Cane, bamboo distributed to support IDPs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 07 2025: A step in rebuilding the livelihoods of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Churachandpur and Moreh, affected by the current crisis, was taken with the "Rebuilding Livelihoods Through Handcraft by Providing Cane and Bamboo Support" initiative.

The event was held at Kombirei House, Palace Compound, Imphal on Friday, and organised by the Manipuri Elders' Consortium Shillong (MECS), with Apunba Imagi Machasing (AIMS), Manipur, as the host.According to a statement of AIMS, the initiative aims to empower 50 participants who had completed a 30-day Cane and Bamboo Processing Training at Manipur University from October 1 to 30 last year.

The training was funded by the North East Cane and Bamboo Development Council (NECBDC) under the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER, in collaboration with AIMS and the department of forestry, Manipur University.

Speaking on the occasion, AIMS director Dr Atom Sunil highlighted the practical challenges faced by displaced artisans and the economic potential of cane and bamboo crafts while chief guest Dr RK Nimai stressed sustainable liveli hood solutions, and guest of honour Dr S Manikanta spoke on the therapeutic benefits of handicrafts.

MECS president Dr Ningthoujam Munish shared experiences on MECS's formation and support initiatives.

The function was chaired by CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Lamphelpat, chief scientist Prof H Birkumar, who underscored the collective responsibility to restore trust, harmony, and sustainable livelihoods.

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