IDPs in Churachandpur stage sit-in protest, submit memorandum to Union Home Minister through District Commissioner

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) staying in Churachandpur, especially the non-camped IDPs, staged a sit-in protest at the Wall of Remembrance, Tuibong, Churachandpur, on Friday.

These IDPs from different parts of the district gathered around 11:00 in the morning and continued their protest till 2:00 in the afternoon. They were seen holding placards with messages such as: “Extend Direct Benefit Transfer up to 2029,” “No compromise,” “Give equal treatment to camped and non-camped IDPs,” “No segregation of camped and non-camped IDPs,” “Hear our cry,” and “Do not let us die.”

After the protest, IDP representatives submitted a memorandum to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of the district.

Speaking to the media, Vumkhoneh Haokip, Chairman of the IDPs Welfare Committee, Churachandpur, said that IDPs from the Hmar, Vaiphei, Zomi, and Thadou Kuki communities staged the protest for their survival.

Vumkhoneh claimed that more than 18,000 IDPs who are not in relief camps have been staying in the district without receiving any assistance from the government. For the non-camped IDPs, not a single rupee nor a kilogram of rice or dal has been provided. As a result, the IDPs are facing severe difficulties; many youths have turned to drugs, and some people are resorting to collecting garbage for survival.

A video has also been going viral on social media, wherein a man offers ₹1 lakh in exchange for his daughter because he can no longer support her.

Stating that the properties of the Kuki-Zo people that were destroyed in Imphal have not been compensated, Vumkhoneh said he has received information that claims made by IDPs in the valley have already been sanctioned.

The chairman added that the fund of ₹3 lakh sanctioned by the government for IDPs’ rehabilitation is not sufficient to build a house. He said the government must sanction at least ₹7 to ₹10 lakh.

Vumkhoneh further added that the IDPs of Churachandpur have submitted multiple memorandums to the District Commissioner, Chief Secretary, Governor, the present Chief Minister, and the Home Ministry. However, they have not received any positive response.

He said they will be submitting another memorandum to the Union Home Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, demanding Direct Benefit Transfer for non-camped IDPs, housing, and other essential needs.