Manipur’s Khodang Becomes First Resettled Kuki-Zo Village After 2023 Ethnic Violence
Manipur’s Khodang village has become the first Kuki-Zo village to be formally resettled after residents were displaced during the ethnic violence that erupted in the state in May 2023.
The resettlement programme was officially inaugurated on May 28 by Paolenlal Haokip at Khodang village, located in the buffer zone bordering Churachandpur, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts.
The programme began with the unveiling of a commemorative stone followed by a dedication prayer led by Pastor Zalal of the GTPA.
Khodang village had remained abandoned since May 28, 2023, after villagers fled amid alleged attacks during the ethnic conflict. According to local residents, more than 40 houses in the village were either burned or destroyed during the violence, while only a few structures remained standing.
Village chief Jamminlien Haokip expressed happiness over the return of displaced families and said the resettlement became possible through the combined efforts of local MLA representatives, district authorities, village leaders, civil society organisations, and security agencies.
He stated that the return of villagers would help restore normal life and allow residents to restart farming and other livelihood activities after nearly three years of displacement.
Officials said around 40 houses have already been reconstructed in the village as part of the rehabilitation process. An additional 10 houses are expected to be built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme.
The resettlement event was attended by leaders of Kuki civil society organisations, student groups, women’s organisations, chiefs’ associations, and security personnel.
Local leaders described the return of residents to Khodang as an important step toward rehabilitation, reconciliation, and restoration of normalcy in violence-affected areas of Manipur.
