IDPs struggle hard for livelihood
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2023: Setting an example of grit and determi-nation, youth of Saduyeng- khuman, Dolaithabi and Ikou are guarding their villages to prevent fresh onslaught by Kuki narco-terrorists on a rotational basis while women at the relief camp earn money by selling door-mats.

Speaking to The Sangai Express, Namoijam ningol Khangembam ongbi Memma (50) of Saduyeng-khuman Mayai Leikai said that Kuki narco-terrorists burnt down 69 houses of the locality on May 3 at around 8.30 pm.

Saying that they didn't bring anything along with them other than the clothes they wore while fleeing persecution on the said day and took refuge at the camp of security forces at Naharup Pukhao Terapur, she said that they also spent a day at the residence of Khundrakpam AC MLA Th Lokeshwar on May 4 before they were shifted to the relief camp at Birahari College at Khundrakpam.

"From Birahari College we were shifted again to the relief camp set up at Khu-man Lampak on the first day of Rath Yatra (locally known as Kang) and have been staying there since then," she informed.

Continuing that some of the youth of Saduyeng-khuman, Dolaithabi and Ikou didn't join them while fleeing and they took shelter at the neighbouring villages, Memma said that these youth who stayed behind have been guarding their villages all these times.

Memma said that they at the relief camp, on the other hand, have been making door-mats by collecting old sarees from the non-Mani-puris of Khurai Ahongei.

Saying that they have been selling door mats at Rs 100 apiece by hawking them house to house, the displaced woman maintained that they got positive response from most of the families they visited.

She said that people not only buy their door-mats happily but also give them clothes to wear.

Memma continued that they also make incense sticks and work at the paddy fields of relatives apart from making door-mats, and preparation is underway to start making candles too.

Saying that she often remembers about the good old days she spent with her family, Memma continued that her life however has been turned upside down after her house was torched by Kukis on May 3 .

She said that her parental house at Saduyengkhuman has been burnt down by Kukis.

Another displaced woman from Saduyengkhuman, Khaidem (ongbi) Rashi said that she feels sad whenever she thinks about her house which has been razed to the ground by Kukis.

Saying that Kuki militants still attack her village from time to time, Rashi maintained that the situation is not conducive for them to return to their place as Saduyengkhuman, Dolaithabi and Ikou are surrounded by Kuki villages.

Continuing that the men from the localities at the relief camp guard their villages on a rotational basis, she said that they don't know whether to guard villages or make money as both of them are equally important.

Rashi said that many elders are also taking refuge at the relief camp including those who have serious sickness.

Saying that winter will arrive soon but they don't have enough warm blankets or money to buy them, Rashi urged the Government to do the needful.

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