Strife-hit Manipur pins hope on new CM to restore peace & resettle IDPs

Imphal: The formation of a popular govt in Manipur under the leadership of new chief minister Yumnam Khemchand has raised cautious hopes among the public, even as the enormity of the challenges before his govt remains stark.

After months of political uncertainty and prolonged violence linked to the Manipur crisis, public expectations are high that the new govt, under Khemchand’s leadership, will prioritise peace, rehabilitation, and reconciliation in a state scarred by nearly three years of ethnic conflict.


Many viewed the biggest challenge for the Khemchand-led govt will be to restore peace and normalcy in the state, along with ensuring the safe and dignified resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“For ordinary citizens, the new govt’s credibility will be judged primarily on its ability to ensure safety, prevent fresh violence and re-establish the rule of law,” Babby Soraisam, a local Meira Paibi leader, told TOI. She said the people have been desiring the reinstatement of a popular govt and viewed the formation of govt as a positive development. “However, we have to see if the new govt under the new leadership will be able to perform as per the expectations of the people. If BJP is restoring an elected govt in the state just in view of the 2027 polls, then there’s no hope for the return of normalcy,” she said.

Babby maintained the new govt must ensure resettlement of IDPs to their original homes, re-establish rule of law and ensure rights guaranteed by the Constitution. She added the new leader must be able to mount pressure on the Centre to act towards healing Manipur.

W Robinson, a research scholar at Manipur University, said the formation of a popular govt after a long spell of President’s rule is widely welcomed by the public. He noted that peace-building efforts must be prioritised at a time when mistrust remains deep-rooted. “The first priority of the govt should be restoration of peace, resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and ensuring free and safe movement across the state,” he said.

Robinson also questioned the motive behind Kuki-Zo MLA Nemcha Kipgen taking oath as deputy chief minister virtually, when two other Kuki-Zo MLAs were physically present at the Lok Bhavan during the swearing-in ceremony.

An IDP from Moreh and now taking shelter at Akampat relief camp in Imphal East, Ahanthem Thoi (55), expressed hope the new govt will take up resettlement of IDPs on war footing. “Manipur authorities recently announced to resettle around 40,000 IDPs by March. We believe this will be possible if the govt is willing. We also pray the new govt is able to fulfil the same,” she said.

Asked about her faith in the new leadership, she said, “We are yet to see him perform. But considering the present situation, it is only crucial that he put all out efforts to restore peace, normalcy, and rule of law.”

Asem Nirmala, a woman vendor at Ima Keithel, expressed mixed reactions, noting that a big challenge lies ahead for the new CM. “The previous govt was a double-engine BJP govt, and the new govt is also a BJP-led govt. Whether there will be any healing for Manipur with the coming of the new govt solely depends on the capability of the new leader Khemchand,” she said.