Morung Express news
Dimapur | May 6
Days after violence rocked Manipur over the peace-rally held against the inclusion of the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category list at Churachandpur on May 3, scores of people have been left stranded at various relief camps across Imphal and the neighbouring districts.
A social worker stationed at Imphal told this newspaper that the situation in Imphal city was more or less under control as on Saturday.
“Security forces have been arriving in Imphal since the last couple of days and deployed in sensitive areas wherever it is needed,” the social worker who wished to remain anonymous shared. At the same time however, the situation remains “highly charged” across the state, he added.
This was due to the fact that reports of violence were still being heard in the foothills of Manipur where Kuki and Meitei settlements were in close proximity. The army although deployed in these areas were more or less operating on a “hands off approach,” he purported.
The social worker reported that the relief camps in the capital located within military garrisons have been giving refuge to Kukis. At the same time, several relief camps have been set up at Churachandpur district where the Meiteis were taking refuge. “We have been receiving reports about people falling sick due to the lack of proper food and water supply,” he revealed.
With the curfew still in-effect in the entirety of Manipur, essential supplies have been severely affected including access to drinking water supply and a black market has risen up.
“Petrol is being sold at double the price now and likewise biscuits and other goods which earlier used to cost Rs 10 are being sold at 15-20 rupees,” he claimed.This, has further added to the plight of the citizens who were running out of food stocks.
Meanwhile, the social worker criticised the Manipur State’s Human Rights Commission for allegedly remaining in a state of self-imposed suspension when its citizens needed them at this crucial juncture. “We need humanitarian aid right now especially from outside who would be willing to help us,” he said.
To complicate the situation further, he explained that no NGOs belonging to the Meitei or Kuki groups were being allowed to enter each other’s area to provide help to the people stranded in the relief camps. “This is a challenging work for us,” he viewed.
People at the relief camps were also unwilling to seek proper medical assistance at the hospitals for their ailments due to the fear of violence on the streets.
