At least 731 internally displaced persons living in relief camps and pre-fabricated houses built as temporary shelters in Manipur have died since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, Times of India reported on Sunday, quoting information disclosed under the Right to Information Act.
The information was provided by the state home department to writer and political activist Hareshwar Goshwami on Friday after the Manipur Information Commission directed the disclosure.
Official figures compiled from district administrations show that displaced people have died across relief camps and temporary settlements in nine districts.
Churachandpur recorded the highest number of deaths at 248, followed by Bishnupur (151), Kangpokpi (128), Imphal West (94), Kakching (60), Imphal East (25), Jiribam (13), Thoubal (11) and Tengnoupal (1), The Times of India reported.
The data also recorded 25 unnatural deaths among the displaced persons. Churachandpur accounted for six of these cases, including four drownings, one electrocution and one sexual assault case that resulted in an arrest.
Imphal West reported four unnatural deaths, including two cases of death by hanging, one case of substance overdose and one fatal bullet injury, according to the newspaper.
The RTI response also indicates that more than 43,000 persons remain displaced and continue to reside in relief camps nearly three years after the conflict began.
As of April 30, Kangpokpi had the largest displaced population with 15,694 persons, followed by Bishnupur with 10,092 and Churachandpur with 6,365.
The data further highlights ongoing health concerns among displaced residents. Imphal East reported 217 camp residents suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses, while Imphal West and Bishnupur reported 41 and 26 such cases, according to The Times of India.
Ethnic clashes had broken out between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities in Manipur in May 2023. According to official estimates in April 2025, the violence has left at least 260 people dead. The conflict has seen periodic spikes in violence in 2024 and 2025.
Edited by Neerad Pandharipande.
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