Lomlhang Som says the administration’s silence raises serious questions about transparency and the handling of displaced families’ welfare.
BY PC Bureau
November 21, 2025: The Manipur administration is refusing to provide even the most basic information on thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who continue to suffer more than two years after ethnic violence erupted, according to a Kuki youth organisation.
Lomlhang Som, the youth wing of the Kuki community, has accused the Churachandpur Deputy Commissioner’s Office of deliberately stonewalling a Right to Information (RTI) application filed in June 2025. Despite multiple reminders and a first appeal, the administration has allegedly failed to provide responses.
According to Lomlhang Som, the administration has refused to disclose:
- The number and current status of relief camps, along with camp-wise demographic details
- Lists and numbers of non-camp IDPs residing with relatives or in host communities
- Details of funds sanctioned and utilised from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Manipur
- Camp-wise and locality-wise records of ration and relief distribution
Other critical information sought—including medical aid, support for displaced students, ex-gratia payments, prefabricated housing allotments, and lists of burnt and resettled villages—has also been withheld.
The organisation says its RTI application dated June 9, 2025, acknowledged under Receipt No. 2262, has received no response, despite the mandatory 30-day deadline under the RTI Act. A reminder RTI sent by Speed Post (EE462624152IN) on September 29, 2025, followed by a First Appeal sent by Speed Post (EE470176892IN) on 16 October 2025 (delivered on October 21, 2025), has also reportedly been ignored.
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Chairman of the Lomlhang Som, Jamkholun Haokip, says that the continued silence of the DC Office raises urgent questions regarding transparency, accountability, and the management of relief operations. “ The public deserves to know how funds meant for displaced families are being utilised,” he said.
“Transparency is not optional — it is the foundation of justice and rehabilitation. Withholding information directly impacts IDP welfare, public oversight, and accountability in relief efforts,” Haokip added.
The organisation warned that continued secrecy is directly harming displaced families and preventing independent monitoring of relief operations across the violence-affected district. Lomlhang Som has called on the Manipur State Information Commission and national human rights bodies to intervene immediately and compel the administration to release the withheld information.
