Despite official assurances of peace, IDPs in Manipur are still barred from going home. Their attempted return to Dolaithabi was blocked by security forces, raising questions about claims of ‘normalcy’ in the violence-hit state.
BY PC Bureau
July 16 — Nearly 100 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur were stopped by security forces on Wednesday as they attempted to return to their native village of Dolaithabi in Imphal East district. According to police, the group was halted as a precautionary measure to prevent any possible outbreak of violence in the sensitive border area.
The IDPs, mostly Meiteis, had been living in a relief camp near Sajiwa—also in Imphal East—after ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups erupted in May 2023, killing over 260 people and displacing thousands. Though both the camp and their village fall under the same administrative district, Dolaithabi’s location presents a far more complex reality on the ground.
“Dolaithabi lies in a sensitive fringe zone,” a senior police officer said. “It is adjacent to the hill areas of Kangpokpi district, from where several attacks were reported during last year’s violence.”
The IDPs were stopped near Pukhao Tezpur, just 2.5 km from their village, as they began marching back without formal permission. Despite the peaceful nature of their movement, authorities feared it could trigger unrest in the highly volatile region.
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The refusal of security forces to allow internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to their homes flies in the face of recent claims made by outgoing Chief Secretary Prashant Kumar, who said Manipur was fast returning to normalcy and that the last of the IDPs would be back home by the end of the year. In fact, Home minister Amit Shah has also made similar claims about restoration of normalcy in Manipur.
People who were languishing at Sajiwa Camps Imphal for the last more than 2 years as Internally Displaced People due to Burmese chin kuki invasion starting on 3rd May’23 who were returning to their homes at Dolaithabi were allegedly being stopped by Central forces.
The role of… pic.twitter.com/MsjCbb2IIP— JJohnnymeitei (@JohnnyMeetei) July 16, 2025
Why Can’t They Go Home If It’s Nearby?
The contradiction—of IDPs being blocked from returning home in the same district—can be explained by the ethnic geography and continued insecurity in these “fringe zones.” While Imphal East is part of the Meitei-dominated valley, villages like Dolaithabi sit on the border between the valley and the Kuki-dominated hills. These areas remain highly sensitive due to recurring skirmishes and a lack of lasting reconciliation between the communities.
Additionally, many homes in Dolaithabi were burnt down or destroyed during the violence. Even though people want to return, there is often nothing left to return to, and the area remains unsafe without full state support or infrastructure restoration.
“We Know Our Homes Are Gone, But We Still Wanted to See Them”
“We have not seen our homes in Dolaithabi for more than two years. We didn’t have permission, but we came voluntarily. We know our house is not there anymore,” Abe Devi, one of the displaced persons, is reported to have told media persons.
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Another IDP, Ichan Chanu, said, “We did not want to create any trouble. We just wanted to see the remains of our homes and remind the authorities that we still exist—displaced, ignored, and waiting.”
The district administration said it is working with local leaders and security forces to manage the situation peacefully. One company of CRPF women personnel has also been deployed to ensure calm.
Ongoing Crisis Under President’s Rule
Today, while residents of Dolaithabi, IDPs currently staying at Sajiwa relief camp, attempted to return to their homes, they were stopped at Pukhao Terapur Bazar by the CF & District Administration. Why not neutralize the arm #KukiMilitants instead of stopping civilians❓️ pic.twitter.com/sK6kvDzCOH
— KukiChildRapist community (@LThang28110) July 16, 2025
The Centre imposed President’s Rule in Manipur on February 13 after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stepped down amid criticism over his handling of the ethnic conflict. The Manipur Legislative Assembly has been placed under suspended animation, and decisions regarding resettlement and rehabilitation are now largely driven by central authorities and security agencies.
While the overall situation is reportedly under control, tensions remain high in mixed or border villages like Dolaithabi. Authorities are closely monitoring developments to avoid escalation.
Dolaithabi’s situation highlights the complex nature of displacement in ethnic conflict zones—where return isn’t simply about distance, but about trust, safety, and political will. For many, “home” is just a memory, but even that memory is worth fighting to preserve.
