Nearly 30 families from Phougakchao Ikhai and nearby villages in Manipur’s Bishnupur district have left their homes and moved to safer locations, even though many of their houses were not damaged during the recent unrest. The families said they decided to move only because of security concerns and fear for their lives, according to information available with the state authorities.
Official records of the Manipur government show that resettlement has begun in Bishnupur district under the Kumbi Assembly Constituency, covering families affected by the continuing tension in the region. While violence has displaced people in different ways across the state, this case highlights a different reality; families leaving intact homes simply because they no longer feel safe staying there.
Phougakchao Ikhai, located close to the Bishnupur–Churachandpur border, has been one of the sensitive pockets during the unrest. Residents said that although their houses were standing, the situation around them remained uncertain. Regular movement was difficult, normal life had come to a halt, and fear had become part of daily living. Many families felt they had no option but to leave, especially to protect children, elderly members, and women. 
According to government data, Bishnupur district has so far seen the resettlement of 97 families, comprising a total of 389 people. Among them are 187 males and 202 females.
These families come from several villages, including Phougakchao Ikhai (Mamang, Maning, Mayai and Awang areas), Haotak, Haotak Tampak Khunou, Haotak Loyakhong, Pombikhok, Chairel Mangjing, Khoijumantabi, Laingoubi, and Sandangkhong Makha Leikai.
Officials clarified that not all families were forced out by direct violence or destruction of property. In several cases, people moved pre-emptively after assessing the ground situation and deciding that staying back would put them at risk. “Safety was the main concern. Many houses are still there, but people did not feel secure enough to continue living,” an official source said.
