'All Miseries Melted Away': Over 180 Babies Born In Relief Camps For Those Displaced In Manipur

The violence displaced thousands of people, with officials saying more than 50,000 people are living in camps following the unrest.

A relief camp for displaced persons in violence-hit Manipur. ( Image Source :pti )

New Delhi: Amidst the turmoil of 11 months of conflict, violence, and ongoing uncertainty in Manipur, nearly 200 displaced women, including Hatneu from the Kuki tribe, have found solace in the arrival of their newborns. Hatneu, cradling her baby girl Nganthoibi, named her daughter "shining light" in the shelter where they found refuge. 

"When I held my twins in my arms, all my miseries melted away", a 26-year-old woman at a relief camp in Kakching district told PTI, requesting not to be identified or photographed. Her twin boys are now four months old. "When they grow up, I will tell them these stories. This is an unforgettable period for me for a different reason and I want to remember it that way years later. I don't want any memory of this period to haunt my children when they grow up", she said.

Upon arriving at the relief camp, she braced herself for the journey ahead. Pregnancy, a time typically associated with delicate care, avoidance of heavy lifting, stress reduction, and nutritious eating, became a starkly different experience for her. Instead of the usual considerations for prenatal health, her focus shifted to sheer survival amidst the challenging circumstances of displacement.

Manipur Hit By Ethnic Clashes

Since May 3rd of the previous year, the hill state has been marred by sporadic, and at times intense, ethnic clashes between the dominant Meitei community and the Kukis, resulting in a devastating loss of over 200 lives. While the Meiteis are primarily concentrated in Imphal city, the Kukis have relocated to the hills. The violence has uprooted thousands of individuals, with reports indicating that more than 50,000 people are currently residing in camps due to the unrest. Lu Lamva Ngahjemkim, a Kuki-zo woman, found herself eight months pregnant when the clashes erupted in May 2023.

Seeking refuge, she and her family sought shelter at a relief camp in Churachandpur, which was then the epicenter of the violence. A month later, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, she gave birth to her daughter Christy, who emerged as a beacon of hope amid the darkness. Recounting the harrowing experience, Lu Lamva Ngahjemkim described the chaos of the clashes, during which her family had to seek refuge in the nearby hills until they were rescued by security forces, as per PTI.

Nine-month-old Christy has become a source of joy and fascination at the relief camp, captivating the attention of those around her. A PTI visit to six relief camps across the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley and Kuki-zo dominated Churachandpur district revealed stories of resilience and hope amidst adversity. Among the women finding solace in the form of their newborns are four who welcomed twins.

BJP President Sharda Devi Stresses On Facilities 

Hatneu, now residing in a different camp in Churachandpur, previously ran a bamboo goods shop in the Imphal valley. Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, she embraces motherhood with love and gratitude. Reflecting on her situation, she expresses her attachment to the Valley where she has always lived and the circumstances that forced her relocation. Last month, she gave birth to her baby girl at a nearby health facility, naming her Nganthoibi, signifying "shining light." Hatneu also shares that at least 15 babies have been born in their camp.

Operated until February, the camp ceased operations as the number of pregnant women in valley relief camps declined. Spearheading the initiative, Manipur BJP President Sharda Devi emphasised the necessity of providing adequate space and care for pregnant women, leading to the establishment of the dedicated facility where 168 children were born between May 2023 and February of this year. Each pregnant or lactating woman was permitted to have one attendant staying with them, ensuring personalised support while their families resided in other camps.

Amidst the backdrop of uncertainty and an anti-poll sentiment among the displaced population in Manipur, elections for the state's two Lok Sabha seats have been announced, scheduled alongside the general elections. Set to occur in two phases on April 19 and 26.

Ngahjemkim says she wants to remember this period for the gift she got in her baby. "Despite all odds, my daughter was born here and is healthy today. At a time when I thought none of us would survive… this seems like a miracle",  Ngahjemkin says.