MCPCR reaches out to displaced children
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 03 2025: Amid the anguish and hopelessness caused by the unresolved conflict, some internally displaced children demonstrated that art therapy could be helpful in building resilience against the negative impacts of violent conflicts.

Today around 44 children including 37 girls taking refuge at the Sajiwa relief camp in Imphal East received phanek mayek naiba (a traditional Meitei clothing worn by women) and tracksuits from Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson of Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights.

The IDP children who have been undergoing training on Meitei folk song and dance under Oja Indira Konsam and Thang-ta class under Oja Thokchom Shamumacha, performed colourful group dances and songs showcasing their talents.

The enthusiastic children testified that their mind and body could be trained in a more creative way which helped them to restore their mental equilibrium, which was perhaps grossly disturbed by the two years long Manipur violence.

The relief camp at Sajiwa is sheltering around 770 IDPs from villages like Ikou, Dolaithabi, Itham Moirangpurel, Saikul, Churachandpur.

The dresses were distributed under an initiative by Humanitarian Aid International (HAI) to children at the Sajiwa relief camp, who have been learning traditional folk music, dance, and Thang-ta for art therapy every Sunday.

Besides, the children also receive educational support too.

Keisam Pradipkumar expressed concern that the displaced children have suffered severe mental breakdown, citing the recent case of a 13-year-old boy's suicide at Saiton area as a stark example.

He emphasized the need for a comprehensive action plan to address the mental health issues among children, connecting healthcare facilities, mental health experts, and social security sponsorship schemes.

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