Help poured in from hundreds of concerned citizens in India and abroad for the injured students, who were victims of physical assault carried out by the Central and the state forces.
Over 300 Meiteis, Kabui, Tangkhul, Meitei Pangal, Tamil and well-wishers from all across the globe contributed a collective fund of Rs 6,74,515 to alleviate the burden of medical expenses borne by families of the injured students, stated a release.
A coordination team in Manipur including Sanathoiba Ningombam, Oinam Urmila Chanu and Ringo Pebam collected the money from Manipur, Europe, Singapore, Australia, South Africa, various states of India, the United States of America and Canada, it mentioned. The amount was handed over to eight injured students on Friday and Saturday, it added.
The students are Kishan Loitongbam of Yairipok who has shoulder injury with 40 pellets yet to be removed; Johnson Mayanglangbam of Top Khongang Makhong who has lost his vision; Uttam Soibam of Liwa Maibam Leikai, who has multiple pellet injuries in his head, face and hand; Jotin Wahengbam of Lilong Arapti, who has blunt trauma in the liver area; Raju Thangjam of Nambol Khabi, who has face injury; Santosh Asem of Khumbong Makha Leikai, who also has face injury; Pipin Takhellambam of Loushangkhong, who has multiple pellet injuries from head to toe and Nungshithoi Leitanthem (Henja Chanu) of Waiton who sustained leg injuries, the release said.
Ringo Pebam also thanked everyone who came forward to help the injured students, it stated. He added that the volunteers are not affiliated to any political groups, CSOs or organisations but they are just individuals who want to help, it said.
Many students sustained severe injuries during the protest held against the abduction and the cold-blooded murder of Linthoingambi Hijam, 17, and Phijam Hemanjit, 20, by Kuki narco terrorists, it mentioned.
