IDPs at Kpi want to return home at Imphal
MHRC chief recounts meet with IDPs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 12 2024: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Kangpokpi relief camps have expressed their desire to return to their homes in Imphal, said Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) Chairperson Justice UB Saha.

He made the statement during a press conference held today at MHRC Office, Imphal after a team of MHRC visited two Kangpokpi relief camps today.

The team was led by UB Saha.

The 2nd edition of MHRC newsletter was also released on the occasion in the presence of the MHRC members, Investigation Division Head, Law Officers and other notable officials.

Speaking to media persons, UB Saha stated that the MHRC team visited Mandap Relief Camp and ITI Relief Camp in Kangpokpi district and interacted with the IDPs while inquiring after their needs and human rights concerns.

Kangpokpi District Bar members also accorded a warm welcome to the team and interacted with the Chairperson.

Notably, UB Saha stated that many IDPs conveyed their desire to return to their homes in Imphal.

He also met many students at the relief camps who previously studied in Imphal prior to the conflict.

UB Saha told media persons that the students professed their preference of studying in Imphal and said they also remember the friends they have left behind in the capital.

Further, they expressed satisfaction with the relief measures provided by the State Government through the District Administration.

During the course of their visit, the MHRC team learned that there are 60 families, roughly 230 IDPs, sheltering at Mandap Relief Camp.

Out of this, 10 families fled from Imphal while 32 families are from Kangchup.

At ITI Relief Camp, 40 families are from Imphal and 35 families from Kangchup, said the MHRC Chairperson.

A big chunk of the inmates are young students.

Stating that the inmates also communicated their political demands before the MHRC team, he interjected that their visit in no way bears any connection to their political demands.

The MHRC Chairperson stated that he advocated for initiation of dialogue between the two communities to forge a new path towards peace during his visit.

Without lasting peace, it will be difficult to ensure that people get the rights that they are entitled to.

Local authorities will also face various obstacles in discharging their duties, he added.

Additionally, the MHRC team visited a few police stations on their way.

At Kangpokpi PS, they discovered 307 cases pending investigation with one dating back to 2001 .

Fifty per cent of the cases were registered before 2015/2016, he informed.

Similarly at Saparmeina PS many pending cases were found, including cases related to thefts dating back to 2017 .

In this connection, Justice UB Saha stressed on the need for swift police investigation and for the public to be aware of their rights.

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