The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned Rs 424.36 crore for relief camps in Manipur established to aid those affected by ethnic violence. Additionally, Rs 523 crore has been approved for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state. These allocations were disclosed in response to an RTI query by senior Manipur Congress leader Hareshwar Goshwami.
According to the state Home Department, nearly 59,000 individuals have been displaced from their villages due to ethnic violence in Manipur between May 3, 2023, and March 30, 2026. As of March 10, 2026, 174 relief camps were operational, and 3,000 pre-fabricated houses have been built to offer temporary shelter to the displaced.
The department reported 217 deaths related to the violence, as confirmed by ex gratia payments to the next of kin. Moreover, significant damage to both private and government properties has been noted, with 7,894 permanent houses completely destroyed and 2,646 houses partially damaged since May 3, 2023.
The ethnic conflict arose between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ on May 3, 2023, triggered by the Meitei community’s call for Scheduled Tribe status. Meiteis, constituting 53% of Manipur’s population, mainly reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribal groups like Nagas and Kukis, accounting for 40%, predominantly inhabit the state’s hill districts.
In response to the crisis, the state initially set up over 300 relief camps across the Imphal Valley and hill regions, providing refuge to nearly 60,000 displaced individuals. With the situation gradually improving, many have returned to their homes and villages.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to expediting the rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs. He highlighted substantial support from the Centre for constructing permanent housing, compensating losses, and repairing damaged homes. The 2026-27 Budget has allocated Rs 734 crore to accelerate the recovery efforts for those impacted by the violence.
