Imphal, April 26: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned a total of Rs 947.36 crore to support the victims of the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur. This includes Rs 424.36 crore to manage the relief camps set up by the state government, which are providing shelter to those displaced by the violence, and an additional Rs 523 crore for the rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), officials reported.
These details were disclosed in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Hareshwar Goshwami, a senior Congress leader in Manipur. The state Home Department revealed that since the violence began on May 3, 2023, a total of 58,881 people have been displaced from their homes in rural areas.
As of March 10, 2026, 174 relief camps were operational across the state, providing refuge to the displaced. In addition, the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd has constructed 3,000 pre-fabricated houses to offer temporary accommodation to those affected.
The violence, which has resulted in significant loss of life, has claimed 217 lives, with ex gratia payments made to the families of the deceased. The violence has also led to extensive property damage, with 7,894 permanent homes destroyed and 2,646 partially damaged since May 2023.
The unrest, which erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023, was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts. The march was in response to demands by the Meitei community for Scheduled Tribe status. The Meitei community, comprising about 53% of Manipur’s population, primarily resides in the Imphal Valley, while the state’s tribal communities, including Nagas and Kukis, make up about 40% of the population and live mostly in the hill districts.
In response to the crisis, the state government initially established over 300 relief camps in both the Imphal Valley and the hill regions, offering shelter to nearly 60,000 displaced individuals. As the situation gradually improves, many people have begun returning to their homes.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has emphasized that expediting the rehabilitation and resettlement of IDPs remains a top priority for the state government. He acknowledged the central government’s significant support, including the construction of permanent housing, compensation for lost personal belongings, and assistance in repairing partially damaged homes.
In addition to the central funding, the state’s 2026-27 budget allocates Rs 734 crore to accelerate the rehabilitation and resettlement efforts for those affected by the violence.
