UKHRUL: The Internally Displaced Persons Welfare Committee Churachandpur (IDPWCC) has strongly condemned the recent statement made by State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, describing it as misleading, insensitive, and disconnected from the realities faced by thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The Home Minister had reportedly claimed that many IDP families were in a position to return.
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In a press statement issued on Friday, the IDPWCC highlighted the following ‘facts’ for the public and the government:
1. Lack of Stakeholder Representation:
At both the state and district levels, the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Committees have been formed without the inclusion of key stakeholders, particularly representatives from IDP committees across the affected districts. This exclusion undermines transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making in matters that directly impact displaced communities.
2. Inadequacy of PMAY-G Housing Assistance:
Under the Special PMAY-G scheme, the sanctioned amount of ₹3 lakh for housing is grossly insufficient to construct a safe and livable home under current conditions. It is concerning that even government school toilet constructions are being sanctioned at costs exceeding ₹4 lakh. This highlights the disparity in allocation for the rehabilitation of displaced families.
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3. Neglect of Non-Camp IDPs:
More than 4,000 IDP families in Churachandpur District, who are not residing in designated relief camps (non-camped IDPs), have been completely excluded from relief measures since May 2023. These families suffer without access to basic assistance, reflecting a serious gap in the government’s relief policy.
Additionally, the committee has placed several key demands, including fair and just compensation for all affected IDPs, similar to provisions extended to other displaced communities such as the Bru and Kashmiri Pandits. “Compensation must be based on current market values in accordance with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013,” it stated.
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The demands also included several support measures, including Free ration support for three years at the rate of ₹150 per person per day, a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 per family, Housing Building Assistance (HBA) of ₹10 lakh, Fixed deposit support of ₹8 lakh per family, and a reservation/priority quota for IDPs in all government employment.
In conclusion, the IDPWCC reiterates that the current situation is far from conducive to a safe and dignified return. Any narrative suggesting otherwise trivializes the suffering of IDPs and delays meaningful rehabilitation efforts. Also, it urges the government to engage in sincere dialogue with IDP representatives and take immediate corrective measures to ensure justice, dignity, and sustainable rehabilitation for all displaced persons.