Manipur Displaced Families Protest Eviction Notice, Demand Alternative Shelter
News Summary
On May 30, 2025, 120 families displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur staged a peaceful sit-in protest at the Ima Panthoibi Community Hall in Imphal West. These families, originally from Moreh, Churachandpur, and Phougakchao Ikhai village, are currently residing in the Langol housing complex. They are demanding that the government revoke its order asking them to vacate the premises by July 1, 2025, without providing alternative shelter. The protestors expressed distress over the lack of a clear relocation plan and appealed to the state government to ensure proper housing before eviction.
The Ongoing Struggle of Displaced Families in Manipur
Background: The Ethnic Violence and Its Aftermath
In May 2023, Manipur witnessed a surge in ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zomi communities, leading to widespread displacement. Approximately 4,800 to 5,000 houses were destroyed in both valley and hilly areas, leaving thousands homeless.
Temporary Relief Measures
In response, the Manipur government initiated the construction of prefabricated houses to accommodate displaced families. By January 2025, around 3,000 families had been relocated from relief camps to these newly constructed shelters. Each unit, costing approximately Rs 5 lakh, included two rooms and a toilet, aiming to provide a semblance of normalcy to the affected families.
The Langol Housing Complex and Recent Eviction Notices
The Langol housing complex, part of the government’s rehabilitation efforts, became home to 120 families from Moreh, Churachandpur, and Phougakchao Ikhai. However, in May 2025, these families received eviction notices, instructing them to vacate the premises by July 1, 2025, to make way for Public Works Department employees. This sudden directive, without any alternative housing arrangements, led to widespread anxiety and prompted the recent protests.
Voices from the Ground
Yensenbam Sanatombi Devi, a displaced resident from Moreh, voiced her concerns: “With our homes destroyed, where are we supposed to go? The government must provide us with proper housing before asking us to leave.” Such sentiments echo the broader apprehensions of the displaced communities, who feel neglected and unheard.
Government’s Rehabilitation Plans
Chief Minister N Biren Singh had previously announced a permanent housing scheme for displaced families, offering financial assistance based on the type of house destroyed: Rs 10 lakh for pucca houses, Rs 7 lakh for semi-pucca, and Rs 5 lakh for kutcha houses. The scheme aimed to rebuild the lives of those affected by the ethnic strife.
FAQs
Q1: Why were the families at the Langol housing complex asked to vacate?
The government issued eviction notices to the families to reallocate the housing units to Public Works Department employees.
Q2: Has the government provided alternative housing options for these families?
As of now, no clear alternative housing arrangements have been communicated to the affected families.
Q3: What financial assistance has the government promised to displaced families?
The government announced a scheme offering Rs 10 lakh for pucca houses, Rs 7 lakh for semi-pucca, and Rs 5 lakh for kutcha houses destroyed during the ethnic violence.
Q4: How many families have been relocated to prefabricated shelters?
Approximately 3,000 families have been moved from relief camps to newly constructed prefabricated houses
Q5: What are the main concerns of the displaced families?
The families are primarily concerned about the lack of alternative housing, delayed financial assistance, and inadequate living conditions in temporary shelters.
