Amnesty International wants safety of the displaced in Manipur

Shillong, May 2: Amnesty International on Friday said the Government of India must prioritise humanitarian aid and immediately implement a clear, inclusive and time-bound plan for the safe and voluntary return of communities displaced by ethnic violence in Manipur.

This comes ahead of the second anniversary of the outbreak of violence in the northeastern state.

Since violence erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei community and Kuki and other tribal hill communities, more than 50,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) from both communities continue to remain in relief camps across the state, living in inhumane conditions with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and adequate nutrition.

“It is unacceptable that the Indian government has failed to address the humanitarian needs and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation policy for displaced communities who remain in relief camps two years since the start of the ethnic violence in Manipur. This inaction has left tens of thousands in limbo, forced to endure life in inhumane conditions with no end in sight,” said Aakar Patel, chair of board, Amnesty International India.

“Despite the devastating impact of the violence, including the loss of 260 lives, there has been no meaningful progress toward justice and accountability. The rehabilitation policy must also prioritise accountability for the grave human rights violations and abuses committed since May 2023,” he added.

According to the latest government data, more than 58,000 people are living in 281 relief camps across the state. Many others have fled to states like Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Despite the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur in February 2025, the conditions have not improved.

Key stakeholders in Manipur told Amnesty International that while many IDPs are desperate to return home because of the terrible living conditions, fear and insecurity persist. Numerous homes have been destroyed, while others remain occupied by vigilante groups, making return impossible without proper state intervention and guarantees of safety.

Babloo Loitongbam, a human rights defender and lawyer from Imphal, said: “Thousands are still unable to return home – not by choice, but due to ongoing fear and insecurity.  As delays persist, frustration and resentment continue to grow among those affected… potentially creating a far more volatile and dangerous situation.”

A community worker told Amnesty International: “If they go back to their homes, how can they sleep peacefully in a house where the roof and the walls are riddled with bullet holes? They need security and protection. And not many can afford to reconstruct their homes without assistance from the authorities.”