In 2023, South Asia witnessed a significant number of people forced to flee their homes due to Manipur violence led, with the region seeing 69,000 new displacements. A staggering 67,000 of these were in Manipur, marking the most significant displacement in India caused by conflict since 2018, as reported by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre based in Geneva.

"Manipur violence led to displacement and regional tensions"

On May 3, 2023, the situation in Manipur escalated when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' took place in the hill districts. The march was organized in response to the Meitei community's plea for recognition as a Scheduled Tribe, a status that provides protection to marginalized groups. This request led to violent confrontations between the Meitei and the Kuki communities, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives.

Previously, the Manipur High Court had urged the central government to consider granting Scheduled Tribe status to the Meitei community. However, this proposal faced opposition from other tribes, including the Kukis, who feared it might affect their own status and rights. Additionally, long-standing land disputes contributed to the rising tensions.

Manipur violence led
Source: The Economic Times

Violence erupted in the Churachandpur district on the day of the march and quickly spread to other areas, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Tengnupal, and Kangpokipi. This led to approximately 67,000 people being displaced. While the majority remained within Manipur, a significant portion sought refuge in neighboring Mizoram, and smaller groups moved to Nagaland and Assam.

Government Response and Ongoing Displacement

In response to the escalating violence, the central government implemented curfews, cut off internet access, and sent in security forces. Relief camps were established, and a peace committee for Manipur was formed under the leadership of the state governor. However, the committee’s efforts were hindered by disagreements regarding its membership.

By the year’s end, all those displaced by the conflict were still living away from their homes. The IDMC highlighted that around 5.3 million individuals across South Asia were in similar situations due to conflict and violence, with a vast majority located in Afghanistan. The situation in Manipur is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by internally displaced persons in the region.

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