They burnt my hous(hous)

Imphal. They have been(hous) living in the camp for the last four days. Everyday many more people are also reaching there. All such camps have been set up in the valleys as well as on the mountains and those people whose houses have been burnt are being brought here. About 23,000 people have been brought to these camps in the last four days. who are forced to sleep in the open.

The clashes broke out after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organized in 0 hill districts of the state to protest against the demand of granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community. People of the Meitei community, which constitute 53 percent of Manipur’s population, mostly live in the Imphal Valley. The Adivasi-Naga and Kuki form the remaining 40 per cent who generally live in the hilly districts.

Talked to a refugee who has been living in the camp for the last four days with eight members of his family. Keeping in mind their safety, the name of their camp is not being disclosed here. He told, that day a large number of miscreants came and we ran away. They burnt our house. I ran away from there with my family. We were rescued by the security forces and brought here.

He further said, the security forces provided us basic facilities in these camps. There are many people here. The government is trying but at one time there is not much to eat here. Food is served on a first come, first served basis.

He said, I do not know. My house has been burnt. I don’t know where should I go now. In such a situation, when more people are coming continuously, I cannot go to those areas where people of other communities are dominant. We are making space in the open outside the camp. We have to be together and I hope that day comes soon.

At least 125 columns of the army are working to rescue people and take them to safer places. The administration is taking steps to maintain peace in the area. Along with this, organizations have been formed for peace.

However, when will the life of the refugees be normal. When will these people be able to go to their homes, this question still persists.