Manipur IDP Crisis: RTI Data Unveils Stark Figures on Displacement and Government Response
Fresh official data obtained under the Right to Information Act has revealed that the number of internally displaced persons in Manipur stands at 58,881 as of March 30, 2026. This figure comes nearly three years after violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023, highlighting the prolonged humanitarian crisis.
RTI Application Details and Government Figures
The data was provided by the Manipur home department in response to an RTI application filed by Manipur Congress leader Hareshwar Goswami. According to the response, as of March 10, the state was operating 174 relief camps and had constructed approximately 3,000 pre-fabricated houses for displaced families. The home department noted that detailed distribution data of IDPs across these camps and structures is maintained separately by the respective Deputy Commissioners.
Fatalities, Injuries, and Health Measures
On the issue of fatalities, the response indicated that ex gratia payments had been provided to the next of kin for 217 deaths. However, it clarified that information regarding deaths of IDPs within relief camps and cases of unnatural deaths is maintained district-wise by the concerned DCs. The reply did not specify the exact number of injuries, leaving a gap in the full assessment of the crisis.
Authorities reported that preventive measures in camps include regular medical check-ups, supply of medicines, and counselling services to address health risks and psychological distress. Data on terminally ill inmates is also handled at the district level, as per the response.
Property Damage and Financial Assistance
The government reported extensive property damage since the outbreak of violence, with 7,894 permanent houses destroyed and 2,646 houses partially damaged. On funding, the response detailed that the Ministry of Home Affairs approved Rs 424.36 crore as special assistance for the operation of relief camps. Of this, Rs 217.4 crore has been released to the state, and Rs 284.6 crore disbursed to district authorities.
Additionally, the MHA approved a rehabilitation and resettlement package of Rs 523 crore, with Rs 124.50 crore released by the MHA and Rs 65.16 crore passed on to DCs.
Political Reactions and Information Commission Directive
Goswami expressed dissatisfaction with parts of the RTI response, alleging that the official data shows the BJP-led government is 'not serious' about the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons. In a related development, the Manipur Information Commission directed the SPIO/joint secretary (home), government of Manipur, to furnish complete and consolidated state-level information within 15 days. This includes details on the total number of IDPs in pre-fabricated houses and relief camps, deaths in these facilities, unnatural deaths, and inmates suffering from terminal diseases, along with assistance provided for treatment.
The ongoing situation underscores the challenges in addressing displacement and recovery efforts in Manipur, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in government responses.
