IRCS limbs restore normal mobility
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 20 2015 : A stern looking CISF guard at Guwahati's Gopinath Bordoloi international airport was alarmed when he touched a hard object while groping Mutum Tombisana Singh's left leg for hidden objects this morning.

When Tombisana, 45, informed the guard calmly that it was an artificial leg nothing to be worried about the guard got the shock of his life.

"Sir you do not limp.

You walk like any other normal person I cant believe it.

I am quite surprised," the guard told Tombisana with a smile latter.

When Tombisana walked out of Tulihal airport of Imphal 55 minutes later he picked his chin up, walked tall and looked straight ahead with the confidence he has never had before.

Tombisana, a Government school teacher from Thoubal district had his left leg amputated below the knee after a road tragedy in 1987.He was using an artificial limb provided by the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), which he described as "heavy" and "uncomfortable" .

With a new and technologically advanced artificial limb provided by Indian Red Cross Society, (IRCS) Manipur branch.

Tombisana can now walk like any other normal person.

He has stopped limping.

"Thank you Red Cross team," he said.

Tombisana is one of six persons from different parts of Manipur who have got "a new life" .

.YMohen Singh, secretary of Manipur unit IRCS today told a press conference held at its Gandhi Avenue office that his team took the six to Endolite Prosthetic and Orthotic Centre, Guwahati for the new appliances.

The other five too have the same experience.

The six returned to Imphal today.

Mohen Singh further said they collected a list of 20 beneficiaries from Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre of RIMS.

When the beneficiaries were called for taking measurement of their legs six of them could not make it due to a general strike on that day.

"We will take the remaining 18 beneficiaries to Guwahati next week for their artificial limbs.

We are bearing the expenses for the equipment, trip, accommodation and other requirements.

One limb costs Rs.35,000," Mohen said.

Among the lucky six is young artist, Konthoujam Mikel Meitei, 20, a victim of a bomb blast.

Both his legs were blown off below the knee in a tragic incident of bomb blast that had taken place at Pourabi of Imphal East on December 16, 2007 .

"The one I was wearing was very heavy.

I have never dreamt of walking like any other person with two perfect and normal legs.

After wearing the one manufactured by Endolite I can now walk without limping and sans much effort," Mikel said.

Mohen said the Manipur unit of IRCS will continue to provide supports to other victims whose legs were amputated due to one or other reasons.

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