Imphal, Nov 30: A sit-in demonstration by internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Kangla Western Gate on Sunday swelled into a massive rally as displaced families from Churachandpur, Moreh, Ikou, Dolaithabi and Torbung marched through the city demanding their immediate right to return to their abandoned villages.
The IDPs—currently living in relief camps across Bishnupur, Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West—began their protest with slogans such as “Eikhoi yum da halhanbiyu” (we should be allowed to return home), “Sangai Festival touba yaningde” (we condemn the Sangai Festival), and “Sarkar gi Thouwong yaningde” (the government’s attitude is not acceptable). Their chants reflected anger over months of forced displacement and growing resentment at the State’s decision to prioritise the Sangai Festival amid ongoing humanitarian suffering.
Addressing the gathering, Churachandpur IDP Irom Abu Meitei criticised what he called the Government’s attempt to project normalcy. “Peace has not returned to Manipur, yet the Government wants to show everything is normal. IDPs are languishing in camps at the end of November, with no rehabilitation in sight. According to the Government’s own plan, we should have been able to return by now, but that initiative has failed,” he said. He questioned when IDPs from Moreh, Kangpokpi and Churachandpur would finally be able to return home.
As the crowd grew, senior police officials feared the protesters might move towards Raj Bhavan. Security personnel immediately diverted the demonstrators through the overbridge and into the bazaar areas to prevent tensions from escalating.
The rally gained momentum along the route as more displaced families joined in, eventually marching from Kangla Western Gate to Uripok. It culminated at the Uripok Community Hall, where the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) was holding a major public meeting.
Speakers accused the Government of neglecting thousands of IDPs still stuck in relief camps 18 months after ethnic violence erupted. They criticised the decision to proceed with the Sangai Festival, saying it was an attempt to “project a false sense of normalcy.”
With the year drawing to a close and no clear rehabilitation roadmap, pressure is mounting on the State Government to prioritise safe, dignified return over showcase events.
 at Kangla Western Gate on Sunday swelled into a massive rally as displaced families from Churachandpur, Moreh, Ikou, Dolaithabi and Torbung marched through the city demanding their immediate right to return to their abandoned villages.){kind=link}