3,000-4,000 Prefabricated Houses to Shelter Violence Victims: Manipur CM

These ready-made structures will offer temporary accommodation until permanent arrangements can be made for the displaced individuals.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 19 June 2023 2:47 pm

Manipur CM N Biren Singh. (File photo)

In response to the escalating violence that has forced people to flee their homes, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Monday a comprehensive plan to construct 3,000-4,000 pre-fabricated houses for those affected by the ongoing turmoil in the northeastern state.

During his visit to relief camps, Chief Minister Singh expressed his commitment to swiftly address the housing needs of the displaced individuals. These prefabricated houses, ready-made structures assembled at the designated locations, are expected to be completed within two months, offering temporary accommodation until permanent arrangements can be made to return them to their original dwellings.

"The people are suffering... The state government is going to construct pre-fabricated houses to accommodate them (those living in relief camps) temporarily till a permanent arrangement is made to shift them to their previous places," stated Chief Minister Singh during his interaction with reporters.

The initiative aims to alleviate the distress of the affected population, enabling them to rebuild their lives in a secure environment. The necessary materials for constructing these houses have already been ordered and are anticipated to arrive in Imphal within 10-15 days. The government is actively scouting suitable locations to establish the pre-fabricated houses.

The ongoing violence, rooted in clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, has caused extensive damage to numerous houses and tragically claimed over 100 lives over the past month. To maintain law and order and curb the spread of misinformation, the state government has imposed a curfew in 11 districts and enforced a ban on internet services.

The unrest began on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts, protesting the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. With Meiteis constituting around 53 percent of Manipur's population and predominantly residing in the Imphal Valley, the remaining percent comprises Nagas and Kukis, who primarily inhabit the hill districts.