Amnesty International calls for rehabilitation of IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 03 2025: Amnesty International has called on the Government of India to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Manipur, where around 60,000 people remain displaced for two years since the violence erupted between Meetei and Kuki communities on May 3, 2023 after a tribal solidarity march organised by ATSUM turned violent in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.

In a report released ahead of the second anniversary of the conflict, the global rights organisation criticised the government for its failure to implement a clear, inclusive and time-bound rehabilitation plan, warning that continued inaction risks deepening the crisis.

Despite the passage of two years and the imposition of President's Rule in February 2025 by suspending the state government and bringing Manipur under direct central administration, the situation for displaced families remains dire, it rued.

Amnesty International said that the displaced, who are spread across 281 relief camps in Manipur and in neighbouring states like Mizoram and Meghalaya, are enduring "inhumane conditions" with poor access to healthcare, sanitation and nutrition.

According to Aakar Patel, chair of the board at Amnesty International India, the Government of India has failed to fulfil its obligations to displaced communities.

Terming this as "unacceptable", he noted that no comprehensive rehabilitation policy has been enacted, leaving tens of thousands in a "state of limbo" .

Though the Union Home Ministry had announced that it had allocated Rs 217 lakh for relief and rehabilitation for the 2024-25 fiscal year, Home Minister Amit Shah said on April 3 that discussions were still ongoing regarding a broader rehabilitation package.

Meanwhile, displaced people continue to struggle with basic survival needs, Patel pointed out.

Community workers cited in the report described worsening health conditions in relief camps, including outbreaks of measles, dysentery and fever.

"Patients with cancer, tuberculosis and those in need of dialysis are unable to access proper treatment due to limited capacity at government hospitals and a shortage of specialist doctors".

Sanitation remains a critical issue, with over 100 families sharing just two or three makeshift toilets in some camps.

The quality of food distributed is also reportedly poor, and overcrowding in camps has made daily life "suffocating", according to one worker.

Under international law, internally displaced persons are entitled to the same rights-as any other citizen, including adequate housing, clean water, health services and education.

Amnesty said the denial of these basic rights violates the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which India ratified in 1979, as well as the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

Amnesty's findings also pointed to continued fear and insecurity that have prevented displaced persons from returning to their homes.

Many houses have been burned or are still occupied by vigilante groups, making a safe return impossible without state guarantees.

The report also cited human rights defender and lawyer Babloo Loitongbam saying that people remain displaced not by choice, but because of ongoing threats to their safety.

He warned that prolonged displacement is generating frustration and resentment, increasing the risk of renewed violence.

The report also cited a community worker noting that returning to bullet-riddled homes without proper reconstruction assistance from authorities is simply not feasible for most.

The report emphasised that a sustainable rehabilitation plan must include safety assurances and financial support to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods.

Criticising the government for failing to hold perpetrators accountable, Amnesty said that despite the scale of violence and destruction since May, 2023, no significant progress has been made toward justice.

Amnesty also quoted Kuki Organisation for Human Rights Trust chairman Benjamin Mate urging the government to appoint an independent commission to investigate the role of senior officials, police, bureaucrats and armed groups in the violence.

Akar Patel echoed that view, warning that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led governments at both the state and central levels have not succeeded in ending the violence.

Without justice and accountability, he said, any rehabilitation policy is likely to be undermined.

Amnesty International urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to provide safe, voluntary and dignified return for displaced persons, while ensuring full access to essential services and legal remedies.

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