Students' survey reveal Manipuris living in deplorable conditions at Bholaganj
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, May 22 2022: Students of Human Rights Dept of S Kula Women's College led by Dr Laitonjam Muhindro have allegedly found that Manipuri residents of Bholaganj, Shillong located along the Bangladesh border, are living in deplorable conditions.

During the course of a survey conducted from May 16 to 20, the students found altogether 25 Manipuri households consisting of around 150 people and 15 different Manipuri surnames residing in Bholaganj.

It may be noted that 50% of this survey was sponsored by UGC-STRIDE-C1.They were granted their voter rights in 2016 but cannot vote in local body elections or contest in elections.

Further, they barely have any access to welfare schemes and information technology.

The residents of the village are, however, able to partake in business ventures by procuring a 'No Objection' certificate from the village's administrative leaders.

The team of students were warmly welcomed by Bholaganj Development Society and provided with all manners of support by the Society.

Bholaganj Development Society, secretary Kulajit spoke of the community straying from Manipuri culture due to lack of knowledge and the community's small size, Bholaganj Development Society, president Ashokumar said that most of the residents are poor daily wage earners.

The men earn money by plying passenger vehicles and the women and children work at home.

He added that during the pandemic they did not receive government sanctioned rations consistently.

Further, most of the people do not have ration cards and have very little knowledge about Government welfare schemes.

He added that there was very little mobile coverage in the region, very few residents had computer knowledge and only a handful of villagers had passed matriculation.

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