The Plight of Manipur’s IDPs – A Call for Urgent Action

For over 16 months, tens of thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Manipur have been languishing in relief camps, cut off from their homes, livelihoods, and basic human rights. These camps, initially seen as temporary shelters, have now turned into prisons of uncertainty, as many IDPs, deprived of jobs and opportunities, grow increasingly desperate. The failure of the authorities to take appropriate and timely measures to ensure their safe return to their homes has created a powder keg of frustration, and the signs of a serious agitation are now unmistakable.
The IDPs’ plight is a stark reflection of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, which has been marked by ethnic violence, unrest, and political stagnation. What began as a humanitarian emergency has dragged on with no clear resolution in sight. The prolonged displacement has left many families in limbo, struggling to survive in overcrowded camps with limited access to essential services such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education. But beyond the physical hardships, the psychological toll on these displaced individuals is immeasurable.
For many of the IDPs, the loss of their homes is not just a material loss but a blow to their sense of identity, dignity, and belonging. Their ancestral lands are more than just places of shelter; they are integral to their cultural and social existence. The inability to return home after more than a year has left them feeling abandoned by the very institutions meant to protect them. It is a betrayal by the state that has done little to ensure their safety, resettlement, or rehabilitation.
The economic impact of this prolonged displacement cannot be ignored. Many of the IDPs were engaged in agricultural activities or small businesses before the conflict forced them out of their homes. Now, without access to their land or any form of sustainable income, they are trapped in a cycle of poverty. The lack of jobs in the camps has further exacerbated their desperation, pushing some to the brink of despair. With no viable alternative, many are considering taking matters into their own hands. If the government continues to neglect their situation, serious agitation is inevitable.
The rising tensions among the displaced populations are not surprising. There have already been sporadic protests, with IDPs voicing their frustrations over the government’s inaction. Yet, these protests have been largely peaceful so far. However, the longer this displacement continues without any clear plan for their return, the risk of large-scale unrest grows. The IDPs are no longer willing to wait for empty promises. Their patience has worn thin, and the feeling of helplessness has transformed into a demand for justice. They want to return home, rebuild their lives, and reclaim their rights, but the authorities have so far failed to provide any roadmap to make this happen.
The government’s failure to act decisively is not just a local issue but a national embarrassment. The situation of the IDPs in Manipur is a humanitarian crisis that requires immediate and comprehensive intervention. It is essential for the authorities to establish a clear plan that addresses the security concerns of the IDPs, guarantees their safe return to their homes, and provides adequate compensation for the losses they have suffered. The state must also ensure that basic infrastructure and services are restored in the conflict-affected areas, allowing the displaced communities to resume their normal lives with dignity.
Furthermore, the central government must take an active role in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties in Manipur to address the root causes of the violence that displaced these individuals in the first place. A long-term solution is needed to prevent future displacements and ensure lasting peace in the region. The IDPs’ demand for justice is not only justified but urgent. The government must act now to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. Failure to do so will only deepen the wounds of this crisis, leading to further instability in Manipur. The time for empty rhetoric is over – it is time for action, and the IDPs deserve nothing less.