Thousands of people displaced by ethnic clashes in India’s north-eastern state of Manipur two years ago are now facing an uncertain future. The government plans to shut down all temporary relief camps by December, adding to the anxiety of those who have been living in limbo since the violence erupted in May 2023.
The conflict, primarily between the majority Meitei and the indigenous Kuki communities, was the worst the region had seen in decades. It initially stemmed from protests by the largely Christian Kuki community against the Meiteis, predominantly Hindus, who sought tribal status that would grant them access to government benefits and job quotas.
The violence resulted in at least 260 fatalities and displaced approximately 60,000 people, many of whom have been residing in temporary shelters for the past two years. Despite government assurances of rehabilitation, progress on the ground has been minimal, leaving many effectively homeless and without a stable income.
Concerns escalated in July when the state’s Chief Secretary announced the closure of all relief camps by December, with residents to be resettled. The announcement also mentioned relocation to pre-fabricated housing units, but without specifying locations, this only heightened worries.
Further uncertainty arose in September when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Manipur, announcing the construction of 7,000 new homes in “appropriate locations” for the displaced, though details remained scarce.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with security forces maintaining buffer zones between the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley and the Kuki-inhabited hills. Experts emphasize that resettlement in original neighborhoods is crucial to prevent further societal division.
Many displaced individuals express a deep longing to return home but fear it’s impossible as their villages are now situated among communities perceived as hostile. Some Kuki residents advocate for greater autonomy or a separate federally-administered territory for their community.
Conversely, many Meiteis who spoke to the BBC expressed a strong desire to return to their homes, emphasizing the importance of community reconciliation for enabling their return.
Residents in relief camps report inadequate facilities and a growing toll on mental health due to prolonged displacement and uncertainty. Stories emerge of lost livelihoods and even suicides, highlighting the severe human cost of the conflict.
Those relocated to temporary housing find it difficult to make ends meet, despite having shelter. While some have found ways to earn small incomes, like selling crochet dolls, it’s often just enough to survive.
The government maintains that the resettlement plan is proceeding, with the number of relief camps decreasing. Officials stress the importance of people returning to their original areas for the state’s stability, but the path forward remains fraught with challenges and anxieties for the displaced communities.