1. Conflict in South Asia caused 69,000 displacements in 2023, with Manipur at 67,000.
2. The Geneva-based IDMC report highlights the highest displacement numbers in India since 2018.
3. Manipur’s situation underscores the significant impact of conflict and violence in the region.
Imphal, May 15: In 2023, conflict and violence in South Asia caused 69,000 displacements, with Manipur alone accounting for 67,000, as per a report by the Geneva-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC).
This marks the highest number of displacements triggered by conflict and violence in India since 2018.
The triggering event was a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ held on May 3, 2023, in Manipur’s hill districts, protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities ensued, resulting in over 200 casualties.
The Manipur High Court’s call in March of the preceding year for recommending the recognition of the Meitei community as a “scheduled tribe” faced opposition from other local scheduled tribes, particularly the Kukis, citing concerns over marginalization.
Also Read: Arunachal: First Sighting of Rare Giant Shrike in Tawang
Additionally, underlying land disputes exacerbated tensions.
Violent protests erupted in Churachandpur district on May 3, spreading to Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Tengnupal, and Kangpokipi districts, leading to approximately 67,000 displacements, as stated in the report.
While the majority of displacements occurred within Manipur, nearly one-fifth were to the neighboring state of Mizoram, with smaller numbers to Nagaland and Assam.
As violence escalated, the central government implemented curfews, and internet shutdowns, and deployed security forces to restore order.
