Churachandpur (Manipur) [India], July 1 (HBTV): It has been two years since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023, forcing Thaljasei Baite and his family to flee their home in Uttangpokpi village, Chandel district.

Now living as internally displaced persons in a relief camp at Churachandpur, Baite and over 500 other displaced members of the Kuki community endure cramped and unsanitary conditions in a youth hostel-turned-shelter.

Baite grew emotional as he looked at old photographs of his home, a stark contrast to their current surroundings.'It was good back home, but here we are facing many difficulties. At home, we used to eat local food, rice and vegetables from our farm. Here, we have no money, and everything is expensive. I feel like going back home,' he said.

Despite a relative calming of violence, over 50,000 people—Kuki-Zo communities from the valley and Meiteis from the hills—remain displaced. The extended period of displacement has taken a psychological toll, particularly on children and families.

Vumjang Holai, another displaced person, recalled the trauma of losing his entire village to arson on June 4, 2023.'Initially, around 100 people from our village took shelter here. We had nothing with us. We were given clothes and rice to eat,' he said.

While government agencies and NGOs provide basic necessities such as food, clothing, and health check-ups, daily hardships persist. Sangtoi, a displaced resident, shared her family's ongoing challenges.'We have been living here for two years. My mother has cancer, and we are struggling to afford her treatment. We are also facing difficulties in getting enough food,' she said.

The voices of thousands displaced in Manipur echo a shared plea—for dignity, healing, and the chance to return home and rebuild peaceful lives.

(ANI)