Manipur CM launches housing scheme for displaced persons, says about Rs 400 crores already spent for relief works

Guwahati: Manipur CM N. Biren Singh on Thursday launched a permanent housing scheme for those whose houses were burnt down or damaged in the violence that have kept the state troubled since May.

While formally handing over cheques to some of the affected families in Imphal, Singh said more than 4,800 families would be covered under the scheme. A sum of Rs. 10 lakh, Rs. seven lakh and Rs. five lakh would be provided for damage of pucca, semi-pucca and kutcha houses in two installments, he said.

Singh launched the scheme at a time when some parts of the state were still reporting violent incidents. Bodies of two Kukis, who were abducted allegedly by Meiteis on Tuesday, were found in Meitei-dominated Imphal east and Imphal West districts on Tuesday night and Wednesday. Two more Kukis and two Meiteis have remained traceless.

Singh handed over cheques to some selected beneficiaries from Meitei-dominated Imphal East, Kakching and Bishnupur district.

The government had earlier set up some prefabricated houses to provide temporary shelters to those displaced by the violence.

More than 180 people have been killed and over 60,000 others displaced due to the clashes between the Meiteis and Kukis since May.

Singh said that the government has already spent Rs. 399.82 crores so far with the help of the Centre for providing relief assistance to persons and families who were affected by the violence.

The CM further stated that a proposal for an amount Rs. 476 crores had also been submitted to the Centre for more relief measures.