More than two years after the devastating ethnic violence that ravaged Manipur, a significant development offers a tentative step towards healing. Several Meitei families have commenced their return to Kangchup village in Imphal West district, initiating a crucial phase in the state’s extensive resettlement agenda. Their homes, once vibrant with life, now stand as stark reminders of the conflict, burnt and abandoned since May 2023, when clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities led to the displacement of tens of thousands.
The scale of displacement was immense, with over 50,000 individuals uprooted by the violence. For many, cramped relief camps have been their reality ever since, offering minimal privacy and restricted access to fundamental amenities. Recently, the government has articulated its commitment to rehabilitating thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs), rekindling aspirations for a long-awaited return to normalcy.
In Kangchup, the returning families are confronted with a landscape of desolation. Charred structures bear witness to the violence, yet also serve as poignant anchors of memory, now poised for an arduous process of rebuilding. Officials have indicated that plans are underway for the reconstruction of housing and the restoration of essential infrastructure; however, a definitive timeline for comprehensive rehabilitation is yet to be made public.
Meanwhile, across the state, in the Faijang area of Kangpokpi district, 896 individuals from 184 families continue to reside in pre-fabricated shelters. While basic government assistance has led to some improvements in living conditions, the protracted displacement has inevitably taken a toll. Some residents have departed in pursuit of employment or educational opportunities, while a significant number remain in an unsettling state of limbo.
Residents acknowledge that the immediate physical necessities—food, water, and shelter—are being addressed to a certain extent. However, the profound emotional and psychological scars persist. A particularly pressing concern is the limited access to healthcare, especially for members of the Kuki-Zo community who can no longer travel freely to Imphal for medical treatment. Consequently, many are compelled to undertake arduous journeys to distant cities such as Dimapur, Guwahati, or Delhi to seek necessary medical attention.
A young man at the Faijang camp, who harbours aspirations of becoming a journalist, eloquently articulated the chasm between mere survival and true stability. His concerns transcend the fundamental provisions of housing and food, extending to the critical unmet needs of education, mental health support, and the restoration of long-term dignity.
The return of these displaced families represents a pivotal juncture for Manipur. Nevertheless, without the establishment of enduring peace, robust security measures, and equitable access to essential services for all communities, the current resettlement efforts risk becoming a temporary palliative rather than a sustainable and lasting solution.