In search of hope: the struggle of Internally Displaced Persons

By – Herojit Philem
Today, India’s jewel is melting into blood because of the fierce fire that has been burning since May 2023. And those forced to leave their homes are taking refuge in relief camps. Despite various assistance provided by the government and organizations, Internally Displaced Persons in relief camps are facing numerous difficulties which can be only seen and known by other IDPs.
Understandably, the situation has compelled us to stay in relief camps. However, the impact of this conflict will remain even after we leave the camps. The longer we stay in relief camps, the more profound the consequences will be. Children whose bodies and minds are rapidly developing are adapting to live in this chaotic environment. It is of great fear thinking about where our children would be if we continue to take shelter in relief camps for some more years. Even though we know the far-reaching consequences, we cannot help but continue to take refuge until our resettlement is arranged.
As months turn into years, the effect of the conflict has become drastically devastating. The scar of this period will remain forever, no matter how hard the external fortune tries to erase it. The longer we continue to stay in relief camps, the worse the transformation in the social structure and family norms will become. As we all know, Meetei’s homes are not only a structural building but a kind of temple with numerous deities in every corner. We worship Lainingthou Sanamahi, Leimarel Sidabi, Imoinu, etc. but since the day we left our home, there is no such sacred place for practising those beautiful customs. And if this prolongs, our children will fail to inculcate the practice which has been handed by our ancestors since time immemorial. At this juncture, it is worth mentioning that this conflict is not only an attack on the present generation but also our long history with their fabricated story, our culture, and even our future generation. This conflict as a whole is transforming Meetei society.
Events that have occurred in the past play a pivotal role in the events that are taking place at present. The decision taken today will decide our future. But we, the IDPs without a stable present, can neither plan for the future nor take any decision. We are rather like some farm animals fed by the master when grunt with hunger.
It is said that 21 days can form or reform human habits. We have been in relief camps for about seventeen months. Life, once busy with routine familiar activities, is now crumbled and dumped in a place wherein our good past habits are slowly disappearing. And if this continues for some more years, it will be very difficult to erase the newly formed habits. The human quality of modifying one’s environment seems to be extinct, as some of us are being completely under-influenced by reinventing ourselves. The biggest question is, will the new version of oneself meet future demand?
IDPs are not just a number in statistics; they are humans with their own fields of expertise, skills and talents. Elders will be gone, and in their place, the youngsters who are holistically affected by the conflict will take the reins for society. The sooner they feel optimistic about their lives, the sooner they can contribute to society. Therefore, let us be ardent and take a collective stand so that our society can resist countless future challenges.
(The writer can be reached at herojit.philem@gmail.com. He is a teacher, and an author and is an inmate at Manipur Trade and Expo Centre, Lamboikhongnangkhong)