NHRC Directs Manipur Govt to Provide ₹10 Lakh Compensation to Victims of Ethnic Clashes

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has instructed the Manipur government to provide Rs 10 lakh compensation to the next of kin of individuals who lost their lives in ethnic clashes since May.

The directive, issued after a two-day camp to address cases from northeastern states, also mandates the completion of assessments for damaged houses, with Rs 10 lakh compensation for each victim to be disbursed within six weeks.

NHRC Chairperson Justice Arun Kumar Mishra stated that compensation has been provided to the next of kin of 93 deceased individuals, and the government has been urged to expedite the process for the remaining cases within four weeks. Regarding the rebuilding of damaged houses, the Manipur government has proposed a compensation of Rs 10 lakh, and they have been instructed to finalize this process within six weeks.

In response to the ongoing violence in parts of Manipur, the NHRC has called on the state government to develop a roadmap for restoring peace and to promptly clear blockades on National Highways 2 and 37. Justice Mishra emphasized the need for swift action, given the continuing violence in certain areas.

The NHRC also addressed a case related to the negligence of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which resulted in the death of 57 people, injuries to 18, and the disappearance of four during the execution of a project connecting Jiribam with Imphal. Additionally, concerns about the inadequate facilities at the Churachandpur district hospital and reports of violence in Manipur were raised during the camp.

The ethnic clashes in Manipur began on May 3, triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. With more than 180 deaths and numerous injuries, the situation remains critical as Meiteis and tribals (Nagas and Kukis) navigate tensions in the region.