IDPs want Govt to rebuild homes first, then move out from camps
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2023:
The inmates of Khuman Lampak Sports Complex Relief Centre have asserted their wish to continue living in the camp until the State Government rebuilds their homes at their original settlements to avoid any disruption in their children's education.
Speaking to the media on behalf of the inmates at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex Relief Camp today, Longjam Basanta Meitei from Ikou said that 46 displaced families (194 inmates) from Ikou, Dolaithabi and Sadhu Yenkhuman are currently seeking refuge here.
Addressing a report claiming that the displaced families from Ikou, Dolaithabi and Sadhu Yenkhuman sheltering at the relief camp will be shifted to the newly constructed pre-fabricated houses at Sawombung, he said that the inmates do not want to move to another location as it will hamper the academic career of their children who have already gained admission in nearby schools and colleges.
Recalling the hardships that the inmates have been through, he shared that on May 3, Kuki miscreants began burning Meitei houses at Ikou, Dolaithabi and Sadhu Yenkhuman between 7 and 8 pm.
Fleeing the violence, the villagers initially took refuge at Naorem Birahari College in Khundrakpam and then moved to Khuman Lampak Sports Complex Relief Camp after being informed of the place by the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner.
Stating that the displaced families were initially worried about their children's education, Longjam Basanta said that after their arrival at the camp, their children have since been admitted at nearby schools and colleges as per the directive of the State Government.
In addition, 12 students from the camp are currently attending coaching classes to get admission in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, while some other students have turned their attention to sports and are receiving proper training.
All in all, every young student in the relief camp is receiving an education, he said.
"Though we are not living happy, contented lives, we have learnt to slowly deal with our trauma and at least provide a stable education for our children", he stressed.
In view of these circumstances, he appealed to the State Government to allow the inmates to continue living in the relief camp until the conflict is resolved and the Government rebuilds their original homes and expressed opposition against shifting to pre-fabricated houses so as to avoid upending their children's education.