IDPs protest Governor's indifference
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 03 2025: With the Governor and relevant government officials allegedly failing to translate into action assurance given to the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee (CMUC), internally displaced persons (IDPs) putting up at 46 relief camps staged sit-in protest on Thursday.

A delegation of the CMUC, which is a coalition of five organisations of Meeteis displaced from Churachandpur, met Governor Ajay Bhalla on Thursday to reiterate their long-standing demands concerning the welfare of IDPs and the students affected by the ethnic violence.

The CMUC comprises Meitei Society Churachandpur, Meitei Youth Organisation, Churachandpur Meitei Ethnic Clash Victim Committee, Nupi Samaj, Churachandpur and Ima Leimarel, Churachandpur.

Speaking to reporters outside the Raj Bhavan after the meeting, CMUC co-convenor Ningthoujam Naba expressed disappointment over the Governor's continued inaction, despite multiple assurances given in the past.

"Though the Governor had assured us on several occasions that our demands would be addressed, no concrete steps have been taken so far.

As a result, we were compelled to launch democratic agitations," he said.

The CMUC has begun a mass sit-in protest from Thursday and warned that the protest would continue until the Governor fulfils their demands.

He further warned that if no official order is issued by the Governor addressing their demands, the CMUC would be compelled to launch more intense forms of democratic agitation.

During the meeting, the CMUC reiterated the critical challenges faced by Meetei families displaced due to ongoing unrest and expressed concern over the government's inaction on previously submitted proposals.

These include educational assistance for IDP students, self-management of relief camps, proper documenta tion access, resettlement arrangements, livelihood provisions, and temporary housing facilities.

The Governor acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured the CMUC delegation that select demands would be addressed within three days.

The Governor also promised to expedite communication with relevant government bodies to ensure time-bound action.

While welcoming the Governor's assurance, CMUC leaders stated they would closely monitor the progress and decide future action based on the government s response.

The Committee also warned that if tangible outcomes are not observed within the stipulated timeframe, displaced individuals across relief camps would be compelled to intensify their agitation.

The CMUC expressed hope that the Governor's assurance would be translated into swift action and bring relief to the affected Meetei families.

However, they affirmed that if no substantial steps are taken, the movement will escalate, driven by the collective resolve of displaced communities still living in hardship.

Meanwhile, Naba appealed to the relevant authorities and committees overseeing the relief camps to withdraw the restrictions imposed on holding protests within those camps.

He said that the demands raised are for the overall welfare of the IDPs and are directed at the government.

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