IMPHAL, July 3: In a renewed push for justice, the Churachandpur Meitei United Committee (CMUC) on Thursday met Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, pressing for immediate redressal of long-pending demands concerning Meitei families displaced during the 2023 ethnic conflict in Churachandpur district.

The delegation, representing internally displaced persons (IDPs), expressed frustration over the state government’s continued inaction, despite submitting detailed memorandums earlier this year on March 13 and April 21. During the meeting at Raj Bhavan, the CMUC highlighted the worsening conditions in relief camps, where families have now spent over a year in temporary shelters.

Key grievances included the lack of access to education for displaced children, unavailability of crucial identity documents such as birth and domicile certificates, and the ineffectiveness of current relief camp management. The CMUC stressed that IDPs themselves should be allowed to manage the camps to address daily grievances more efficiently.

The committee also demanded a safe, structured return of displaced families to their original homes, tailored employment opportunities, and construction of temporary shelters at Phougakchao Ikhai in Bishnupur district as an interim resettlement measure.

Responding to the appeal, Governor Bhalla acknowledged the urgency of the situation and assured the delegation that some demands would be addressed within three days. He also promised to expedite coordination with concerned departments for timely and concrete action.

While the CMUC cautiously welcomed the Governor’s assurances, they made it clear that any failure to deliver visible progress within the promised timeframe would lead to intensified agitation. The delegation underscored that hundreds of displaced students remain out of school, and called for immediate government intervention to launch education initiatives for IDP children.

Alleging discrimination and bureaucratic apathy, the CMUC criticised local committees currently managing relief camps for their inability to meet basic needs. They urged the state government to develop a comprehensive and inclusive resettlement plan, beginning with the construction of temporary housing on government land at Phougakchao Ikhai.

Although the Governor’s response has sparked cautious optimism, CMUC leaders reiterated that only visible, timely government action can rebuild the confidence of displaced families, many of whom continue to suffer amid neglect, instability, and uncertainty.