Generous citizens rally to aid injured students
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 07 2023:
In a show of solidarity, concerned citizens of the country and from around the world created a collective fund aimed at alleviating the burden of medical expenses being borne by families of students who fell victims to brutality of central and state forces.
These students suffered injuries of varied degrees during protest against the killing of Linthoingambi Hijam (17) and Phijam Hemanjit (20) in captivity of suspected Kuki militants.
The amassed funds were specifically intended for those students who suffered physical harm in the action of armed forces who wield ed lethal weapons during the mass protest against the murder of their student colleagues.
So far, a sum of Rs 6,74,515 has been raised, which was subsequently distributed to seriously injured students.
The contribution includes Rs 1,25,405 from Manipur, Rs 70,000 from Europe, Rs 500 from Singapore, Rs 3000 from Australia, Rs 10,000 from South Africa, Rs 35,610 from various states of the country excluding Manipur, and Rs 4,30,000 from the United States of America and Canada.
The funds were handed over to eight injured students to support their medical needs.
The distribution was carried out with great care, ensuring each student received an amount corresponding to their injuries: The team donated Rs 1,63,630 to Kishan Loitongbam of Yairipok, who suffered shoulder injury with 40 pellets still embedded in his arm; Rs 1,63,630 to Johnson Mayanglambam of Top Khongang Makhong, who has lost vision; Rs 1,33,580 to Uttam Soibam of Liwa Maibam Leikai (multiple pellet injuries in his head, face, and hand); Rs 1,33,580 to Jotin Wahengbam of Lilong Arapti, a Class-8 student suffering from blunt trauma in the liver area; Rs 50,000 to Raju Thangjam of Nambol Khabi (facial injury and mandible fracture, repaired with iron plates); Rs 10,050 to Santosh Asem of Khumbong Makha Leikai (face injury with crack in the maxilla bone); Rs 10,050 to Pipin Takhellambam of Loushangkhong (multiple pellet injuries from head to toe); and, Rs 10,050 to Nungshithoi Leitanthem (Henja Chanu) of Waiton, who suffered blast injury from a tear gas shell on the leg.
Gratitude has been expressed to all contributors, especially the young students and aspirants of NEET, JEE, NET, Bank Exams, and Civil Services Exams, who selflessly contributed from their meagre pocket money.
The volunteers coordinating this effort emphasised their non-affiliation with any political groups or organisations, underscoring their dedication to helping those in need.
Monetary contributions also poured in from various ethnic and religious communities in Manipur and across the country, highlighting the widespread unity in support of the injured students' welfare.