Manipur: Kuki-Zo IDP Committee Issues Ultimatum, Sets December 18 Deadline for Government Action

Imphal, Dec — The Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Persons Welfare Committee (KDIDPWC) has issued an ultimatum to the Manipur government, demanding urgent improvement in welfare measures for Kuki-Zo internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in relief camps across the state.

In a memorandum submitted to the authorities, the committee called on the government to address long-pending issues faced by displaced families by December 18, 2025. The KDIDPWC warned that failure to act within the stipulated timeframe would compel it to launch a series of protest programmes starting December 19.

The committee alleged that both the state and central governments have failed to adequately respond to the suffering of nearly 50,000 displaced Kuki-Zo people, many of whom have been living in relief camps since violence broke out in May 2023.

Key Demands Raised

The memorandum highlighted multiple concerns, including:

• The daily relief allowance of ₹84, which the committee described as insufficient, demanding an increase to ₹100.
• Disruption of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments to several IDP families by district authorities.
• Unequal distribution of the ₹1,000 recurring instalment, with some families receiving multiple payments while others received none.
• Compensation of ₹25,000 limited only to fully burnt houses, excluding partially damaged homes.
• Inconsistent educational and medical support, compounded by delays in DBT registration.
• Absence of long-term rehabilitation plans for Kuki-Zo families displaced from the Imphal valley who have no homes to return to.
• The need for security along key supply routes to ensure uninterrupted access to essential goods.
• Compensation for families who reportedly lost land during the conflict.

Government Response and Ongoing Concerns

Officials stated that the Manipur government is working on a phased rehabilitation strategy, which includes financial assistance for returning families and the construction of pre-fabricated housing units for those unable to return to their original locations.

However, civil society organisations in affected districts continue to raise concerns over poor living conditions in relief camps, lack of livelihood options, and delays in rehabilitation. Groups such as the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) have previously issued similar ultimatums, at times resorting to economic blockades when demands were not met.

IDPs and community organisations have also continued to stage demonstrations, pressing for safe return, fair compensation, and effective implementation of rehabilitation measures, underscoring the deepening humanitarian challenges in the state.