Imphal: Around 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs) currently staying in a relief camp near Sajiwa, Imphal East, attempted to return to their native village of Dolaithabi on Wednesday morning.
Police stopped them near Pukhao Terapur to prevent untoward incident.
The village was abandoned following the outbreak of violence on May 3, 2023.
Manipur Police said approximately 100 displaced villagers from Doilaithabi, currently residing in a relief camp near Sajiwa, moved towards Doilaithabi with the intent to return to their native village. As the area lies in a sensitive fringe zone, they were stopped near Pukhao Terapur to prevent any untoward incident.
Adequate security measures have been put in place, including the deployment of one company of Mahila CRPF. The District Administration and senior Police officers are presently engaging in dialogue with local leaders to find an amicable resolution to the issue, it added.
The situation remains peaceful and is under control. It is being closely monitored by senior officers to ensure continued stability, it said.
The IDPs were later seen crossing river to reach Dolaithabi village after security forces blocked them at Dolaithabi Dam from entering the village.
They, however, have to return to their relief camps.
“We cannot make any earning staying at the relief camp. We fail to provide education and fulfill them. We extremely suffer at the relief camp,” one of the IPDs said in tears.
“We will commit suicide if the government fails to let us return to our homes,” he said.
MLA, Th. Lokeswor who is also the local MLA said the IDPs are demonstrating a democratic form of agitation. He requested the security forces not to take intense action against the protestors.
Chief secretary and Imphal East police superintendent should bear the responsibility if any unwanted security forces action takes place against the protestors, the MLA said.
