The state’s Women’s Commission has carried out a thorough assessment of the living conditions in Thoubal district. This visit, aimed at assessing the plight of women and children among the displaced, highlights the growing concerns regarding the safety, security, and humanitarian conditions for thousands of families who have fled their homes due to ethnic violence and unrest in the region.
The Situation in Manipur
Manipur, a northeastern state of India, has been grappling with intense ethnic and communal violence over the past year. Violent clashes between various ethnic groups, particularly the Meitei and Kuki communities, have resulted in widespread displacement, destruction of properties, and loss of lives. As a result, tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in temporary shelters and relief camps.
The internally displaced persons (IDPs) are primarily women, children, and the elderly, many of whom have been living in dire conditions without access to basic facilities. The state government, alongside various humanitarian organizations, has been making efforts to provide assistance. However, the situation remains precarious, and many IDPs continue to live in makeshift camps with limited access to healthcare, sanitation, and other essential services.
The Role of the Manipur Women’s Commission
The Manipur Women’s Commission, an important body that works towards the welfare and empowerment of women in the state, recently conducted an on-ground inspection of the camps in Thoubal district. The visit was aimed at understanding the specific challenges faced by displaced women, particularly with regard to safety, health, and livelihood. The commission’s delegation met with women and children in the camps, listening to their concerns and documenting their experiences.
The commission is particularly concerned with the psychological and physical toll that displacement has had on women and children. Many women in the camps have reported incidents of trauma, domestic violence, and sexual abuse. The disruption of their regular lives has left many women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, with limited avenues for support or justice.
Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, Ashalata, emphasized that the conditions of displaced women in Thoubal were deeply concerning. She stated, “Our primary focus is on the safety and dignity of women, especially in the camps where many are exposed to harassment and violence. The commission will continue to push for better living conditions and more stringent protection measures for women and children.”
The Findings and Concerns
The Manipur Women’s Commission’s assessment uncovered several critical issues that the displaced population is facing in the relief camps of Thoubal. One of the most significant concerns is the lack of adequate sanitation facilities. Many of the camps are overcrowded, and basic amenities such as clean drinking water, latrines, and proper drainage are either insufficient or poorly maintained. This has led to a deterioration in hygiene, resulting in the spread of waterborne diseases among the displaced families.
Another key issue highlighted was the limited access to healthcare services. With an increased number of women and children in the camps, there is a growing need for maternal and child healthcare services, as well as treatment for injuries and illnesses. However, medical facilities in many of these camps are inadequate, and there is a severe shortage of qualified healthcare professionals. Many women have expressed concerns about not being able to access timely medical care, particularly for pregnancy-related complications or chronic conditions.
Psychological trauma has also emerged as a significant concern. The commission noted that many women in the camps are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the violence they have witnessed or experienced. With limited access to mental health support, many women are left to cope with their trauma alone, which is further exacerbated by the lack of social and emotional support systems in the camps.
Additionally, the commission observed that displaced women and children have limited opportunities for livelihood and economic independence. Most of the women in the camps were engaged in agricultural or daily wage labor before their displacement, but the ongoing violence and insecurity have made it difficult for them to continue their work. This lack of economic activity has further trapped them in a cycle of dependency on humanitarian aid, with no clear path to self-sufficiency.
The Commission’s Recommendations
Following their assessment, the Manipur Women’s Commission has recommended a series of measures to improve the conditions of IDPs in the region. These include the construction of better sanitation facilities, the establishment of mobile health units, and the deployment of trained counselors to assist displaced women with their mental health needs. The commission also called for a more comprehensive approach to the security of women, with the inclusion of female law enforcement officers in the camps to ensure that women feel safe and protected from violence.
The commission has also urged the state and central governments to invest in long-term rehabilitation plans for the displaced communities, including providing opportunities for vocational training and livelihood support for women. By helping women regain economic independence, the commission believes that they will be able to rebuild their lives and contribute to the overall stability of the region.
The assessment by the Manipur Women’s Commission in Thoubal highlights the severe challenges faced by internally displaced persons in the region, particularly women and children. The lack of basic facilities, healthcare, and protection in the relief camps is exacerbating the already difficult situation for these vulnerable populations. The Commission’s findings underscore the need for urgent attention from both the state and central governments to improve the living conditions of IDPs and provide them with the support they need to rebuild their lives.
With the ongoing violence and instability in Manipur, the role of organizations like the Manipur Women’s Commission becomes even more crucial in ensuring that the rights and welfare of displaced women and children are not overlooked. The government and other stakeholders must take swift action to address the recommendations put forward by the Commission to safeguard the dignity, health, and safety of those affected by the conflict.