Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing on Thursday raised concerns over the difficulties faced by residents of her constituency and the wider Kangpokpi district amid the prolonged conflict in Manipur and urged the state government to improve access to essential services and strengthen support for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Speaking during the eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Hangshing said the conflict had disrupted education, employment opportunities and the supply of essential commodities, while worsening living conditions for displaced families.
She acknowledged the security arrangements made by the state government, saying they had enabled her and the Lok Sabha member from Saikul to attend the Assembly session after nearly three years. While appreciating efforts to restore normalcy and promote peaceful coexistence under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, she raised three major issues before the House.
Hangshing urged the government to establish a Central government recruitment examination centre at Kangpokpi district headquarters. She said security concerns and difficulties in travelling had prevented many aspirants from appearing for competitive examinations and that a local centre would reduce the need to travel to Ukhrul.
She also sought uninterrupted supplies of food, medicines, medical facilities and fuel across the state. Referring to Saikul, she said residents had faced shortages of essential food items and lifesaving medicines for more than three and a half months due to economic blockades and counter-blockades by sections of different organisations and communities. She added that petrol pumps and filling stations in Kangpokpi, particularly Saikul, had remained closed during the period.
Hangshing also raised concerns over the condition of IDPs, particularly those living in relief camps in Churachandpur. Based on her recent visit, she said several families continued to face inadequate basic amenities, infrastructure and medical supplies.
She said financial assistance for rebuilding houses destroyed during the conflict had either been delayed or remained insufficient to meet construction and material costs. She also flagged overcrowding in relief camps, which she said had created unhygienic conditions and inadequate privacy, particularly for women.
The MLA urged the government to increase financial assistance, improve facilities in relief camps and expedite the reconstruction of damaged houses to help displaced families return to stable living conditions. She expressed hope that effective implementation of these measures would support the restoration of peace and normalcy in Manipur.
