Moreh’s Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) amid the 2023 Ethnic Conflict

Thangjam Rishianand Singh *

Moreh Town during the 2023 Ethnic Conflict :: Pix - TSE

Moreh, a border town in Manipur, India, is known for its cultural diversity and strategic importance as a trade gateway to Myanmar and Southeast Asian nations. However, the recent ethnic conflict in Manipur has had a severe impact on the Meitei families originally residing in Moreh.

All the original residents have been forcibly displaced from their homes. They are currently taking shelter in nine relief camps, rented houses, relatives’ residences, and vacated buildings in various parts of the valley.

The internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Moreh face numerous challenges in the valley. Due to the crisis, most families have been plunged into financial instability as job opportunities remain limited.

Although the Government of Manipur has made efforts to support them through various skill development programs such as mushroom cultivation and pickle-making, these initiatives alone have not been sufficient to restore their livelihoods.

Food and accommodation remain major concerns for the IDPs. Many relief camps lack adequate space, forcing families to live in cramped conditions. For instance, in one relief camp in Imphal, a single room was partitioned using a curtain to accommodate two families, compromising their privacy. In another camp, men had to share a large hall as a common bedroom, causing significant inconvenience and discomfort.

Some of the displaced families from Moreh were previously well-to-do but now struggle to re-establish their businesses in the valley. Various obstacles, such as the unavailability of proper plots for commercial activity and a limited customer base, make it difficult for them to restart. Building trust and relationships with new customers takes time, and many are left uncertain about whether to invest in a new venture or wait for better opportunities.

Moreh, a town driven by trade and commerce, offered a lifestyle requiring minimal physical effort to earn. The shift from such a life to one of daily struggle has been drastic for many. Some have resorted to selling items like dishwashing liquid, incense sticks, and detergent on roadsides—often stopping vehicles to make a sale—to earn a basic living, even at the cost of their self-respect.

Providing for basic needs has become a significant struggle for many families, whose standard of living has dropped considerably compared to their earlier life in Moreh. A considerable burden lies in affording children's education.

Despite an intense desire among parents to enrol their children in private or reputed institutions, they now struggle to meet tuition fees, transportation costs, and additional expenses like extra coaching or home tuition, which can cost around ₹5,000 or more.

Another primary concern is for IDP students who are studying outside the state. Families that were once able to support their children's education now face difficulty even sending money for basic needs. This has led to some students dropping out of school or college, a heartbreaking consequence of the crisis.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, many frustrated youths, once decent and obedient, have been pushed towards joining illegal outfits or developing radical ideologies, driven by despair and hopelessness caused by the ongoing conflict and displacement.

Many dynamic youths have lost their seats in reputed institutions as they can no longer afford the high fees. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Moreh also face a lack of proper medical facilities despite weekly routine check-ups at relief camps.

Some victims suffer from severe health conditions such as kidney failure requiring dialysis, cancer, and other critical illnesses. The burden of treatment costs has become a major challenge for their families, who have limited sources of income.

The Meitei–Kuki ethnic conflict has drastically altered the lives of the IDPS from Moreh, making their current situation far more difficult than before the conflict. The more hatred and misunderstanding persist, the higher the risk of recurring ethnic violence in the state.

Resettlement in Moreh remains the greatest desire of every displaced individual living in the valley. However, they feel that the policies undertaken by the government have been far from satisfactory. Moreh's IDPs are willing to return to their homes at any time, provided that adequate security is ensured in the region.