A mother of three and an internally displaced person (IDP) whose home was reduced to rubble in Churachandpur has taken the collective voice of Manipur’s displaced communities to the heart of the nation. Now sheltering at the Phubala Relief Camp, Naorem Rojita made the journey to New Delhi with just Rs. 30 contributions each from fellow inmates and well-wishers—a testament to the shared determination of those affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur since May 3, 2023.
In the national capital, she submitted a memorandum containing 20 key demands to the Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), urging urgent attention to the plight of IDPs. Copies of the memorandum were also sent to the President, Prime Minister, Home Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, Human Resource Minister of India, and the Governor of Manipur.
The document echoed the concerns highlighted earlier when six Supreme Court judges associated with NALSA visited the relief camps in Manipur on March 22, 2025.
Due to the Kuki-Zo community’s blockade of Meetei access to roads through their dominated regions, Rojita had to fly back to Imphal, as travel by land remains impossible for Meeteis since the unrest began. During her stay in Delhi, she also participated in the “Koubru Kashi” demonstration and a solemn prayer meeting held on April 6 at Jantar Mantar, organized by the Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC).
The 20-point charter she submitted touches on the most pressing needs of the displaced, starting from the issuance of new UID IDP cards to mental health counseling, from access to quality education to a comprehensive insurance policy covering health and property. It calls for protection of IDP land, proper resettlement plans for the Meitei community, student allowances, travel concessions, and seasonal aid. Economic empowerment is also central to the demands, including employment generation, entrepreneurship schemes, and job initiatives. The memorandum highlights the need for political representation, voter registration, RTI access, and community development. It also stresses the importance of sports training facilities, educational scholarships, competitive exam access, documentation support, and reserved markets for IDP communities.
Speaking to the media upon her return, Rojita said, “This submission is made with the earnest intention of addressing urgent issues that need immediate and meaningful intervention for the well-being of IDPs and the broader society.” She added that the IDPs are confident that the authorities will understand the importance of their appeal and are willing to extend their full cooperation in translating these demands into action.
Through her journey, Naorem Rojita has emerged not just as a displaced mother, but as a determined voice for thousands—turning despair into hope and advocacy.
