Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand on Saturday visited a relief camp in Imphal East district and met the family of a seven-year-old internally displaced girl who was raped and murdered earlier this month, announcing ₹10 lakh ex-gratia and assuring strict action against those responsible.
The Chief Minister met the bereaved family inside the camp, which houses several internally displaced persons (IDPs), and expressed condolences over the incident that has triggered widespread outrage and renewed concern over safety conditions in relief settlements across Manipur. He also interacted with other displaced families and listened to their grievances regarding security, rehabilitation and long-term resettlement.
During the visit, Khemchand reiterated that the welfare of displaced families remains a key priority for the state administration. He assured them that necessary steps were being taken to address their immediate concerns, including access to basic facilities, improved security arrangements and progress towards rehabilitation and return to native places wherever possible.
In a Facebook post after the visit, the Chief Minister said his interaction with IDPs highlighted several urgent issues requiring coordinated action from different departments. He added that instructions had been issued to concerned officials to take prompt measures to ease hardship and improve living conditions in relief camps.
“We remain committed to standing by every affected family and working tirelessly towards restoring dignity, stability, and hope in their lives,” the CM stated in the post.
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The victim, originally from Moreh, had been reported missing on April 4. Her body was recovered the following day from beneath the Singjamei Bridge in Imphal West, an incident that has intensified concerns about the vulnerability of displaced populations living in temporary shelters following ethnic violence in the state.
The case has drawn sharp public reaction, with demands for stronger protection mechanisms in relief camps and stricter monitoring of displaced settlements. Several IDPs present at the camp meeting urged the Chief Minister to expedite their return to their native villages and called for enhanced security deployment, including the stationing of an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) unit in Moreh.
Responding to these concerns, the Chief Minister assured efforts would be made to facilitate safe and phased resettlement, while also stressing the need for rebuilding trust among communities that had earlier coexisted peacefully.
Imphal East District Commissioner L. Nivedita said the administration is working to ensure justice for the victim’s family and extend all necessary support. She added that the accused has already been arrested and remanded to custody.
Meanwhile, the accused, Laishram Lanngamba (28), was produced before the Special Court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act in Imphal East and sent to judicial custody on April 10 under tight security.
Authorities said the case remains under investigation, while security has been tightened in and around vulnerable relief camps amid growing public concern.
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