The Manipur government has reaffirmed its commitment to a safe, phased and dignified resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by months of violence and law-and-order disturbance. Officials say a decline in violence since November 2024 has allowed authorities, working with security agencies and the Ministry of Home Affairs, to begin a structured resettlement programme intended to restore normalcy and livelihoods.
Progress and priorities in Manipur IDP resettlement
State officials outlined a three-phase strategy supported by a ₹523 crore provision in the 2025–26 Manipur Budget under the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Programme. The phases prioritise: families with partially damaged houses, beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), and households requiring inter-district relocation between Valley and Hill districts.
To date, official figures indicate that around 10,000 IDPs from more than 2,200 households have been resettled. Construction of approximately 4,000 houses is under way. Funds have already been released to deputy commissioners, including ₹35.46 crore for new house construction and ₹9.26 crore for repairing partially damaged homes.
The government has continued to provide essential relief measures in the interim. Displaced families have access to food, drinking water, healthcare, education and employment support. From 1 November 2025, those living in relief camps have also begun receiving assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer, which officials say gives beneficiaries greater flexibility and dignity in accessing support.
Implementation and monitoring are being overseen by a State Level Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, along with district-level committees. The committees will coordinate fund disbursement, beneficiary identification and construction oversight, and will track progress against the phased plan.
Security, confidence building and community needs
To ensure safe returns, the state has deployed the State Police, Central Armed Police Forces and units of Assam Rifles and the Army to sensitive areas. Authorities say security deployment is coupled with confidence-building measures aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging voluntary returns.
Officials stress that resettlement is being phased to balance immediate humanitarian needs with the objective of longer-term stability. The phased approach is intended to allow infrastructure and basic services to be restored and to ensure that returning families can resume livelihoods without facing renewed insecurity.
Chief Secretary Dr Puneet Kumar Goel said the government remains committed to enabling every displaced family to return home safely, with dignity and security. “Our priority is a humane and sustainable resettlement process that restores normal life for affected communities,” he said.
Humanitarian agencies and local administrations will face the practical task of coordinating housing construction, cash transfers and basic services while monitoring security on the ground. If executed as planned, officials say the combined approach of funding, direct assistance, physical reconstruction and security support could help anchor lasting returns and ease one of the region’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Manipur IDP resettlement has begun in a structured, three-phase programme backed by a ₹523 crore allocation in the 2025–26 state budget.
- Direct Benefit Transfer and essential relief — food, water, healthcare, education and employment support — aim to restore dignity and livelihoods to displaced families.
- About 10,000 IDPs from over 2,200 households have returned so far; construction of roughly 4,000 houses is under way and funds have been released to district authorities.
- Security deployment and confidence-building measures accompany resettlement to ensure safe, phased returns and long-term stability.
