Correspondent
July 11, 2023: A recent report submitted by the Manipur state government to the Supreme Court has shed light on the devastating violence that has plagued several districts in the state. The report, presented by Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, revealed alarming casualty figures and incidents of arson during a two-month period.
Between May 3 and July 4, a staggering total of 142 deaths were recorded as a result of the violence. Imphal West, Imphal East, and Churachandpur districts suffered the highest number of casualties. Imphal West and Imphal East each reported 29 deaths, while Churachandpur, another focal point of the violence, reported 26 deaths.
The capital city, Imphal, initially witnessed mob violence in May, which subsequently spread to the outskirts bordering the hill districts. Apart from the capital, other affected districts include Kakching and Bishnupur in the valley, with 21 and 18 deaths respectively. Kangpokpi, a hill district affected by violence in peripheral areas, reported eight deaths. Additional districts with recorded fatalities include Tengnoupal (4), Thoubal (4), Kamjong (2), and Chandel (1).
The report also highlighted a distressing number of arson incidents, with a total of 5,053 cases reported until July 3. Kangpokpi had the highest number of arson incidents at 1,091, followed closely by Churachandpur with 1,043. Imphal East reported 938 incidents, while Bishnupur recorded 528 cases.
The situation has resulted in a growing number of displaced individuals seeking shelter in relief camps. Currently, approximately 54,488 people have been displaced due to the violence. Churachandpur is accommodating 14,816 individuals across 102 relief camps, while Kangpokpi is providing shelter to 12,740 people in 60 camps.
The alarming figures from the report highlight the urgent need for effective measures to address the ongoing violence and its impact on the affected communities. The Manipur state government and relevant authorities must work together to restore peace, ensure the safety of residents, and provide necessary support to those affected by the violence.