‘Can’t connect with families, send money to parents’: Manipur natives in Chandigarh tricity call for peace and unity

“The reason for conflict among the two tribes is not new. It is a prevailing issue that is aggravated because the government didn’t take measures to resolve the conflict on time. It’s the people who are living there and witnessing the situation who actually know, feel and understand the real issue,” said Nungshibee, a student from Manipur currently studying in Chandigarh.

The Manipur government imposed a curfew in most of the districts and suspended mobile internet services in the entire state after a mass rally turned violent in an area bordering Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts last month. Due to the internet ban and law and order disruption in Manipur, youngsters from other parts of India, including the Chandigarh tricity, are finding it hard to get in touch with their families and friends.

“I used to video call home daily, but ever since internet facilities were shut down, I haven’t been able to talk to my family properly. Since I am a student, I need to pay my rent, my fees and other expenses, but I am not able to get the money from home. It’s been so hard. I pray for my family’s well being every day,” another student, not willing to be identified, told The Indian Express.

“The central government should handle the situation quickly. Both tribes — Kuki and Meiti — are like siblings. Whatever the reason for the conflict this time, it is the responsibility of the government to resolve and restore peace. I have my parents and my sister, whom I used to talk to daily via video calling. I can’t do that now since the internet facilities remain suspended in several parts of Manipur. I plead to the government to at least restore internet services so that people like me can contact their loved ones,” said Akoijam Paikhomba, general secretary of Manipur Students’ Association, Chandigarh.

A salon operator who hails from Manipur told The Indian Express that Manipur natives from both tribes work with her. “They’re working peacefully, and I hope it remains the same. This is a sensitive topic to discuss. No one will give you a clear picture. There is a major food shortage in Manipur. It is not clear how our families are surviving. People can’t travel due to fear as most villages are located in remote areas. I work here and send some of my earnings to my family back in Manipur. Lately, I have been unable to do so because of the disruption of law and order.”

“Only we can understand the plight of our state. The prices are so high for everything. Although the government sends food, there is a lot of shortage of essential items. Just sending in food and setting up camps is not a solution. We need firm action by the government to stop this conflict. Job opportunities are extremely low. I believe half of the conflicts can be resolved if more job opportunities are provided in our state,” another Manipur native who runs a salon in Sector 20, Panchkula, told The Indian Express.