731 IDPs die in Manipur camps since ethnic violence began

Imphal: More than 700 internally displaced persons (IDPs), who were taking shelter in relief camps and pre-fabricated housing across Manipur, have died since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, according to information disclosed by the state home department under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The information was furnished to RTI appellant Hareshwar Goshwami, writer and political activist, on Friday, following directions of the Manipur Information Commission in Appeal Case No. 22 of 2026.

According to the district-wise data compiled by the home department from various district administrations, at least 731 displaced persons have died in relief camps and pre-fabricated housing facilities across nine districts.

Churachandpur reported the highest number of deaths at 248, followed by Bishnupur with 151, Kangpokpi with 128, Imphal West with 94, Kakching with 60, Imphal East with 25, Jiribam with 13, Thoubal with 11 and Tengnoupal with one death.

The RTI response also revealed that more than 43,000 people continue to live in relief camps and pre-fabricated housing across the state, three years after the conflict began. Kangpokpi district recorded the highest displaced population at 15,694, followed by Bishnupur with 10,092 and Churachandpur with 6,365 (as on April 30 this year).

The documents further recorded at least 25 unnatural deaths in relief camps and relief settlements.

In Churachandpur, six unnatural deaths were reported, including four drowning incidents, one electrocution case and one sexual assault case in which the accused was arrested. The district administration stated that counselling and awareness programmes were conducted following the incidents.

Imphal West reported four unnatural deaths, comprising two cases of hanging, one overdose and one death caused by a bullet injury.

The RTI disclosure also highlighted the health challenges faced by displaced families. Imphal East alone reported 217 inmates suffering from terminal diseases or incurable illnesses, while Imphal West reported 41 such patients and Bishnupur reported 26.

District administrations stated that various forms of assistance, including medical treatment, counselling, medicines, wheelchairs, air mattresses and financial support for surgeries, have been provided to affected camp residents.

The information was collected from district administrations in response to specific RTI queries relating to the number of IDPs housed in relief camps and pre-fabricated settlements, deaths among displaced persons, unnatural deaths and the status of inmates suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses.

The disclosure provides one of the most comprehensive official snapshots to date of the humanitarian impact of the ongoing displacement crisis in Manipur.