Sales event of IDPs delayed over Kuki stalls
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 22 2023:
Outbreak of commotion delayed inauguration of a sales event of crafts made by internally displaced persons (IDPs) staying in relief camp at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal on Wednesday.
The commotion ensued after the IDPs coming to participate the event hosted by Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission (MSRLM) under RD&PR department raised objections to crafts products suspected to be of Kuki IDPs displayed in two stalls.
The formal inauguration was originally planned for 2 pm with Governor Anusuiya Uikey as the chief guest.
However, the situation forced delay till 4 pm with the event finally held without the presence of the Governor.
As the IDPs for the event from different relief camps trickled into the venue consignments of handloom and handicraft items left unattended in two stalls caught the attention of some.
As the consignments, reportedly brought by an unknown person around noon, were checked, the IDPs found out that the items inside belong to Kuki people from Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts.
The IDPs raised the issue with the authority while some stormed out of the venue taking along their products.
Governor Anusuiya Uikey, who was supposed to inaugurate the event, never arrived at the venue following the tense situation while Imphal East SP came and tried to pacify the agitated participants.
Later, the participants had a meeting with MSRLM state mission director N Bandana and reached an understanding, only after which the event was inaugurated around 4 pm without the presence of the Governor.
N Bandana, DC Imphal East Khumanthem Diana, MPSC secretary Neeta Arambam and MPSC Comptroller Lalmani attended the inaugural function.
K Sarat, a participant from Ikon village, who is currently staying in the temporary shelter home at Sajiwa, told media persons that the government should understand the sentiment of the public, especially the displaced people, who have lost their homes and properties.
During the meeting with the MSRLM state mission director, they demanded the authority not to allow sale of products belonging to Kukis and also to ensure that all the participants get their daily allowances even if the sales event was not inaugurated in time.
They decided to withdraw their protest only after the authority agreed to their demands, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Bandana highlighted the initiatives taken up by MSRLM and other government departments for the welfare of the displaced people and assured of extending all possible assistance.
She also urged the displaced people to share suggestions and experience to streamline the relief measures so that their hardships and challenges could be addressed effectively.