The Forgotten Plight of the Internally Displaced

In the ongoing chaos that has engulfed Manipur since May 2023, the plight of thousands of internally displaced people (IDPs) has been overshadowed by the political blame game and theatrics that dominate the discourse. These vulnerable individuals, uprooted from their homes due to ethnic violence and insecurity, are now living in precarious conditions. Yet, their suffering has become a footnote in the larger narrative of political accusations and power struggles.
Manipur’s ethnic conflict has displaced tens of thousands, with many taking refuge in relief camps or makeshift shelters. Families torn apart by the violence are struggling to survive without adequate food, healthcare, or education for their children. Many of these displaced individuals have lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods, leaving them entirely dependent on the state and humanitarian aid. Yet, their voices remain unheard as political leaders focus on scoring points against each other rather than addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding under their watch.
The ongoing debate over resignation drama within the Manipur government is a case in point. While some demand that the state government step down to expose the Centre’s inaction, others argue that the leadership should remain to provide a semblance of governance. Regardless of these arguments, the real issue—ensuring the safety and rehabilitation of displaced people—has been relegated to the side-lines. This political drama does nothing to alleviate the dire conditions faced by those who have lost everything.
Moreover, the discourse around Manipur’s crisis has increasingly become a battleground for accusations between political parties at both the state and national levels. Allegations of negligence, communal favouritism, and corruption fly thick and fast, but there is little acknowledgment of the suffering of IDPs. These individuals are caught in a cycle of neglect, as neither the Centre nor the state appears willing to prioritize their rehabilitation. Instead, the focus remains on preserving political power and deflecting blame.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by the lack of effective governance. Relief camps, which were supposed to provide temporary refuge, have become sites of despair. Overcrowded and under-resourced, these camps fail to meet even basic needs. Reports of insufficient food supplies, inadequate medical care, and poor sanitation are common. Children have been out of school for months, their education disrupted with no clear plan for continuity. Women and children, who make up a significant portion of the displaced population, are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Yet, these pressing issues rarely feature in the speeches of political leaders or the headlines of national media.
The government’s response to the crisis has been largely performative. Announcements of relief measures and compensation packages are made, but their implementation remains patchy at best. Promises to rebuild homes and rehabilitate communities have yet to materialize for most of the displaced. The bureaucratic inefficiency and lack of coordination between agencies further delay much-needed assistance. Meanwhile, the IDPs continue to live in limbo, with no clear timeline for their return to normalcy.
The role of civil society and local organizations has been commendable but insufficient. Groups and individuals have stepped in to fill the gaps left by the government, providing food, clothing, and medical aid. However, the scale of the crisis far exceeds their capacity.