Thousands of individuals displaced by ethnic clashes in Manipur two years ago face a December deadline for the closure of temporary relief camps, leading to uncertainty regarding their future housing. The government has announced plans to resettle residents in pre-fabricated housing units and construct new homes, but specific locations for these units remain undisclosed. This situation has generated concerns among affected communities, who express differing views on returning to their original homes amidst ongoing communal divisions.
Background of the Conflict
In May 2023, violence erupted in India's north-eastern state of Manipur between the majority Meitei community, predominantly Hindu, and the indigenous Kuki community, largely Christian. The clashes began following protests by the Kuki community against the Meiteis' demand for official tribal status. This status would grant Meiteis access to government benefits and job quotas currently available to other tribes, including Kukis. The conflict resulted in the deaths of at least 260 people and displaced approximately 60,000 individuals, who have since resided in temporary shelters.
Government Resettlement Plans
The state's then Chief Secretary Prashant Singh announced in July that all relief camps would be shut down by December, with residents being resettled. Those unable to return to their original homes would be relocated to pre-fabricated housing units. The government did not specify the locations for these units, intensifying concerns among the displaced population. In September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to Manipur, stated that 7,000 new homes would be built in "appropriate locations" to resettle the displaced, without providing further details.
A senior Manipur government official reported a reduction in the number of relief camps from approximately 290 to 260. The official indicated the long-term objective is to resettle people in their original areas once safety is established, asserting that the resettlement plan is progressing.
Community Divisions and Concerns
Manipur remains geographically divided, with the Meitei community primarily inhabiting the Imphal Valley and the Kuki community residing in the surrounding hill districts. Security forces maintain patrols in buffer zones separating the two communities. A security official stated their mandate is to ensure Meiteis and Kukis remain within their respective areas without mixing.
RK Nimai Singh, a former secretary to the Manipur governor, highlighted the importance of resettling individuals in their original neighborhoods to prevent further redrawing of Manipur's social map. He also noted that many displaced people fear that moving to temporary housing might preclude their eventual return home.
Perspectives on Return
Kuki Community:
Members of the Kuki community have expressed apprehension about returning to their original homes, particularly in areas surrounded by Meitei residents. Hatnu Haokip, living in a relief camp in the Churachandpur region, stated her village is now surrounded by Meitei people, making return unfeasible for her. Several Kukis have voiced a desire for Kuki leaders to be granted autonomy to establish a separate federally-administered territory for the community, citing safety concerns.
Meitei Community:
Conversely, most Meitei individuals interviewed expressed a desire to return home. Irom Abung, displaced from Churachandpur and now in a relief camp near a buffer zone, stated his intention to return to his land despite his house being damaged. He advocated for efforts to bridge the gap between the communities to facilitate people returning to their previous lives.
Living Conditions in Camps
Many residents of the relief camps have reported challenges, including effective homelessness and an inconsistent source of income. Some women in the relief camps, as observed in the Churachandpur region, are engaging in activities such as crocheting and selling dolls to generate supplementary income for their families.