Nagaland: 1,500 People Seek Refuge in State From Strife-Torn Manipur

KOHIMA: Approximately 1,500 individuals, affected by ethnic violence in Manipur, have sought refuge in various parts of Nagaland, according to an official. The clashes, involving the Meitei and Kuki tribes, began in early May and have resulted in over 100 casualties. The Nagaland government is yet to compile accurate data, but reports suggest that around 1,500 people from Manipur have taken shelter in different areas of the state. Some have found shelter with relatives, while others have been provided housing by local villagers.

To address the situation, the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO), a tribal group, visited six villages in the Chumoukedima district where displaced individuals have sought refuge. The organization provided relief materials to them. The CPO reported that a total of 704 Kuki people from Manipur have taken shelter in these villages.

“The Nagaland government is yet to collect the accurate data. However, as per available reports, around 1,500 people from Manipur have taken shelter in various parts of the state,” Home Commissioner Abhijit Sinha told the media.

The conflict in Manipur was triggered by a Tribal Solidarity March held on May 3, organized to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence escalated due to tensions arising from the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, leading to a series of smaller agitations.

In addition to Nagaland, more than 10,700 people from violence-hit Manipur have taken refuge in Mizoram and parts of southern Assam. In Mizoram, a total of 9,501 tribal people from Manipur have taken shelter in different districts, with the majority settling in Aizawl, Kolasib, and Saitual. The Mizoram government has formed a committee to address the needs of the displaced individuals.

Furthermore, around 1,200 people from Manipur, including men, women, and children, have taken refuge in 12 different camps in the Cachar district of Assam. The state government is providing them with food and shelter.

The displacement of people from Manipur due to ethnic violence highlights the urgent need for intervention and support to restore normalcy and ensure the well-being of the affected individuals.

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