RTI reveals 58.881 displaced, 217 deaths and extensive property damage since May 23 violence
Imphal: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a combined allocation of Rs 947.36 crore to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in violence-hit Manipur, according to official data accessed through an RTI query.
Of this, Rs 424.36 crore has been earmarked for the continued operation of relief camps, while Rs 523 crore has been sanctioned for the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The figures were shared in response to an RTI application filed by Congress leader Hareshwar Goshwami.
The state Home Department reported that 58,881 people were displaced between May 3, 2023 and March 30, 2026. As of March 10, 2026, 174 relief camps remained functional. Additionally, around 3,000 prefabricated houses have been built by the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd to provide temporary shelter.
The human and material costs remain severe. A total of 217 deaths have been recorded based on ex gratia payments, while 7,894 houses were completely destroyed and 2,646 partially damaged during the violence.
The conflict began on May 3, 2023 following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. While Meiteis dominate the Imphal Valley, tribal groups such as Kuki-Zo and Nagas largely inhabit the hill districts.
Meanwhile, the state had initially set up over 300 relief camps sheltering nearly 60,000 people. Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said rehabilitation remains a priority, supported further by a Rs 734 crore allocation in the 2026–27 Budget.
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