Churachandpur: Several thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from non-camp settlements protested at the Wall of Remembrance here on Friday, alleging the government has failed to provide any cash or material assistance and demanded parity with camp-based IDPs.
The protest, held under the banner of Joint IDPs Churachandpur, saw hundreds of participants carrying placards reading, ‘No Separation of Camped and Non-Camped Relief Assistance’, ‘Extend DBT Benefits Upto 2029’, and ‘Budget for the State, Nothing for the Displaced’.
Demands of the protesters
Protesters demanded equal treatment for camped and non-camped IDPs, parity between IDPs from the valley and hills, compensation for property lost or destroyed in the violence, and an increase in housing assistance under the resettlement policy from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
Key issues raised
- Equal relief assistance: Non-camp IDPs want the same cash and material support as those living in camps.
- Extended DBT benefits: They demand direct benefit transfer (DBT) coverage until 2029.
- Compensation for losses: Property destroyed during violence must be compensated.
- Higher housing aid: Resettlement housing assistance should be raised from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
The protest highlights the growing frustration among displaced families who feel neglected by the state and central governments. Many have been living in temporary shelters or with relatives without any formal support. The Joint IDPs Churachandpur has vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
