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Reena’s story is one among many affected by the ongoing unrest in Manipur. (photo: News18)
The crisis, which began on May 3, has forced Rina, her husband, P Robert, and their three children – Lamanganbi (7 years old), Wangthwe (5 years old) and Langhambe (7 months) – to start over.
Amidst the ongoing crisis that has left nearly 60,000 individuals displaced in Manipur, the resilience and tenacity of 29-year-old Pokhrambam Raina has been an inspiring story in these difficult times.
Determined to protect her children from the harsh realities they face, Rena takes up the task of extracting silk fibers while staying at a relief camp at Qingmairong in Imphal East.
Rina, a mother of three, expressed her desire to protect her children from problems and worries. “I want my children to think that everything is normal and that we go on with our lives as normal,” she said, gently cradling her seven-month-old baby on her lap as she spoke EXCLUSIVELY with News18.
The crisis, which began on May 3, has forced Rina, her husband, P Robert, and their three children – Lamanganbi (7 years old), Wangthwe (5 years old) and Langhambe (7 months) – to start over. Their family home in Churachandpur Thingkangphai Makha Leikai was among the buildings destroyed during the initial stages of the unrest. Fortunately, they were evacuated safely with the help of the security forces.
With no resources or property to fall back on, Rina and the many like her who stayed in relief camps across the state conducted small-scale livelihood programs under the supervision of local legal aid agencies, civic bodies, and NGOs.
Speaking of the hardship she and her family endured from the beginning of the crisis until their evacuation to Imphal, Rina expressed her fears about the children’s future. Despite her husband’s recent illness, which has kept him in bed for the past two weeks, Rina is determined to secure her children’s financial stability.
Although her family has a farming background, Rina registered herself as a daily wage laborer in the relief camp. Under a livelihood mission program initiated by Apunba Chingmeirong and local MLA Th Arunkumar, it is now mining silk fibres. While her daily earnings are only around 100 rupees, Reena plans to save every penny as capital for her future business plans when things return to normal in Manipur.
“Since the authorities provide our daily bread and basic needs for free, I will save the money I earn for future use or invest it in a business to support my family,” Rina explained. So far, it has collected Rs. 300 workers in the relief camp.
Reena’s story is one among many affected by the ongoing unrest in Manipur. Those in the relief camps are anxiously awaiting life to return to normal, and are eager to be resettled in their hometowns with the support of government-led resettlement initiatives.
As the crisis drags on, Rena’s determination and resilience is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Manipur. Their unwavering hope for a brighter future fuels their perseverance in the face of adversity.
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