Tearful eyes of speechless man tells countless stories
Source: Chronicle News Service / Soniya Sorensangbam

Imphal, September 11 2024: Sixty-year old L Chandrakriti, who had been staying in the relief camp at Phumlou following two days of drone bomb attacks by Kuki militants in Koutruk from September 1, continues to wipes his tears though unable to narrate his story and countless others due to a speech disorder.

The drone attacks, the first in the history of Manipur, claimed the life of one Nganbam Surbala of Phayeng who went to visit her parents in Koutruk and another person, while injuring Surbala's minor daughter and several others.

Following the attacks, many people sought refuge at the relief camp set up immediately at Phumlou Keiroi Primary School.

Most of the women in the camp had fled Koutruk with their children and only the clothes on their body.

Amongst the displaced, reporter of this daily came across L Chandrakriti during a recent visit to the relief camp.

He was wiping the tears from his eyes with the loincloth (Khudei) he was wearing with an expression of eagerness to convey something.

As such, this daily approached and asked him if he had anything to say.

However, a woman, who was sitting next to him, informed that Chandrakriti is suffering from speech deformity after suffering a stroke some time ago.

She further conveyed that they boarded a vehicle and came to the camp.

While the reporter spoke to the woman on the side, Chandrakriti continued to wept silently, which the woman explained that he was emotional unable to communicate his feelings and the hurt in his heart.

Meanwhile, people staying in the relief camp are reluctant to return home as they fear the same unprecedented attacks already experienced.

The womenfolk, in particular, are worried that the children would no longer be able to go to school, many of whom have been traumatised by the attacks.

It is unfortunate and equally heart-breaking that the people have been forced to become refugees in their own state.

As such, many of the displaced people expressed their wish to return to their homes.

On the other hand, Phumlou Keiroi Development Club general secretary Tiken Taorem informed that of the 250 people who initially stayed in the camp, around 146 are still at the camp.

While the authority concerned and the public have been extending assistance, which has met the necessary needs, the camp is still in need of some utensils.

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