Manipur: 4 IDPs Die in a Week Due to Lack of Medical Care, 33 from Moreh Dead So Far

While shelter and food have been provided, IDPs say access to adequate medical care remains severely lacking a gap that continues to cost lives.

In a tragic reflection of the ongoing crisis in Manipur, 4 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have died within the last week due to lack of proper medical assistance, bringing the total number of deaths among IDPs from Moreh in relief camps to 33, since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023.

Thousands have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in relief camps set up by the government.

While shelter and food have been provided, IDPs say access to adequate medical care remains severely lacking a gap that continues to cost lives.

Speaking to Northeast Live on behalf of all IDPs in the camps, one displaced resident from Moreh said,”Till now, 33 persons from Moreh who are staying in relief camps have died due to lack of proper medical help. The government is providing some medical facilities at the camps, but when someone falls seriously ill, the care they need just is not available. Had there been proper medical support, some of them would not have died.”

The IDPs are also grappling with issues beyond health including access to education and financial stability.

“We are adjusting with what the government is providing -food, shelter, and rations but it’s not enough. Many children, once enrolled in private institutions, are now attending government schools due to financial problems. Some private schools have reduced fees, but others continue to demand full payment, making it impossible for IDP families already burdened by loss and displacement. The government must launch a special initiative to support our children’s education and future,” he said.

Adding to their grievances, many IDPs from Moreh have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s proposed rehabilitation plan, which involves relocating them to pre-fabricated housing units in different parts of the state.

“Yes, we are facing difficulties in relief camps, but we are adjusting. If we are relocated again to unfamiliar places, we will have to start adjusting all over again and that’s not what we want,” the IDP said.

Instead, they have urged the government to allow them to remain in their current camps until it is safe to return to their original homes in Moreh.

“If the government really cares about us, then help us return to our own homes. Let us stay in the camps until that becomes possible,” he pleaded.

The IDPs have now appealed to both the Government of Manipur and the Government of India to urgently announce a special assistance package, focusing on healthcare, education, and livelihood support, and to accelerate efforts toward safe and dignified rehabilitation in their native villages.

Manipur has been on the boil since May 3, 2023, when large-scale ethnic violence broke out between two communities.

The ongoing conflict has displaced thousands across the state. As of now, the government has established 351 relief camps, sheltering approximately 57,000 Internally Displaced Persons.

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