After Two Years in Camps, Displaced Manipur Families Start Journey Back Home

Years after being forced from their homes by ethnic violence, several Meitei families have begun returning to Kangchup, a quiet village in Imphal West’s Lamshang area. The scenes that greet them are painful- burnt houses, crumbling walls, and memories buried under soot and silence. Yet, the return marks the beginning of something long awaited, healing.

In May 2023, clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities erupted across Manipur, triggering large-scale displacement. Entire families fled overnight, leaving behind everything they owned. Since then, many have lived in overcrowded relief camps with little comfort and no certainty about their future.

Now, with the government moving forward with its rehabilitation plans, a sense of hope is slowly taking root. For those who’ve returned, it’s a mix of relief and sorrow.

“We are really thankful for the government’s move. Living in relief camps has been very difficult, we had to depend on others for everything,” said Angom Ongbi Memchoubi Devi, who recently returned to her village. “The shelters were too cramped, with barely any privacy. Even the attached bathrooms were uncomfortable. So, returning to our homes, even if damaged, feels like a big step forward.”

While some families begin rebuilding, thousands remain in limbo. In the Faijang area of Kangpokpi district, over 180 families are still taking shelter in rows of tin-roofed structures that have become their temporary homes. Here, daily life is about adjusting, waiting, and remembering.

Momoi, who manages a camp for internally displaced persons, says the essentials are in place but the feeling of home is missing. “We have the essentials here, so there isn’t any big hardship,” she said. “But we miss Imphal. We grew up there, went to school and college there, it’s home.”
Among the many faces in the camp is Thomas, a young man determined to chase his dream of becoming a journalist. His fluency in Hindi and experiences in both Imphal and Delhi give him a wider perspective, but the road ahead is not easy.

“Access to proper healthcare is our biggest challenge,” Thomas explained. “We Kuki IDPs can’t go back to Imphal, so we have to travel to Senapati, Dimapur, Guwahati, or even Delhi for treatment. Many have lost homes, loved ones, or peace of mind. Mental health issues are common.”

Although the return process continues, what lies ahead remains uncertain. But for these families, even the smallest steps toward home offer a glimmer of hope. Real recovery, however, will take more than bricks and mortar- it will require peace, compassion, and consistent support to help people rebuild not just houses, but lives.

Also Read: Manipur Violence: Meitei Women Hold Sit-in, Urge Amit Shah To End Unrest