Injured victim seeks support
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, August 17 2023: Manipur has been in a turmoil for the past three months ever since the unfortunate communal violence erupted on May 3 last aftermath the Tribal Solidarity March.

The people of the State have been yearning for peace and normalcy since the innocent civilians have been adversely affected by the unprecedented scale of violence, killings, arson rendering thousands homeless.

In a bid to defend themselves from the atrocities of the Kuki militants and external aggressors who have been relentlessly attacking the Meitei civilians, there have been frequent incidents of clash with security forces wherein many Meitei civilians including womenfolk have sustained injuries.

However these injured are left in a vulnerable state as they have been deprived of proper healthcare facilities owing to their poor backgrounds.

Bramhacharimayum Mani tombi, a resident of Setupur Mamang Leikai, Kumbi Municipal Council Ward no 2 is one among such helpless victims who have been left on her own.

She sustained injuries on her head during the intense tussle which broke out between the Meira Paibis and the security forces at Phougakchao Ikhai on May 3 last when Meira Paibis and people from across the State were marching towards Torbung Bangla to stop the proposed mass burial of slain Kukis.

Manitombi narrated her ordeal to a team of media persons who visited her residence today.

Interacting with the media persons, Manitombi said that she joined in the people's protest on May 3 keeping forth the prime objective of protecting the State from all forms of forces trying to disintegrate Manipur.

'But the security forces including Assam Rifles and RAF personnel used excessive force upon the civilians and I got deep injury on my head when one of the security personnel hit on her head with the but of her rifle', she lamented.

She expressed that ever since the incident, she is going through a rough phase as she is not able to get proper treatment due to financial constraints and other shortcomings.

It is worth noting that her husband is visually impaired and she is the sole bread earner of the family.

In view of her condition, she sought the attention of the Government authorities and all sections of the public to extend help to her and to all victims of the crisis who are left in a pitiable condition.

Manitombi has not received any form of support from the Government authorities or from organizations apart from monetary aid extended by Meira Paibis of the locality and from Jaya Khangembam from Kumbi Keithel.

Jaya who was also present today, made an earnest appeal to all concerned to extend best possible help to the victims of the conflict.

Maintaining that the innocent civilians like Manitombi are left in a sorry state, Jaya said there are many victims like Manitombi across the State generally from humble and poor backgrounds.

Considering their sincere efforts to protect the unity and integrity of the State, Jaya expressed that well-wishers and CSOs will extend best possible aid to these hapless victims.

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