Northeast Desk, 15th May: Conflict and violence in South Asia caused 69,000 displacements in 2023, with the Manipur unrest alone responsible for 67,000, according to a report from the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). This figure represents the highest number of conflict-induced displacements in India since 2018.
The violence in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, during a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the state’s hill districts. The march was organized to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities and resulting in over 200 deaths.
In March 2022, the Manipur High Court recommended the central government recognize the Meitei community as a Scheduled Tribe, a status meant to protect marginalized minorities. This proposal met strong resistance from existing scheduled tribes, including the Kukis, exacerbating existing land disputes and tensions.
According to the IDMC report, violence initially erupted in Churachandpur district on May 3 and spread to other districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Tengnoupal, and Kangpokpi, leading to approximately 67,000 displacements. While most of the displaced stayed within Manipur, significant numbers sought refuge in neighboring states such as Mizoram, Nagaland, and Assam.
In response to the escalating violence, the central government imposed curfews, shut down internet services, and deployed security forces in an effort to restore order and prevent further displacements.
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