Conflict-hit and displaced families displaced by the Manipur violence say delayed relief payments have pushed them to the edge, forcing hundreds to stage a dharna and warn of intensified protests if aid is not released within five days.
BY PC Bureau
July 31, 2026: Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Manipur’s Kangpokpi district staged a protest on Friday, demanding the immediate release of the July 2026 Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) assistance, which they said had not been credited despite the month coming to an end. The protesters also issued a five-day ultimatum to the state government, warning of intensified democratic protests if the payments are not released.
The demonstration, organised by the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee (KDIDWC), was held at the district headquarters and drew participation from displaced families living in relief camps and rented accommodation, students, women, senior citizens and civil society members. Kuki-Zo leaders, including Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip, also joined the protest in solidarity.
Carrying placards reading “No Home, No Job, No DBT, How Do We Survive?”, “My Child Is Hungry, Where is DBT?” and “DBT is Our Right, Not a Favour,” protesters urged the government to ensure that all registered displaced persons receive financial assistance without discrimination.
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According to the committee, none of the registered IDPs in Kangpokpi district had received the July DBT instalment, leaving thousands of families dependent on relief assistance without their monthly financial support.
The protesters said the delay had severely affected their ability to meet basic household expenses, purchase food and medicines, and pay school fees and examination charges for their children. They claimed that several relief camps were facing shortages of essential supplies as the delay continued.
Following the demonstration, representatives of the KDIDWC submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh through Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
In the memorandum, the committee demanded:
- Immediate release of the pending July 2026 DBT for all registered internally displaced persons.
- Continuation of the monthly financial assistance until displaced families can safely return to their homes and restore their livelihoods.
- A fixed and transparent schedule for the release of future DBT payments.
- Equal treatment for all registered IDPs, irrespective of whether they are residing in relief camps or in rented accommodation.
The committee said the government had five days to address its demands, failing which the displaced community would launch an intensified phase of democratic protests.
While acknowledging the administrative challenges involved in managing relief operations, the KDIDWC said financial assistance remained the primary source of support for thousands of families displaced by the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur in May 2023.
The committee also expressed its willingness to cooperate with the authorities in beneficiary verification and distribution, urging the government to ensure that the pending payments are released without further delay.
