'Readers' extend aid to IDPs at relief camps
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 10 2023: 'Readers' at Books & Brains Library, Keishampat have extended relief materials to internally displaced people (IDPs) taking refuge at different relief by raising fund to the tune of Rs 1,51,937 on November 5 .

The relief camps which the 'readers' reached out were set up at Moirang Konjengbam Leikai Community Hall Relief Camp (Bishnupur), Moirang Shribon Leikai Community Hall Relief Camp (Bishnupur), Wangoo Sellungkhong Upper Primary School Relief Camp (Bishnupur), Wangoo Chingonglei Makhong Nongyaikhong Relief Camp (Kakching), Thangalawai Awang Leikai, Khongnang Makhong Relief Camp (Bishnupur) .

'Readers' extend aid to IDPs at relief camps

The 'readers' shared that they visited eight relief camps in advance and analysed their condition before picking the aforementioned five camps.

They also said that they spoke with the IDPs of the relief camps and took note of the things they need.

Saying that they were joined by the staff and students of Don Bosco Hr.

Sec School, Chingmeirong in their visit to two relief camps viz Moirang Konjengbam and Moirang Shribon and they donated 50 blankets too, they continued that they started the campaign to assist the IDPs from a small donation drive to buy warm clothes for the displaced.

A reader Nikita Thounaojam said that they are immensely pleased with the response given by the donors and the enthusiasm shown by their volunteers despite their busy schedule during the campaign.

Another reader from the same library Oinam Urmila Chanu said, "Tragedy still lingers in the life of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Please show some empathy, listen to their stories and help them in whatever way you can, and console them.

A little compassion on our part gives them hope that they are not alone.

"Monetary contributions came in from Manipur and outside the State, cutting across religion and race.

But it was not enough, so over 30 ardent readers of Books & Brains Library left aside their studies, volunteered, formed different teams with donation boxes, and went to over 1300 shops and over 25 Government and private offices over a period of 5 days, and raised a sum of Rs 1,17,425, which is something extraordinary", said Ringo Pebam, one of the volunteers.

He said that they still have Rs 10,990 after all the expenses and the same amount will be used to provide relief materials to other relief camps which they haven't visited yet.

According to the readers, they newly purchased 50 blankets, 250 warmers, 77 sweaters, 32 pairs of shoes, 22 pieces of Class 11 & 12 books, 24 notebooks, 31 school socks, 194 adult and children socks, Horlicks (6), 12 formula milk, 100 sanitary pads, 11 different medicines totalling 227 quantity, 2 footballs, 12 chess boards, 5 sets of needles and threads, 16 ningtha, 2 baby carriers, 5 different kinds of snacks for kids while the donated items include 60 sacks of used winter clothes, three sacks of used shoes, eight new blankets, 12 used blankets, new tarpaulin, tons of books, 24 ludo boards.