Churachandpur: Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) sheltering in various relief camps across Churachandpur district, Manipur, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the failure of the district administration to release the weekly ration supply.
With nearly 20,000 displaced persons spread across 115 relief camps in the district since the outbreak of ethnic conflict in May last year, the ration supply forms a lifeline for many. In addition to the ration supply, these IDPs are being looked after by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) within the district.
The protestors demanded the immediate release of the ration supply for the month of February, asserting that there is no valid reason for the district administration to halt their weekly ration distribution.
According to the IDPs, their sustenance has been facilitated by the Centre, and they argued that the district administration has no authority to deny them their entitled provisions. They voiced concerns over the prospect of starvation if the situation persists.
During the protest, inmates of the relief camps symbolically displayed their empty pots and utensils, highlighting the dire challenges they face without access to basic necessities.
Protestors, including children, held placards bearing slogans such as ‘we refuse to be ignored’, ‘denying food is the worst form of violence’, ‘Home burnt, life threatened, food denied’, ‘we need food to survive’, ‘GoI, can’t you provide us basic needs’, among others.
Displaced persons revealed that the inmates in 115 centers are being assisted by 15 civil society organizations based in Churachandpur. They receive a weekly distribution of 44+7 food and non-food items, including 1001 bags of rice, 245.5 bags of Dal, and 209 bags of potatoes, which are typically distributed every Monday by the district administration.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Meanwhile, sources report a lack of clarity regarding the whereabouts of the district deputy commissioner following an incident where miscreants torched the DC office last week.
Additionally, the district administration has provided no explanation for the abrupt halt in ration distribution, despite ample food stocks available at the district’s godown.
Also Read | RIMS Imphal introduces cutting-edge digital imaging system