Forget right to vote, many homeless left to their own plight
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 30 2022:
Though the Constitution of India gives all its citizens above 18 years a chance to exercise their franchise and participate in the electoral process, a large chunk of homeless voters have been denied their voting rights in the State.
What the elected leaders will do for these homeless people at Khwairamband Ima Keithel and other areas after winning the election remains a big question.
Naoba (not real name), a homeless man taking shelter at Khwairamband Keithel, stated that hundreds of people who have become homeless due to several circumstances have been taking shelter at Khwairamband Keithel and its surrounding areas.
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Saying that these homeless earn their daily bread by taking up all sorts of jobs, he said that the homeless people also face all kinds of problems throughout the year and some who could not endure the chill of winter have died.
This is not to talk about never getting the chance to exercise their franchise rights, he added.
Continuing that there are homeless drug addicts too who have left home, Naoba added that these people have no one to look after them and as such could not overcome addiction.
"Though Covid lockdown was hard on homeless people, we at least didn't starve, thanks to the 'Feeding the Hungry' campaign of Cycling for Humanity," he added.
Maintaining that they are susceptible to police harassment at times, he expressed desire for the State Government to establish an adequate number of shelter homes in the State. Founder of Cycling for Humanity Rohan Philem said that they have been feeding about 50 homeless people once a day since the beginning of the Covid induced lockdown by raising funds from the public.
Saying that they, at times, face great difficulties, he urged the State Government to establish some shelter homes for the homeless and do the needful so as to ensure they get their fundamental rights.
He further urged the State Government and the people to extend support in 'feeding the hungry' campaign.
Asking what has the Government considered to prevent and end homelessness, Rohan continued that over 100 homeless people including elders abandoned by their families, sex workers and mentally retarded persons are currently taking shelter at the very heart of Imphal city.
"Though there is certain legislation to solve homelessness, the same seems to be ineffective in Manipur," he added.