Manipur CS Makes Maiden Visit to Kangpokpi; CoTU Raises Alarm Over Various Issues Including Tribal Autonomy

In a significant gesture of solidarity and administrative outreach, the newly appointed Chief Secretary of Manipur, Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, visited Kangpokpi District on Thursday. Accompanied by Arun Kumar Sinha, IAS, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), the top bureaucrat inspected relief camps housing internally displaced persons (IDPs), assessed ground realities, and held strategic meetings with district officials and civil society representatives.

The visit began with inspections at the Ngahmun Pre-Fabricated Relief Camp in Champhai Sub-Division and the Mandop Relief Camp under Kangpokpi Sub-Division. The Chief Secretary personally interacted with camp inmates, including students and elderly individuals, taking note of their concerns and living conditions. He reiterated that the primary objective of the state government is to ensure the dignified and secure return of IDPs to their original homes.

“The Government of Manipur is committed to a peaceful and safe rehabilitation process. Security forces are working round-the-clock to create a conducive environment for the return of displaced persons,” Goel assured during the interaction.

He also encouraged residents to directly approach him with grievances or requests concerning camp facilities. As a gesture of care, he distributed stationery kits and sports items to students at both camps, boosting morale and encouraging continued education.

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the displaced population, many expressed deep gratitude to the state for its continued support. However, camp residents also voiced serious concerns over the lack of examination centres, which has disrupted educational progress and left students uncertain about their academic future.

Later in the day, the Chief Secretary chaired a District-Level Departmental Meeting to review the implementation of central tribal welfare schemes — DA-JGUA (Development Action for Janjatiya Gram Unnayan Abhiyan) and PM-JANMAN (Prime Minister’s Janjatiya MahaNayak Anusandhan Mission).

Hemant Kumar, IAS, SDO of T-Waichong Sub-Division, gave a comprehensive presentation detailing the completed and ongoing projects under both schemes. He also highlighted the district administration’s efforts in resettling a section of the IDPs back to their original locations, which was well received by the Chief Secretary.

Before concluding his visit, Puneet Kumar Goel met with various civil society organizations active in Kangpokpi District, furthering the government’s agenda of inclusive governance and strengthening community engagement.

During the official visit of Chief Secretary of Manipur, to Kangpokpi District Headquarters, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) submitted a memorandum highlighting urgent issues faced by the tribal Kuki-Zo populace in the region. The memorandum, signed by CoTU Chairman Thanglen Kipgen, reflects the growing concerns of the tribal community amidst the continuing unrest and displacement.

In its representation, CoTU strongly opposed what it described as the “arbitrary extension of valley-based police jurisdiction” into the constitutionally protected tribal hill districts, including Kangpokpi. The memorandum stated that this move violates Article 371C of the Indian Constitution, which provides special safeguards for tribal administration in Manipur. CoTU warned that the presence of such forces has undermined the authority of the Hill Areas Committee and jeopardized the security, autonomy, and identity of the Kuki-Zo people.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of these forces and the restoration of traditional jurisdictional boundaries to uphold tribal rights and constitutional provisions,” the memorandum stated.

Another major concern raised was the lack of proper transport infrastructure, which has become a critical issue amid the humanitarian crisis. CoTU appealed for the sanction and early operationalization of a helicopter service at Kangpokpi District Headquarters to facilitate emergency medical transport, relief efforts, and administrative coordination.

“In times of conflict and natural calamities, swift aerial mobility is essential. A dedicated chopper service is not a luxury but a life-saving necessity for the hill people,”the memorandum asserted.

Further, CoTU strongly opposed the proposed closure of Relief Centres in the district, labelling it premature and unjust. The organization argued that many Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are still without permanent homes, security assurances, or viable resettlement alternatives.

“The idea of shutting down relief centres without resolving the displacement crisis will only deepen the trauma and vulnerability of affected families. We urge that all centres remain functional until a peaceful and dignified resettlement is achieved,” the statement added.

The memorandum concluded with a call for inclusive governance, and constitutional justice, expressing CoTU’s willingness to engage constructively with the government for a sustainable resolution.

The Chief Secretary's visit, coupled with the submission of this memorandum, marks a crucial moment in the ongoing crisis, highlighting the growing demands for tribal autonomy, humanitarian safeguards, and government accountability in Kangpokpi and other hill districts of Manipur.