Thousands of displaced people from Churachandpur whose houses were vandalised and burnt down in the recent communal violence that broke out in Manipur are, now, living in fear and insecurity. Panic-stricken and traumatised, they are hoping to resettle at safer places. They fear they will not be able to live in their homes or villages again.
"Our only homes were completely destroyed. Our lands are being occupied by others (as informed by our neighbours). We have no place to stay at present other than the relief centres opened on humanitarian grounds by local clubs and organisations," said one Sarangthem Nandakumar, displaced by the recent ethnic violence in Manipur.
A resident of Hmar Veng in Churachandpur, he is 78 years old. At present, he is taking shelter at a relief centre in Kumbi, Bishnupur district along with his family members.
Stating that going back to their respective houses and places in Churachandpur after facing a traumatic violent act is next to impossible, he questioned how long can relief camps continue to facilitate the thousands of displaced people.
The government should take the initiative to permanently relocate them at a safer site, as citizen centric government, he added.
The displaced students, especially those who recently appeared in the 10th and 12th board examinations, numbering in hundreds, are also living in fear of losing their academic process.
Expressing their fear and concern to a visiting team of mediapersons on Tuesday, they raised their demand to the state government to provide them a solution for a permanent settlement, where they can live freely and peacefully.
Other students also demanded the government to make an arrangement for the displaced students to help them continue their education.
Two girl students who recently appeared the 12th examination, on behalf of all the displaced students, also expressed their concern to the media.
They drew the attention of the government to ensure that all the displaced students also get the same opportunity as other students in pursuing their further education by framing a special policy.
Also Read: Manipur Unrest: Villagers live in fear from SoO militants, hoping for rescue