Not temporary houses, give us our homes: Displaced People
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 03 2023: In the wake of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the state, the value of home and the deep emotional attachment to it have become even more profound for the displaced individuals.

Their homes, once a sanctuary of warmth and belonging, now exist only as distant dreams, reminders of what once was and what could have been.

Despite the physical distance, their emotional connection to their homes remains unwavering, as they yearn for peace, reconciliation, and the opportunity to rebuild what has been shattered.

However, in response to the government's arrangement for temporary shelter houses, which involve building pre-fabricated houses for the displaced, the affected people of Churachandpur and Moreh have expressed their desire to return to their own homes where they were born and raised.

It has been two months since the violence erupted, forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes and seek refuge in various relief camps.

The crisis has resulted in loss of over 120 lives, hundreds injured, and thousands of houses reduced to ashes.

During a visit to a relief camp in Akampat Ideal Girls College, Imphal East district, The People's Chronicle observed a group of children running excitedly towards a makeshift camp used by the volunteers of the relief committee.

Anxious to learn the reason, TPC alsd rushed to the site only to find a volunteer making an announcement on the PA system.

TPC heard the volunteer announcing: "Come children, it is time for your chocolates and sweets" .

The sight brought a momentary sense of happiness to the children.

On the other hand their heartbroken parents are also residing in the camp, enduring restless days and sleepless nights, haunted by memories of the violence and their uncertain present and future.

Some parents could be seen wearing wistful smiles and teary eyes as they witnessed their children rushing towards the treats.

This scene reflects the volunteers' earnest efforts to provide relief and a sense of security to the displaced individuals, particularly the young children, aiming to ease their trauma and pain to some extent.

The relief camp, which was established on May 10, currently houses 720 displaced people - 130 from Churachandpur and 590 from Moreh.

Over the course of nearly two months, a bond of brotherhood, fraternity, and humanitarianism has been formed among the displaced people and the volunteers, as they live together as one big family.

The relief camp is being supervised by agriculture minister Thongam Biswajit and offers more than just shelter.

Regular classes are conducted for students from 1st to 12th grade.

Among the students, 10 appeared in the HSLCE 2023 examination, with eight of them passing in 1st division and two in 2nd division.

Asem Thanil, an inmate of the relief camp, shared his family's experience since they sought refuge there on May 10.Hailing from Moreh Khunou Leikai, Ward No 9, they fled their home on May 3 after their houses were attacked and burned by Kukis.

Along with their home, a Tata DI pickup truck that Thanil had purchased with years of savings was also torched by the Kuki mob.

Despite the hardships and uncertain future, the assistance provided by the relief centre has left an indelible mark on Thanil and his family, who expressed appreciation for the assistance.

Engaging in conversations with fellow displaced individuals somehow alleviates their pain, if only momentarily.

However, as they retreat to their rooms or find themselves alone, the pain and emotions resurface, causing ongoing emotional stress, he confided.

Expressing their thoughts on the government's temporary arrangements, Thanil stated that while they appreciate the initiative, they long to return to their own homes and rebuild their lives in the locality where they were born and raised.

He urged the government to take necessary measures to restore peace and ensure their safe return.

Rajen Huirem, another in-mate from Churachandpur, acknowledged the relief committee's efforts in providing food, clothing, and education for their children.

However, he questioned how long they would have to stay in the relief camp.

While appreciative of the assistance, they yearn for the government to restore peace, enhance security measures, and expedite the resettlement process, he added.

Rajen added that a total of 12,963 Meeteis have fled Churachandpur district after the violence erupted on May 3.'They are currently residing in different relief camps in different parts of the state.

He has heard that the government is constructing temporary houses for them in Kwakta, which would be similar to their stay in the relief camps.

Despite the appreciation for such measures, their true desire is to return to their homes and rebuild their lives, even if it takes more time, Rajen added.

Comment