At least 731 died in Manipur relief camps over three years: RTI data

At least 731 internally displaced persons living in relief camps and pre-fabricated houses built as temporary shelters in Manipur have died since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, Times of India reported on Sunday, quoting information disclosed under the Right to Information Act.

The information was provided by the state home department to writer and political activist Hareshwar Goshwami on Friday after the Manipur Information Commission directed the disclosure.

Official figures compiled from district administrations show that displaced people have died across relief camps and temporary settlements in nine districts.

Churachandpur recorded the highest number of deaths at 248, followed by Bishnupur (151), Kangpokpi (128), Imphal West (94), Kakching (60), Imphal East (25), Jiribam (13), Thoubal (11) and Tengnoupal (1), The Times of India reported.

The data also recorded 25 unnatural deaths among the displaced persons. Churachandpur accounted for six of these cases, including four drownings, one electrocution and one sexual assault case that resulted in an arrest.

Imphal West reported four unnatural deaths, including two cases of death by hanging, one case of substance overdose and one fatal bullet injury, according to the newspaper.

The RTI response also indicates that more than 43,000 persons remain displaced and continue to reside in relief camps nearly three years after the conflict began.

As of April 30, Kangpokpi...

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