IMPHAL, Jan 3: The central government extended special assistance of over Rs 247 crore to Manipur amid ongoing ethnic violence that has disrupted the state since 2023. The violence, which has claimed more than 250 lives and left thousands homeless, prompted the government to release significant financial aid to support relief efforts and rehabilitation.
A report by the Union Home Ministry highlighted the measures taken by the government to mitigate the impact of the ethnic clashes. For the operation of relief camps, the Centre approved Rs 101.75 crore on June 2, 2023, out of which Rs 83.58 crore was released to the state. Additionally, a special package of Rs 89.22 crore was approved on October 19, 2023, for nutrition and hygiene for people in the relief camps, with Rs 44.60 crore already disbursed.
The central government also sanctioned Rs 209.45 crore for five components of relief and rehabilitation aimed at victims and those affected by the ongoing law and order crisis in the state. Of this amount, Rs 119.08 crore has been released. This funding was part of an extensive relief effort as the state grapples with the fallout of violent ethnic strife, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities.
In terms of border security, the report mentioned that the construction of 9.214 km of fencing along the India-Myanmar border in Manipur was completed, with work on the road along the fence continuing. The Home Ministry also reported ongoing work on a 20.862 km fence and road project awarded to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in February 2024.
In efforts to provide better connectivity to remote areas in the North Eastern Region (NER), the Centre continues administering the Helicopter Subsidy Scheme in several states, including Manipur. An additional helicopter with a ceiling of 430 hours annually has been sanctioned for Manipur for 2024, aimed at improving the response to security and humanitarian needs in the region.
In 2023, Manipur witnessed an escalation in violent incidents due to the ethnic conflict, which accounted for 77% of the total violent incidents in the northeast region. The security forces’ counter-insurgency operations led to the death of 33 insurgents, the arrest of 184 insurgents, and the recovery of 49 weapons. Moreover, 80 cadres of insurgent outfits surrendered with 31 arms.
The violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, between the Meitei and Kuki communities led to casualties, injuries, and widespread damage to property. Despite the situation being primarily a state issue, the Centre has consistently extended support to Manipur’s government, deploying security forces, drones, helicopters, and implementing a unified command system to handle the crisis.
The government has also focused on evacuating students and residents to safer locations, ensuring that education continues for those displaced by the violence. Efforts are ongoing to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
