More than five months into the Manipur ethnic violence, which shows no signs of abating, thousands of displaced people are still languishing in relief camps. In Churachandpur, the tribal hill district which has been the hotbed of the ongoing turmoil, the maximum number of internally displaced people (IDP) are living in dilapidated relief camps that lack basic amenities. Most of the relief camps are reported to be in a similar condition.

For this reason, these relief camps in Manipur have become a major healthcare concern with real chances of an epidemic outbreak. Since May 3, when the first incidents of violence took place, relief camps have come up in Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Chandel districts.

According to media reports in the last week of September, a total of 37 people, including minors, have died in relief camps in Churachandpur. MK Henry, a journalist based in Lamka, told me that by now the toll has gone up to 40 (and counting). He says that the underlying cause is various ailments among the old and young and the unavailability of medical care facilities besides the absence of basic amenities in these relief camps.