CS visits Kangpokpi, talks with CSOs
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, August 08 2025: Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel made a maiden visit to Kangpokpi district on Thursday.

Accompanied by Principal Secretary (Agriculture) Arun Kumar Sinha, the Chief Secretary inspected relief camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs), assessed ground realities, and held meetings with district officials and civil society representatives.

The visit began with inspections at the Ngahmun prefabricated relief camp in Champhai sub-division and the Mandop relief camp under Kangpokpi sub-division.

Puneet Kumar interacted with IDPs, including students and elderly individuals, taking note of their concerns and living conditions.

He reiterated that the primary objective of the State Government is to ensure a dignified and secure return of IDPs to their homes.

CS visits Kangpokpi, talks with CSOs

"The Government of Manipur is committed to a peaceful and safe rehabilitation process.

Security forces are working round-the-clock to create a conducive environment for the return of displaced persons," the Chief Secretary assured during the interaction.

He also encouraged residents to directly approach him with grievances or requests concerning camp facilities.

He distributed stationery kits and sports items to students at both camps.

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the displaced population, many expressed deep gratitude to the State for its continued support.

However, camp residents voiced serious concerns over the lack of examination centres, which has disrupted educational progress and left students uncertain about their academic future.

Later in the day, the Chief Secretary chaired a district-level departmental meeting to review the implementation of Central tribal welfare schemes viz Development Action for Janjatiya Gram Unnayan Abhiyan (DA-JGUA) and Prime Minister's Janjatiya Maha Nayak Anusandhan Mission (PM-JANMAN) SDO of T-Waichong Sub-Division Hemant Kumar gave a comprehensive presentation detailing the completed and ongoing projects under both schemes.

He also highlighted the district administration's efforts in resettling a section of the IDPs back to their original locations, which was well received by the Chief Secretary.

Before concluding his visit, Puneet Kumar met various civil society organization representatives active in Kangpokpi district.

At Kangpokpi District Headquarters, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) submitted a memorandum highlighting urgent issues faced by the tribal Kuki-Zo populace in the region.

The memorandum, signed by CoTU chairman Thanglen Kipgen, reflects the growing concerns of the tribal community amidst the continuing unrest and displacement.

In its representation, CoTU strongly opposed what it described as the "arbitrary extension of valley-based police jurisdiction" into the constitutionally protected tribal hill districts, including Kangpokpi.

CoTU warned that the presence of such forces has undermined the authority of the Hill Areas Committee and jeopardized the security, autonomy, and identity of the Kuki-Zo people.

Another major concern raised was the lack of proper transport infrastructure.

CoTU appealed for the sanction and early operationalisation of a helicopter service at Kangpokpi district headquarters to facilitate emergency medical transport, relief efforts, and administrative coordination.

Further, CoTU strongly opposed the proposed closure of relief centres in the district, labelling it premature and unjust.

The organization argued that many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are still without permanent homes, security assurances, or viable resettlement alternatives.

The memorandum concluded with a call for inclusive governance, and constitutional justice, expressing CoTU's willingness to engage constructively with the Government for a sustainable resolution.