Imphal, May 7: At least over 6000 from Kuki-Zomi tribals are taking shelter at CRPF Lamphel, 1st and 2nd MR in Imphal. According to reports, there are at least 4 government run relief camps in Imphal East and Imphal West, including many other relief camps run by local clubs and civil bodies.
A doctor in Imphal who is privy to the ground situation in relief camps told a news channel, “The victims are in no better condition.” The doctor along with Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur team who helped in putting up makeshift shelter at CRPF Lamphel said, “It was heart wrenching to see their condition. He appealed to the Health Minister and Medical Directorate to take necessary actions before the outbreak of any diseases among the inmates, especially children and lactating women.”
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The doctor also said among the inmates in the CRPF camps [there are reportedly 3 such CRPF camps] are those who require immediate medical attention. He said the victims are at the risk of developing gastrointestinal disorders due to the lack of proper sanitation, food, medicines and most of all, fear psychosis have gripped them for which they need psychiatric intervention as well.
Around 3000 Meiteis are taking refuge at 5th Assam Rifles camp at KLP in Moreh, Tengnoupal District in the aftermath of the vicious ethnic violence that erupted between the two ethnic communities after the “Tribal Solidarity March” on May 3.
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Similar relief camp in Churachandpur reports that there are around 5000 Meiteis taking refuge at Churachandpur Mini Secretariat following the violence. Keeping aside lack of basic amenities like drinking water, foods and toilets, the victims complain that they are not even getting basic medical attention. Gripped with constant fear and apprehension, they want to be evacuated to safer sites.
The inmates in Churachandpur include women, children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, aged persons and many with health issues. One of the victims taking refuge at the relief camp said, they want to be evacuated to safer place. The person who did not want to be identifed said “one person recently died of BP stroke. Many children are getting sick due to lack of medical attention. Some are vomiting non-stop. Cries of children in desperation are echoing the camp”. Stating that paramilitary forces have evacuated only around two to three groups of people from the camp so far, the victims are pleading to be rescued to safer place even if it’s only till Moirang without further delay.
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Meanwhile, DIPR informed that a number of persons from Kangpokpi, Motbung, Sapermaina and Keithelmanbi reached Imphal safely. A number of persons also left 1st and 2nd MR for their respective homes in Kangpokpi, Chandel, Churachandpur and other places on May 5.
There are unverified reports of both the ethnic communities of Manipur fleeing to Myanmar border areas.
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