IMPHAL: A protest march by internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking to return to their abandoned homes in Kangpokpi district turned violent on Saturday at Yaingangpokpi in Imphal East, leaving at least seven people injured, including a journalist and a security personnel.
The confrontation broke out when security forces blocked hundreds of displaced villagers from entering Guwaltabi village, which has been declared a restricted zone since the outbreak of the ethnic violence in May 2023. The IDPs, carrying placards demanding immediate resettlement and boycotting the ongoing Sangai Festival, insisted on going back to their homes despite repeated warnings.
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To disperse the crowd, security forces fired tear gas shells, mock bombs and resorted to lathi-charge. The injured were later taken to the Yaingangpokpi Bazar health centre for medical treatment.
Thounaojam Yaimabi, one of the protestors from Guwaltabi Mayai Leikai, said that while the government claims normalcy has returned, displaced families continue to languish without rehabilitation.
“The government transferred small amounts to our bank accounts through DBT and says peace is returning. If that’s true, why are we still not allowed to go home?” Yaimabi asked, referring to the official announcement that resettlement would be completed by December.
Another IDP, Khwairakpam James, said they were told by the Chief Secretary that resettlement in peripheral areas would be completed first, while those in Churachandpur, Moreh, and Kangpokpi would have to wait until February next year.
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In Imphal, women vendors of Khwairamband Ima Market (Women’s Market) condemned the security forces’ action against displaced protestors. Yumnam Ibeyaima, convenor of the Khwairamband Keithel Joint Coordinating Committee for Peace, accused the government of prioritising the Sangai Festival over humanitarian concerns.
“Over 260 people have died and more than 60,000 have been displaced since May 2023. Yet, the government under President’s Rule is busy hosting festivals instead of ensuring rehabilitation,” she said, demanding “free movement for all citizens” along national highways.
The Sangai Festival, Manipur’s annual cultural/tourism showcase launched in 2010, returned this year after a two-year suspension due to the ongoing conflict. However, the celebration has been met with growing resentment from displaced people who view it as a symbol of neglect.