Khodang, a village in Manipur located in the buffer zone bordering Churachandpur, Kakching, and Bishnupur districts, has become the first Kuki-Zo village in the state to be officially resettled.
This marks the first instance of a Kuki-Zo village being resettled following the widespread displacement that began on May 3, 2023.
The return ceremony was inaugurated by Paolenlal Haokip, who unveiled a commemorative stone and cut the ribbon marking the reopening of the village. A dedication prayer was later led by Pastor Zalal of the GTPA.
The village remained deserted since May 28, 2023, after residents were forced to flee following an alleged attack by the armed Meitei group, Arambai Tenggol.
Villagers said the violence left widespread destruction, with most of the more than 40 houses in the village set ablaze, while only around eight homes escaped damage. Since then, the settlement had remained abandoned for nearly three years.
Meanwhile, expressing relief over the resettlement, village chief Jamminlien Haokip said the return of residents marked a significant moment for the community.
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He added that reopening of the village would allow residents to gradually resume their normal lives and livelihood activities after years of displacement.
Rehabilitation work in the village is currently in progress. According to the village chief, nearly 40 houses have already been rebuilt, while another 10 houses are expected to be constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
The resettlement programme was attended by representatives of several Kuki civil society organisations, student bodies, women's groups, chiefs' associations, and security personnel, reflecting coordinated efforts to restore normalcy in the violence-affected region.