Manipur Proposes 15,000 New Homes for Displaced Residents Amid Conflict

IMPHAL: Manipur’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, has proposed a significant expansion in housing support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing conflict. He presented the proposal to Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a virtual review of the state’s rural development initiatives.Khemchand Singh highlighted the plight of more than 60,000 displaced individuals across Manipur, emphasizing the urgent need for additional housing and increased funding. The current allocation of 7,000 houses at a unit cost of Rs 1.3 lakh falls far short of requirements. The minister has requested approval to build 15,000 houses and raised the proposed cost per house to Rs 5 lakh, citing the elevated expenses of importing construction materials into the state’s border areas.Despite ongoing challenges, the minister praised Manipur’s success in exceeding targets under the Amrit Sarovar Scheme by constructing 1,228 ponds, surpassing the goal of 1,220.Official data shows that 7,540 individuals from 2,058 families have been resettled across districts such as Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi. Prefabricated houses were initially planned to accommodate some of the displaced. Of the 3,000 units planned, 2,660 are completed, and 2,520 are already occupied.Further breakdowns reveal progress in several districts:Churachandpur: 240 houses completed, 160 under construction.Imphal West: 250 houses constructed and occupied.Kangpokpi: 1,050 of 1,100 houses completed, 1,000 occupied.Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching: All planned units fully occupied.Despite these efforts, more than 63,500 people remain in relief camps. The state government’s proposal, if approved, aims to alleviate the housing shortage and improve living conditions for displaced families across Manipur.