IDPs remember May 3, 2023
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 03 2026: Inmates of the Sajiwa relief camp observed "3rd May Observation Day of 2023" today, marking the anniversary of the day Kuki militant groups and their associates began their violent and brutal campaign against the Meeteis which resulted in widespread displacement and loss of life.

The observance was held in a solemn manner under the theme "Eikhoi Eyumda Keidoungei Hanjingani" which roughly translates as "When will we return home" .

Offering floral tributes to those killed by Kuki narcoterrorists and observing a two-minute silence in their honour were the highlights of the observance.

Speaking to the media, Koijam Sarat, an internally displaced person (IDP) from Ikou, stated that tens of thousands of IDPs have been taking refuge in different relief camps for the past three years due to the armed aggression by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists.

Saying that they have been living in unimaginable conditions, with families cramped together in small rooms, he emphasised that the Meetei culture, where elders and younger people treat each other with respect, has been severely affected by the situation.

There is no privacy for couples in relief camps, he added.

Sarat stated that the Government has not taken any concrete action to resettle the displaced people.

What meaningful initiatives has the Government taken for the IDPs?, he asked.

Saying that many farmers from Ikou and nearby areas, who are also living in relief camps, are yet to receive crop compensation, the IDP urged the Government to release the compensation without further delay.

He also mentioned that several IDPs taking refuge at Sajiwa relief camp have still not received the financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each, which was announced by the Government as interim relief.

Sarat also urged the Government to honour its previous announcement regarding housing assistance, fixing the amounts at Rs 10 lakh for pucca houses, Rs 7 lakh for semi-pucca houses, and Rs 5 lakh for kutcha houses, rather than the Rs 3 lakh currently allocated under the AwaasPlus IDP Housing Scheme.

He also urged the Government to take up necessary action to resettle the Internally Displaced Persons as soon as possible.

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