Even as residents in Imphal said the first batch of tribals stranded in the Valley had been sent back to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi, many more tribals, mostly Kukis, stranded in camps run by the Manipur government are desperately trying to move into the camps run by the Centre — either Army camps or those run by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
In the violence that began on May 3 between the Kuki community and the Meiteis over the demand for Scheduled Tribe status for the dominant Meitei community, several tribals (mostly Kukis) were stranded in the Imphal area whereas several Meitei people found themselves stranded in Churachandpur and the Hill districts.
While security forces are trying to facilitate the rehabilitation of those stranded in Imphal and Churachandpur, several tribals who have lost their homes and belongings in the mob violence are finding shelter in community halls and wherever else they can.
