Manipur: Law and order improving in the state, but victims still struggle with trauma and uncertainty

Many people who were left homeless in the aftermath of the recent communal tension in Manipur are still traumatized and emotionally exhausted. They are grappling with the question of whether returning to their original homes would be safe and secure.

The communal tension erupted due to a misunderstanding between two communities, the Meitei and Kuki, according to Chief Minister N Biren Singh. Innocent people have been affected, and thousands of properties have been damaged, leading to a significant loss of life and people gone missing.

The government, along with various sections of society, has made continuous efforts to restore peace and tranquility. The law and order situation is gradually improving, and authorities are beginning to relax the curfew for a few hours. While this brings a sense of relief, it does not make any difference to those who have been victimized by the crisis.

India Today NE visited a relief camp in Imphal East that exclusively houses homeless people. Many of the victims, from Yengkhuman, Ikou, and Dolaithabi, expressed the desire for adequate security if they were to return to their original homes.

“Turning all my hard-earned properties and house into cinders was like a nightmare for me. I am so pained worrying about my future, but at the same time, I feel lucky that at least my life is safe from such miscreants," said Takhellambam Ibeyaima from Ikou, describing how her house was torched by miscreants who came in large numbers on the night of May 3.

She informed that there are as many as 127 Meitei households in Ikou, a village under Imphal East district surrounded by the Kuki community. Both communities have been cordial in nature before this tragic incident. However, the tension erupted in another district, turning things sour.

“The whole village fled their homes after getting hints of an attack in the evening. They took shelter for one night at Sagolmang Police Station and later moved here and there in search of a safe zone. Finally, they were shifted to the relief camp where all essential services are provided,” she explained while expressing her love, emotions, and feelings towards her neighboring Kuki brethren that remain unchanged. However, her willingness to return to her original home is suppressed by the fear and trauma caused by the alleged attack carried out by miscreants.

Another woman in her 20s from Yengkhuman, Hawaibam Roma, who is a mother of two children, ages 6 years and 3 months old, said that being a homemaker, she doesn't have enough time to keep up with the news and information happening in the state.

“I am not aware of most of the news and information happening in the state. My husband is a driver, and we live a simple life. Despite this, we have become victims of this incident. The state government should take necessary action against the conspirators or instigators of this crisis,” she lamented while appealing to the state government.

Another woman from Ikou expressed with a teary eye and heavy heart that they receive good food, proper healthcare, and all other basic needs in the relief camp. However, it is very difficult to manage the pain of staying away from her house from May 3 till date. “It is very difficult to bear these unbearable sorrows. For me, I am ready to go back to my original land if and only if the state government provides proper security,” she shared and appealed that no inhumane crisis that will leave an unforgettable pain may occur in the future.