The Manipur government has begun a phased resettlement of 57,000 people displaced by ethnic violence, aiming to complete the process by December 2025. Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh announced that most will return to their original villages, while others will be housed in prefabricated homes with financial aid and support.
With a gradual improvement in the law and order situation, the Manipur government has initiated the resettlement of people displaced due to ethnic violence over the past two years. Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar Singh announced on Friday that the process would be carried out in three phases and is targeted for completion by December 2025.
Following the ethnic unrest, more than 62,000 people were initially displaced across various districts in Manipur. The violence led to mass displacements, with families taking refuge in over 300 relief camps set up in the Imphal Valley and surrounding hilly regions. Currently, around 57,000 people remain displaced, as per the state government’s latest figures.
Singh stated that the phased resettlement strategy will take place in July, October, and December. “We are working to ensure that most of the displaced people can return to their original villages,” he said. The first phase has already started and is expected to be completed by the end of July.
However, not all families will be able to return to their original homes. Singh acknowledged that between 9,000 and 10,000 displaced people, particularly those from Tengnoupal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi districts, may be unable to return due to security concerns or extensive damage to their villages. For these families, prefabricated houses are being constructed to provide alternative accommodation.
“A large number of prefabricated homes have already been constructed in various districts. An additional 1,000 units are being built to ensure housing for those who cannot return,” the Chief Secretary said during a media interaction in Imphal.
The resettlement plan has been devised after extensive consultations with the Union Government, particularly with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Singh emphasized that the coordination with central agencies has helped in framing a sustainable approach for rehabilitation.
As part of the relief and rehabilitation package, families whose homes were completely destroyed in the violence will receive financial aid of ₹3.03 lakh per family. Those whose homes are only partially damaged due to abandonment over the past two years will also be given a lump sum to facilitate repairs and safe return.
Besides housing, efforts are being made to normalize the socio-economic conditions across the state. The Chief Secretary noted that free movement across communities is gradually returning, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the central and state governments, civil society groups, and local community leaders.
“There are definite signs of improvement on the ground. Farmers from different communities have resumed agricultural activities without major issues, indicating a return to normalcy in many areas,” Singh added.
In addition to rehabilitation, the Manipur government is also focusing on rebuilding critical infrastructure to boost governance and economic development. Singh revealed that major projects like the new Manipur Police Headquarters, an Information Technology Park, and new Manipur Bhavans in Dwarka (Delhi) and Kolkata are under development and will be operational in the near future.
| Also Read: PM Modi visited 42 countries but skipped Manipur: Manipur |
The ethnic conflict that began more than two years ago plunged several areas of Manipur into prolonged instability, leading to significant displacement and disruption. However, the government’s current resettlement and reconstruction strategy is seen as a turning point in the efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
Observers believe that successful implementation of this phased rehabilitation plan will be a crucial test for the Biren Singh-led state administration and its ability to restore trust among communities torn apart by the violence. With many displaced families longing to return home and rebuild their lives, December 2025 now marks a hopeful milestone in Manipur’s journey toward recovery and reconciliation.
