CHURACHANDPUR – After enduring nearly two years in congested relief camps, many internally displaced families in Manipur are finally finding a semblance of normalcy as they move into newly constructed homes in the serene Saron Hills area of Churachandpur. This relocation marks a significant step towards rebuilding lives shattered by the ongoing ethnic violence.
The conflict, which erupted on May 3, 2023, displaced over 50,000 people across Manipur. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have grappled with dire conditions, including inadequate healthcare, lack of access to clean water, poor hygiene, and profound economic instability. In response, the government, currently under President’s Rule, has rolled out a three-phase rehabilitation plan. The ambitious goal is to close all 360 relief camps and resettle the entire displaced population by December 2025, an initiative being carried out in close coordination with various NGOs and local community organisations.
A powerful example of community-led development has emerged with the construction of these new shelters. The land for these homes was generously donated by the Churachandpur MLA, while the Vaiphei Baptist Church Association (VECA) provided the necessary funding for their construction.
For those like Sharon Hill, a resettled IDP, the move has brought immense relief. “Living here is far more relaxing and refreshing than staying in the relief center. Now we have the freedom to cook what we like and carry out daily work, which was impossible in the cramped camps,” she shared, highlighting the restoration of basic dignities. Mangnei from Kangpokpi district, another IDP, underscored the broader implications of the initiative, stating, “It shows what village-level cooperation and planning can achieve for peace and progress.”
However, challenges persist, particularly in the realm of health. Dr. Kholi Sania Monica, District Family Welfare Officer, confirmed that mobile medical teams are diligently providing essential services such as regular health check-ups, immunisations, and crucial mental health counselling to those impacted by the conflict. Despite their efforts, she acknowledged the immense pressure, stating, “Our health teams are doing their best, but the demand is massive and resources are limited.” Dr. Kasai, who is in charge of the Tubong relief camp, pointed to financial insecurity as the most pressing hurdle. “Food is available, but when money is needed—for transport, medicine, or rebuilding livelihoods—it becomes difficult,” she explained.
Despite these significant hurdles, the transition to permanent housing signals a hopeful turning point in Manipur’s protracted recovery journey. As government agencies, churches, NGOs, and dedicated community leaders continue their collaborative efforts, there is a collective aspiration to restore dignity and stability to the lives of those who have borne the brunt of the conflict.
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