MP Bimol forms panel to address resettlement of IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 13 2024: In light of the unprecedented violence in the state since May 3 last year, which has led to widespread displacement and suffering, Inner MP Dr Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has constituted a committee to investigate and address the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The newly formed "Committee on Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons of Manipur" aims to formulate policies and programs to alleviate the hardships faced by these individuals and facilitate their return to their original homes.

According to an official notification issued by tfie office of the MP, the state has been engulfed in a crisis marked by colossal violence, resulting in the death of over 200 people, many reported missing, and approximately 67,000-70,000 people rendered homeless.

Thousands of IDPs are currently languishing in relief camps, located primarily in the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching.

These camps are the focus of the Committee's investigation into the socio-economic profiles of the displaced.

The committee is chaired by retired IAS RK Nimai Singh, and includes members such as retired IPS Thangjam Brojen Singh; retired economics professor Elangbam Bijoykumar Singh; MU History department, associate professor Dr Chungneijai Mathew MK; professor (Dr) RK Lenin Singh; Imphal Review of Arts and Politics editor Pradip Phanjoubam; activists Nonibala Narengbam and Islam Makakmayum; journalist Babie Sharin; and advocate Hijam Chandrakumar (member secretary).

The committee is tasked with preparing a comprehensive report on the social, economic, and educational status of the IDPs and their current conditions in the relief camps.

It will include recommendations for steps to improve their situation and facilitate their resettlement.

The report is to be finalised and presented within three months from the date of notification.

The committee may co-opt or invite other individuals to participate as special invitees and will deploy research assistant, alongside the staff of the Office of the MP, Lok Sabha (Inner Manipur), to carry out data collection and analysis.

The committee will operate under the MP's office, and members will serve in an honorary capacity, but will be provided with necessary facilities and support by the MP's office.

The office space, staff, and equipment of the MP's office at Keishamthong Top Leirak in Imphal West, will also be available for use by the committee.

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