Supreme Court Observes on IDP Conditions

Supreme Court Concerns: Relief Camps for IDPs in Manipur

1. Judicial Concern:

   • The Supreme Court expressed shock over reports of deaths, including unnatural ones, in relief camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Manipur.

2. Current Situation of IDPs:

   • IDPs have faced prolonged displacement for over three years, deepening vulnerabilities including loss of access to healthcare.
   • As of the latest report, the number of IDPs in relief camps reduced to 28,899 from nearly 60,000 at the peak of violence.

3. Healthcare Access Issues:

   • Manipur's healthcare facilities are largely centralized in Imphal, with two principal tertiary hospitals:
     • Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences
     • Regional Institute of Medical Sciences
   • Access to healthcare for Kuki-Zo people from the hills is restricted due to violence and ethnic segregation, lacking specialists and essential medical equipment.
   • Many patients have to seek treatment outside Manipur, with the nearest healthcare facility located in Aizawl, a 12-hour journey by road.
   • Persistent blockades affect patient transit to hospitals, as well as the movement of medicines and medical personnel.

4. Food and Nutrition Crisis:

   • Reports indicate that food provided in many relief camps is nutritionally deficient, undermining health and recovery of the IDPs.

5. Need for Government Action:

   • There is a pressing need for the Manipur state government to enhance healthcare provisions for those still in camps, including ensuring adequately staffed medical facilities and a stable supply of medicines.
   • Dialogue and confidence-building measures are essential for a political settlement to the ongoing Meitei-Kuki conflict that impacts the prospects of rehabilitation and security for the displaced population.

6. Constitutional and Policy Framework:

   • Addressing the IDP crisis aligns with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution, especially the right to health (Article 21) and right to life with dignity.
   • The situation emphasizes the need for the state to fulfill its obligations under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) to provide adequate healthcare (Article 39(e) and (f)).

7. Long-term Solutions Required:

   • A durable political solution is necessary to mitigate conflict, ensure a safe environment for rehabilitation, and empower IDPs to rebuild their lives with dignity and security.