Daijiworld Media Network - Guwahati

Guwahati, Jan 13: Hundreds of internally displaced persons (IDPs), affected by the ethnic violence in Manipur, staged a protest in Imphal on Monday demanding early resettlement and restoration of normalcy.

The protestors gathered near the Lok Bhavan along with leaders of the Meitei Organisation Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI). They raised slogans pressing for immediate resettlement of IDPs, reopening of national highways and protection of the state’s territorial integrity, among other demands.

Later, an 11-member delegation, including five representatives from COCOMI, met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to place their demands. However, local media reports said the protestors expressed dissatisfaction over the outcome of the meeting.

In a statement, the Lok Bhavan said representatives of COCOMI and IDPs shared their concerns regarding the prevailing situation of displaced persons. “The Governor listened to the delegation and noted that steps related to resettlement and rehabilitation are already underway. He reiterated that efforts are being made to ensure the safe and gradual return of IDPs,” the statement said.