Robin without Robin Hood
- Story that brings tears, hope for reconciliation -

Keicha Chingthou Mangang *

Robin without Robin Hood: Story that brings tears, hope for reconciliation :: Pix - Chronicle News Service

In a heart-wrenching yet hopeful story, a video featuring independent journalist Tamal Saha from News The Truth (NTT), with the title "Robin without Robinhood" in the thumbnail, captures the emotional journey of Robin, a young boy from Churachandpur district displaced by violence that broke out on May 3, 2023 .

The video not only sheds light on the boy's innocence and resilience but also highlights a rare glimmer of reconciliation between the divided Kuki and Meetei communities. As viewers from across communities share their thoughts and prayers, the video has become a symbol of shared pain, unity, and hope for peace.

Tamal Saha first met Robin on July 4, 2023, during a visit to a relief camp in Phubala. The initial conversation was simple yet deeply moving. When Saha greeted him in English, Robin, with his innocent charm, responded, "I don't know English. I don't speak English" .

This brief interaction quickly shifted to Hindi and struck a chord with viewers for its raw portrayal of a child's resilience amidst chaos.

Fast forward 20 months, on February 12, 2025, Saha returned to the relief camp only to learn that Robin had moved with his family to a rented home in Imphal. Despite being down with a fever, Robin's spirit remained unbroken. In the follow-up conversation, Robin revealed the emotional toll of displacement.

Once known for his playful mischief, he shared, "I have stopped having fun. I also don't know why it is stopped". Both his father and teacher had asked him to be less mischievous, reflecting the guidance and concern of the elders around him.

Despite his struggles, Robin's love for learning remains strong. He proudly mentioned that he attends an English-medium school but Hindi remains his favourite subject. When asked about his friends, Robin hesitated before responding, "Six, seven, ten, no, nine.." .

Some were from his village, while others were befriended at the relief camp, but with a heavy heart, he added, "I could not talk to any old friend" .

In a bittersweet moment, Robin admitted he is not strong as he likes eating unhealthy food: "I like junk food a lot," he said coyly, adding that his favourite treat is chocolate. When asked about his birthday wish, his innocent response after a brief hesitation was: "Chocolate. Only chocolate".

Robin fondly reminisced about his time at the relief camp, saying, "It is fun to play. So many friends there". His favourite game, unsurprisingly for a child his age, is "catching," where kids chase and tag each other.

When asked about his favourite animal, Robin said with playful mischief, "Bear. Because bear eats bamboo. I want to eat bamboo".

The latter part of the video shifts focus to Robin's father, Rajesh, a former teacher who became a daily wage earner following the violence. His story reflects the harsh reality faced by many displaced families in Manipur. Rajesh revealed his ongoing struggle to secure the government aid promised to victims of displacement.

Although eligible for Rs 1 lakh grant, he has only received Rs 25,000 so far. "I reapplied, but I don't know. CM has resigned now, so I don't know whether I will be getting that one or not," Rajesh said, reflecting the widespread uncertainty and frustration in the state. In an effort to make ends meet, Rajesh and his wife started making candles at home.

He also works at construction sites, despite having sustained an injury on the job. "I just keep all my hope for my child. I will try my best to make their future, and that is the only hope I have," he said, demonstrating his unwavering dedication as a father.

Disillusioned by the inaction of both state and central governments, Rajesh expressed: "I don't have any hope in this government anymore - either the state government or the central government. It's too late now".

During the interview, Saha, in a meaningful gesture of solidarity, extended his support by offering to help in Robin's education. The video's comment section has become a space where voices from both Kuki and Meetei communities have come together in solidarity.

Many viewers expressed their personal connections with Rajesh and their shared grief over the ongoing violence.

A user from the Kuki community recalled, "He is Sir Rajesh, my high school teacher in Greenwood Academy...truly the best teacher in the Academy. May you, our madam, and Robin always be surrounded by love, good health, and endless happiness" .

Another wrote, "The poor are the true victims of war, suffering the most while politicians enjoy the benefits" .

Many Kuki commenters admired Rajesh's resilience, with one saying, "I am Kuki but feel for the man - he is a warrior. Imagine how many people out there are suffering from both communities".

Another former student remembered him as a compassionate teacher: "He used to be my geography teacher... I hope he finds something along the way to pick himself up".

Meetei users echoed similar feelings of compassion and a longing for peace. "Every child from both communities is losing hope for the future. May God bless everyone and bring peace to Manipur," wrote one commenter.

Another added, "The conflict isn't between two communities; it's by design, while the common people from both sides continue to suffer".

Some comments went beyond personal pain, calling for reconciliation and unity. A Meetei viewer said, "I know there are children on the other side as sweet as Robin who are facing the same hardships. In a war, only the innocent suffer" .

Another Kuki user pleaded, "Dear Meetei brothers and sisters, let's take a moment to think about the kids from both communities. Let peace soon prevail" .

Tamal Saha concluded his video telling a parable that said: "A child was picking up starfish from the beach that had washed ashore, dropping them back into the sea one after another. A gentleman saw the child and wondered what the kid was doing.

Approaching the child, he remarked, "Look, there are thousands and thousands of starfish all around the beach. You're picking them up one by one and throwing them back into the sea.

Look around; the rest are dying" .

The child then looked up at the man and replied, "I'm glad I'm making a difference to one" .