IMPHAL: The Meitei community affected by the continuing ethnic strife has expressed their desperation and hardship while living in various relief camps. Despite government efforts, the Meitei people are struggling to make ends meet and have appealed to authorities for immediate assistance, particularly in the form of family allowances.
The Joint Committee on Affected Meitei Victims Manipur, established by representatives from 47 affected villages across different districts, is leading the charge. Approximately 60,000 people have been impacted by the ongoing violence that erupted on May 3, with over 351 relief camps set up in both valley and hill districts.
The committee, sheltered in 249 relief camps in the valley, represents the plight of many. They are grappling with severe mental stress and dwindling hope of returning to their homes, as most fled with minimal belongings.
Naba Ningthoujam, a co-convenor of the committee, shared his experiences. He explained that despite being able to manage with basic meals of rice and lentils, the children in the camps are suffering. They demand snacks when hungry or fall ill, and the lack of resources breaks their parents' hearts.
The Meitei community earnestly appeals to the government for immediate family allowance and a concrete plan to ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons to their original homes.
Naba emphasized the importance of the allowance money, no matter how small, in alleviating their dire financial situation. In addition to this, the committee seeks assistance to rebuild their destroyed houses and properties.
In the education sector, around 14,736 school-going children have been internally displaced in Manipur. Although the government has announced free education, the parents still incur expenses for their children, including meals and transportation.
Khaidem Ratan, the committee's chairman, criticized the government's response as belated and insufficient. He highlighted the confusion caused by the term 'criteria' in the compensation form and welcomed its removal.
Ratan expressed confidence in the joint assessment proposal, which involves both government officials and victims of the damaged properties. He stressed the need for clarity in the compensation process, involving five different government departments.
The Joint Committee was established four months after the violence began in Manipur, and its members continue to advocate for their community's urgent needs.
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