages.

Saying that about 550 locals have now returned to the villages, he thanked the Government for taking up security measures at sensitive areas to let the displaced return to their places.

Continuing that the Kuki militants, however, may launch fresh attacks on them anytime, he urged the Government to deploy adequate security forces at Phougak-chao Ikhai and adjoining areas to thwart off threats of Kuki aggression.

All the displaced people will return to their places if the Government can assure their safety, he added.

Maintaining that the locals of Phougakchao Ikhai currently rely on the donation given by State Govern- ment and civil society organisations for survival, he expressed desire for the Government to extend all possible help to them so that they could resume their business and agricultural related activities.