Kanggui, July 31, 2026: Thousands of internally displaced persons from across Sadar Hills staged a massive demonstration at Kangpokpi District Headquarters on Friday, demanding immediate restoration of the Direct Benefit Transfer that they described as their only means of survival after more than a year of displacement.
Organized by the Kangpokpi District Internally Displaced Welfare Committee, the protest brought together camp inmates, families living in rented accommodations, students, mothers and elderly persons. Kuki leader Dr. Lamtinthang Haokip was among those who joined to express solidarity.
The crowd carried emotional placards reading “No Home, No Job, Now No DBT”, “My Tummy is Rumbling, I Need Food” and “Papa Says DBT Will Buy My Books, I’m Still Waiting”, while raising a common chant demanding parity — “IDP is IDP, Government must not segregate campers and non-campers”.
According to the committee, the crisis stems from the complete non-release of DBT for July 2026 to any registered IDP in Kangpokpi district, despite the month ending. Families who lost homes, paddy fields and livelihoods in the conflict have no alternative income and depend entirely on the monthly assistance.
Protesters said the impact is immediate and severe. Many children are unable to pay school admission, tuition and exam fees and are at risk of dropping out, while food rations in several relief camps are depleting and patients are going without essential medicines and hygiene supplies.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister through Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, the committee listed its core demands as the instant sanction of pending July DBT, assured monthly continuation of the aid till displaced families return home with sustainable rehabilitation, and a fixed disbursement date every month to end uncertainty.
The memorandum also stressed the need for transparency and non-discrimination, stating that every genuine displaced family, whether living in a government-run camp or outside as non-campers, must receive the benefit without exclusion.
KDIDWC noted that the DBT is not a charity but a constitutional and humanitarian obligation, being used for rice, pulses, oil, vegetables, school uniforms, books, medicines and other daily necessities for the most vulnerable, including women, children and the sick.
Issuing a firm five-day ultimatum, the protesters warned that if the pending amount is not credited within the deadline, they will escalate their stir through democratic and peaceful means, and the Manipur government will bear full responsibility for any fallout.
Watch Video: Kuki IDPs Stage Massive Protest in Kangpokpi, Demand July DBT Release Within 5 Days:
https://youtu.be/-qYdLf2PQGI?si=L11IRBVzHOTEs1hu
The committee reiterated its readiness to cooperate with verification and delivery processes, but urged the Chief Minister to intervene on priority, warning that continued administrative delay would force children out of school and families into hunger.
