Manipur’s Chief Secretary, Shri Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, accompanied by Shri Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), undertook a field visit to two major relief camps sheltering internally displaced persons (IDPs) — the Ngahmun Pre-Fabricated Relief Camp in Champhai Sub-Division and the Mandop Relief Camp in Kangpokpi Sub-Division.
The visit was aimed at assessing the living conditions in the camps, listening to grievances, and reinforcing the state government’s ongoing efforts to resettle displaced families in their original homes.
Commitment to Safe and Peaceful Resettlement
During interactions with camp inmates, the Chief Secretary assured that the government is committed to ensuring the safe, peaceful, and voluntary resettlement of IDPs. He stressed that state police and paramilitary forces are working round the clock to create conditions conducive for their return.
“Resettlement is not just about returning home, but doing so with safety, dignity, and stability,” Shri Goel told the inmates.
Focus on Education and Well-being
In a gesture that resonated with both children and the elderly, the visiting officials distributed stationery kits and sports items to students in both camps. The Chief Secretary personally engaged with students, discussing their schooling needs, while also taking time to listen to elderly inmates about healthcare and daily challenges.
Such outreach, officials noted, is critical to addressing the psychosocial impact of displacement, particularly among youth who have faced disruptions in education and community life.
Review of Tribal Welfare Schemes
After the camp visits, Shri Goel chaired a District Level Departmental Meeting. The agenda focused on reviewing progress under the DA-JGUA and PM-JANMAN tribal welfare schemes — both aimed at improving socio-economic conditions in tribal areas.
The Chief Secretary acknowledged the district administration’s efforts in already facilitating the resettlement of some displaced families, terming it a “positive step” toward full rehabilitation.
Background
The relief camps in Champhai and Kangpokpi have been home to many IDPs since ethnic tensions and violence forced them from their homes. While security conditions have improved in several areas, full-scale resettlement has been a gradual process, dependent on law and order stabilization, community reconciliation, and infrastructure readiness.