Donald Sairem & MK HenryImphal/Churachandpur: In a landmark initiative to heal Manipur’s fractured inter-community relations, chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday interacted with internally displaced persons from both the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities together on a common platform for the first time — albeit in hybrid mode.
The programme for distribution of financial assistance to the IDPs through direct benefit transfer (DBT) was centrally held at the Alternate Housing Complex relief camp at Langol in Imphal West district, home to displaced Meitei families. Kuki-Zo IDPs from camps in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi joined virtually, sharing grievances directly with the CM.Each IDP received ₹2,420 via DBT for essential items. Families whose houses were burnt are being provided ₹1 lakh in instalments.The CM reiterated that resettlement has begun in peripheral areas, but restoring homes in sensitive zones remains complex.“Resettling IDPs to their original places is a priority, though challenges remain. While tensions have eased, mistrust continues to exist,” Khemchand told the IDPs, urging civil society and displaced families to foster love and bridge trust deficits.IDPs from both communities spoke candidly. A young Kuki woman from Kangpokpi pleaded for opportunities in jobs and higher education, while a Meitei woman from Moreh broke down as she expressed her longing to return home after three years in a camp. Another Kuki-Zo inmate highlighted difficulties in accessing medical care.Responding, the CM assured foolproof security for Kuki-Zo patients visiting Imphal hospitals and promised special plans for the 6,000 displaced students whose education remains disrupted.“I’m no God, but I will not let your tears go in vain,” Khemchand said, stressing his govt’s priority to remove fear and mistrust between communities. He recalled sending Meitei Pangal doctors to Churachandpur hospital during an emergency, underscoring the importance of bridging divides.Later, responding to media queries after the programme, Khemchand reiterated, “I’m no God. I can only try as much as possible, and we will try. We are all human beings. We have 36 communities here in Manipur, and we have to move forward together with everyone.”Parallel programmes unfolded across Churachandpur, where DBT benefits were credited directly to IDPs’ accounts. At Sadbhavna Mandap at Khominthang, Churachandpur district deputy commissioner Dharun Kumar S and SDO Anunay Anand oversaw distribution, while IDPs interacted virtually with the CM.At Tuibong, MLA Paolienlal Haokip symbolically handed over cheques, alongside distribution of mattresses, blankets, infant formula, and chocolates. At the Torbung Prefabricated Relief Centre, IDPs raised concerns over water supply, healthcare, and education. The CM acknowledged hardships but assured efforts to ease them.At St. Joseph’s Relief Camp, Singngat, MLA Chinlunthang personally handed over DBT benefits, infant formula for mothers, torchlights for persons with disabilities, and vacuum flasks for senior citizens. Poor internet connectivity prevented inmates from joining the CM’s interaction.Thursday’s outreach marked the first time Meitei and Kuki-Zo IDPs were brought together on a common platform, even if virtually. With relief cheques, essential supplies, and direct assurances from the Chief Minister, the initiative sought not only to provide immediate support but also to signal a broader push for reconciliation in a state home to 36 communities.
