Global citizens lend support to families of 8 terror victims
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 28 2024: Shaken and pained by the brutal and merciless murder of eight innocent civilians by Kuki militants in Bishnupur district recently, concerned citizens from across the globe have poured in condolences and financial assistance to surviving families.

The eight civilians, all of them daily wage earners, include four from Wangoo Terakhong Akasoi and four from Ningthoukhong Kha-Khunou.

The four villagers of Akasoi were killed by Kuki militants when they went to collect firewood at Haotak Phailen hill range on January 10 .

The four included a father and son duo--Thoudam Ibomcha (53) and his son Thoudam Anand and two others, Ahanthem Dara Singh (54) and Oinam Romen (35) .

Global citizens lend support to families of 8 terror victims

Days later, on January 18, four farmers from Ningthou-khong Kha-Khunou were killed by Kuki militants when they were tending to their fields.

The four included a father and son duo, Oinam Bamon-jao Meitei (67) and his son Oinam Manitomba Meitei (32) and two others, Thiyam Somendro Singh (57) and Ningthoujam Nabadeep Meitei (40) .

Pained by the merciless killing of the eight villagers, Manipuris and non-Mani-puris from India and abroad contributed money to extend assistance and support to the bereaved families.

Ringo Pebam, an Imphal-based concerned citizen, who initiated the fund drive campaign in Manipur, said, "To create a source of income after losing the bread earners, we gave Phishakon (loom) and sewing machines to the families of the four victims of Kumbi as all the women in the families have weaving skill.

Earlier, they used to borrow Phishakon from others" .

While Rs 1,51,757 was collected from Manipur, Rs 2,16,751 was received from the diasporas in the USA, Rs 60,000 from Manipuri Association of Canada, Rs 40,000 from Meetei Yaipha Lup, Europe, and Rs 1,80,433 from various States of India; making the total collection Rs 6,48,941, Ringo said.

Ringo continued that the bicycles that the four Kumbi victims used when they were at Haotak on that fateful day (January 10) were never found.

"The bicycles were vital for their livelihood such as carrying wood, rice bags, and water.

So, we have bought new bicycles, one each for the four families.

After purchasing the aforementioned items, and keeping aside a portion for Ningthoukhong victims, the remaining money has been deposited in the bank accounts of the wives of the four victims today," said Ringo.

He said the surviving families of the Ningthoukhong victims have also been given assistance today.

Rajshree Keisham, who is based in the United States of America, took the initiative to gather funds from America.

"Everyone coming together and pitching on helping and supporting fellow Meiteis in need is the essence of our community.

Supporting one another is embedded in the soul of our Meitei community.

Let's amplify this nature and make it a consistent part of who we are," said Rajshree.

Homer, who is based in Bangalore and did the fund drive in Bangalore and Imphal said, "The dire state of poverty of the four families have left us shocked and seeing the barbaric way the four Meiteis were killed, we like-minded group of friends and associates came together to pitch some amount of money" .

Bonet Adhikarimayum, who resides in New Delhi, collected funds in the National Capital.

"This tragic incident has left me heartbroken.

I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families," he grieved.

In a similar tone, Meetei Yaipha Lup, Europe, conveyed, "We stand in solidarity with the victims of the Haotak Massacre and their families in this distressing time" .

Vladimir Adityanath, a native of West Bengal who took part in collecting funds for the victims said, "I am extremely grateful to be a part of this fund drive.

The Manipur violence has created thousands of victims who are in urgent need of support.

I humbly request our society to come to their aid and empower the local organisations working on the ground.

The native people and indigenous culture of Bharat must be protected.

Sweeping reforms are needed in the legislation and education sectors for any long-term solution" .

Dayananda Paonam, treasurer of the Manipuri Association of Canada, who led the fund drive in Canada, remarked, "I extend my deepest condolences to the grieving families.

May strength and support surround them during this difficult time! Let's stand united to bring peace and progress to the community" .

Ringo Pebam also pointed out the plights of villagers at the foothills, "The Imas/Meira Paibis from Koutruk to Tangjeng, from Pukhao to Phougakchao, from Sabungkhok Khunou to Sugnu, from Kadangband to Chairel Mangjing� are keeping vigil day and night, so are the village volunteers on sentry duty at the bordering villages.

"They are all daily wage earners, and this conflict has taken a toll on their earnings.

They are not able to earn as they spend most of their time guarding their villages.

They don't stay at their homes which often come under the attacks of Kuki militants.

The Government must bring a long term solution to the ongoing conflict and end the sufferings of such common people at the earliest," he added.