It has been two years since the ethnic conflict erupted in Manipur, yet thousands of families continue to live in despair. From thriving business owners to parents struggling to feed their children, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are facing daily uncertainty and distress. The violence, which began on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, has displaced over 70,000 people, claimed 260 lives, and injured 1,500 more.

The Stories of Loss and Waiting

G Kipgen, a former coaching institute owner from Imphal, now resides in a relief camp. “I have no income, and my children’s future is in question,” he laments. Like Kipgen, thousands of others are trapped in temporary shelters, holding onto a glimmer of hope that one day they might return to their homes and previous lives.

Another displaced resident, Abung from Churachandpur, now lives in a prefabricated home in Bishnupur. Once a grocery shop owner, he now survives doing odd jobs. “Living here is better than relief camps, but nothing can replace our own homes,” he says.

Government Response and the Fragile Peace

The removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025 were aimed at restoring order. However, these changes have not translated into peace. Despite efforts by central and state agencies, frustration among the population continues to rise.

Civil society groups from both sides have hardened their demands — the hill-based Kuki community calls for a separate administration, while the Meitei population demands the implementation of NRC and deportation of "illegal immigrants".

A Growing Psychological and Social Crisis

Most IDPs, regardless of their community, are living in emotional trauma and insecurity. Their lives have been upended, and for many, the psychological scars run deep. NGOs and government agencies have tried to introduce skill development programs, but these have had limited impact in mitigating the emotional suffering.

Abenao Devi, displaced and living in Imphal, explains that initial support was encouraging, but the momentum has faded. “Now, we often depend on the kindness of others for basic needs. It is humiliating.”

The Role of Armed Groups and Lawlessness

A central security agency official revealed that armed groups now control much of the conflict zone, often pursuing their own agendas at the expense of ordinary people. The situation has been worsened by:

• Extortion rackets in the Imphal valley

• Illegal taxation along highways in Kuki-majority regions

• Resurgence of militant outfits, mostly recruiting unemployed and uneducated youth

These armed elements have made the path to peace even more difficult, as their presence fuels fear and lawlessness.

The Human Cost Beyond Statistics

It’s not just the numbers — behind every displaced person is a broken dream. Families are split apart. Children are out of school or studying in dire conditions, and previously self-reliant individuals now depend on handouts or odd jobs. The pain is universal — shared by both Meiteis and Kukis.

Despite the massive human tragedy, efforts to rehabilitate and reintegrate the displaced have been slow. In the face of continued violence, reconstruction of homes, return to native places, and rebuilding of businesses remain distant hopes.

Neglected and Forgotten

With national attention wavering, many IDPs feel neglected and forgotten. Provisions are irregular, shelters are cramped, and access to education, healthcare, and clean water remains a challenge. Even those lucky enough to live in prefabricated homes face constant uncertainty about their future.

As Manipur grapples with its worst humanitarian crisis in decades, the call for lasting peace grows louder. The people want reconciliation, not more conflict. But for that to happen, all stakeholders — civil society, state, and central authorities — must come together.

Conclusion: A Cry for Help

The Manipur conflict is not just a political or ethnic issue — it's a humanitarian disaster. Two years after the violence began, tens of thousands still live without homes, without stability, and without hope. While demands for separate governance or NRC dominate headlines, the needs of the displaced — for food, shelter, education, safety, and dignity — remain unmet.

Until all sides prioritize the well-being of people over political agendas, peace in Manipur will remain elusive. The situation demands urgent attention, sustained policy intervention, and empathetic leadership.

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