Public discourse seeks to empower IDPs amid crisis
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kakching, July 19 2025: A one-day public discourse on the theme "Empowering the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) - United Nations Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement" was held on Saturday at the National Research Centre (NRC) Building, Naorem Sa-najaoba Public Library Hall, Canchipur.

The event was jointly organised by the National Research Centre (NRC), Youth Collective Manipur (YCM), and Manipur International Youth Centre (MIYC) .

The function was attended by MU department of Law assistant professor Dr Sapam Dilipkumar, Symbiosis Law School Symbiosis International University Pune assistant professor Dr Malem Mangai and National Research Centre (NRC) president Thongam Ajit as presidium members.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) including Laiphrakpam Ibochou from Kangpokpi, Khuraijam Khamba Meitei from Moreh Bazar Ward No 6 Khongnangthaba Leikai and Naorem Rojita Leima from Churachandpur Khumujamba Leikai shared their personal experiences, grief and challenges faced since their displacement.

Addressing the gathering, NRC president Thongam Ajit highlighted the massive humanitarian crisis triggered by the violent conflict that erupted on May 3, 2023 .

He stated that the unrest resulted in widespread displacement, with thousands forced to take shelter in relief camps.

Despite the commendable efforts by civil society organisations, clubs and meira paibi groups to assist the affected families, much remains to be done.

The discourse, he added, aimed to generate actionable ideas in alignment with the UN's Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

Sharing his experience, Laiphrakpam Ibochou, currently staying in a relief camp, expressed concern over certain individuals prematurely declaring the crisis to be over.

He asserted that the conflict cannot be considered resolved until every displaced person is able to return home safely.

He also highlighted the harsh living conditions in the fabricated government shelters, where families, regardless of size, are confined to just two small rooms.

"The government should either ensure our safe return or provide land and construct proper houses with at least three rooms for each displaced family," he urged.

Ibochou also dispraised the current incentive of Rs 80 per day per person as grossly inadequate, and called on the government to increase the amount to meet basic survival needs.

During the technical sessions, Dr Sapam Dilipkumar spoke on "IDPs and Domestic Law Remedies", while Dr Malem Mangal delivered a lecture on "UN Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced Persons and the Situation in Manipur" .

A translated version of the United Nations guidelines on IDPs, made available in multiple regional languages, was also released during the event.

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