Manipur Displacement Crisis: RTI Report Reveals High Death Toll and Humanitarian Suffering
Brief By Newsbrief / 12:57 PM on 07 Jun 2026
Even after three years since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur in May 2023, normalcy is yet to return to the state. An official report shared by the state home department under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that at least 731 displaced people sheltering in relief camps and temporary housing have lost their lives since the conflict began. This startling information was handed over to RTI activist Hareshwar Goswami following directives from the Manipur Information Commission. According to the data, Churachandpur district recorded the highest number of casualties with 248 deaths, followed by Bishnupur with 151 and Kangpokpi with 128 deaths among the displaced population.
Amidst this ongoing tragedy, figures up to April 2026 reveal that over 43,000 people are still forced to live in relief camps and pre-fabricated houses. Kangpokpi district accounts for the highest displaced population with 15,694 individuals, while 10,092 people in Bishnupur and 6,365 in Churachandpur continue to live in these camps. Apart from the trauma of losing their homes, these families are battling severe health challenges. The report highlights that in Imphal East district alone, 217 camp residents are suffering from serious or terminal illnesses, while 41 in Imphal West and 26 in Bishnupur are struggling with incurable health conditions.
The documents further disclose that at least 25 unnatural deaths occurred within the relief camps. These include six unnatural deaths in Churachandpur due to drowning, electrocution, and sexual assault, while Imphal West recorded four unnatural deaths stemming from suicide, drug overdose, and gunshot wounds. District administrations stated that counseling and awareness programs were organized following these incidents. Additionally, essential support such as medical treatment, medicines, wheelchairs, and financial assistance for surgeries is being provided to the victims. This RTI disclosure presents the most comprehensive and official picture yet of the deep humanitarian impact and ground reality of Manipur’s ongoing displacement crisis.