The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has documented 18 cases of rights violations in Manipur during the recent spate of violence in the region over the past few months. The NHRC has been actively overseeing the situation and has sought comprehensive Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from the Manipur government.
As per the latest information, the NHRC has received ATRs from the Manipur government for all but eight of these cases. Reminder notices have been issued for the pending reports. The Commission has also reached out to both the central and state governments, asking them to clarify the measures taken to restore peace in Manipur.
In an official statement, the NHRC stressed the importance of measures concerning relief, rehabilitation, food, education, healthcare, and mental health services for the affected population. They are seeking a detailed account of these efforts.
The Manipur government, as cited in the NHRC statement, has taken numerous steps to address the violence in the state. These measures include bolstering law and order enforcement, setting up relief camps, forming peace committees, easing curfews, restoring internet and banking services, announcing ex-gratia payments for the families of the deceased, providing compensation packages for the injured, and initiating the reconstruction of damaged houses.
The NHRC’s statement also mentioned that the central government has established a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the root causes of the conflict, and six First Information Reports (FIRs) have been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for independent inquiry.
The conflict in Manipur has had a severe human toll. According to police reports, 180 people have lost their lives, with 1,120 others sustaining injuries. Furthermore, 32 individuals are reported as missing since the ethnic violence erupted between the Meitei and Kuki communities five months ago.
The widespread violence has also resulted in significant property damage, with 4,786 houses set ablaze and 386 religious structures either destroyed or vandalized.
The crisis has displaced approximately 70,000 individuals from various communities, who have sought shelter in 350 camps established in schools, government buildings, and auditoriums across Manipur. Additionally, several thousand individuals have sought refuge in neighbouring states, including Mizoram.
