Manipur CM Visits Jiribam IDP Camps Amid Ongoing Rehabilitation Efforts

JIRIBUM, MANIPUR : Manipur CM Sh. Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday intensified outreach efforts and visited Jiribam IDP camps to review ground conditions and promote reconciliation. The visit comes amid ongoing rehabilitation measures in violence-hit areas of the northeastern state.

Jiribam, which borders Assam’s Cachar district, witnessed fresh unrest in mid-2024. As a result, hundreds of families fled their homes. Although security forces later restored relative calm, several internally displaced persons (IDPs) continue to stay in relief camps due to safety concerns.

The Chief Minister first visited a relief camp at Jiribam Higher Secondary School. The camp houses displaced Meitei families. He interacted with residents and reviewed facilities such as food supply, healthcare, and sanitation. Officials briefed him on ongoing rehabilitation work.

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Moreover, the Chief Minister stressed the need to rebuild trust between communities. He highlighted that dialogue and mutual engagement remain essential for lasting peace. The administration has already begun steps to improve coordination between community leaders and district officials.

Subsequently, he visited Mongbung Meitei village. Villagers raised concerns about damaged roads and infrastructure. In response, officials confirmed that repair proposals have been submitted and funds are being processed.

Outreach to Hmar Community and Review of Security Situation

Later, as part of the Manipur CM visits Jiribam IDP camps initiative, Singh visited Kalinagar relief camp, which shelters members of the Hmar tribe. The Hmar community belongs to the Kuki-Zo grouping and was affected during the ethnic clashes.

Hmar tribe families at the camp discussed their rehabilitation needs. They requested faster reconstruction of damaged homes and improved educational facilities for displaced children. District authorities assured that temporary housing units are under construction. Many units are expected to be ready by March.

Additionally, the Chief Minister visited Jarolpokpi Hmar village. The village witnessed violence during the 2023 unrest. Residents emphasized the importance of rebuilding the local school and restoring basic civic amenities.

This marks his second visit to Kuki-Zo inhabited areas since December last year. Earlier, he had traveled to Litan Saraikhong in Ukhrul district to meet displaced families. These repeated visits aim to signal inclusivity and administrative commitment.

According to official data, between 943 and 1,700 people were displaced in Jiribam district after violent clashes in June 2024. Many took shelter in relief centers, including the Bidyanagar Multipurpose Sports Complex. Some families crossed into Assam’s Cachar district. Although several families began returning home by August 2024, others remain cautious.

Focus on Rehabilitation, Security, and Dialogue

The Manipur CM visits Jiribam IDP camps outreach also included a security review meeting. Senior district officials and police officers briefed the Chief Minister on the current law-and-order situation. Central security forces continue to maintain a presence in sensitive pockets.

Furthermore, authorities have accelerated compensation processing for affected families. Construction of permanent houses has begun under state-supported schemes. Officials are also mapping damaged public infrastructure for phased reconstruction.

Importantly, the administration aims to restart economic activities in affected villages. Agriculture support packages and small business grants are under discussion. These measures seek to reduce dependency on relief camps.

Observers note that sustained political outreach remains crucial. While sporadic tensions persist in some areas of Manipur, dialogue initiatives have shown gradual progress. Community elders and civil society groups have begun informal discussions to ease mistrust.

The Chief Minister’s latest visit reflects an effort to reinforce confidence at the grassroots level. By engaging both Meitei and Hmar communities, the government hopes to narrow the trust gap.

As rehabilitation continues, the success of these measures will depend on sustained security, transparent governance, and inclusive dialogue. For now, the state leadership signals its intent to prioritize peace, reconstruction, and long-term stability in Jiribam.