Amid the prolonged conflict in Manipur, a group of internally displaced children at the Sajiwa Relief Camp in Imphal East have shown that resilience can be rebuilt through creativity and care. In a poignant moment marked by a mix of anguish and hope, 44 children—including 37 girls—received Phanek Mayek Naiba and tracksuits today, distributed by Keisam Pradipkumar, Chairperson of the Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
The children, who have been undergoing traditional music (Meitei Ishei), dance (Jagoi), and Thang-Ta martial arts training under Oja Indira Konsam and Oja Thokchom Shamumacha, performed vibrant group dances and songs at the event. Their performances stood as a testament to the power of art therapy in helping children cope with trauma, rebuild confidence, and restore mental balance amidst the distress of displacement.
Pradipkumar highlighted the growing mental health crisis among displaced children, referencing the recent suicide of a 13-year-old boy from the Saiton area as a heartbreaking example. He called for a comprehensive action plan involving healthcare access, mental health professionals, and social security schemes to support the children.
The Sajiwa relief centre currently shelters around 770 internally displaced persons, including women and children from violence-affected areas such as Ikou, Dolaithabi, Itham Moirangpurel, Saikul, and Churachandpur. The families have been residing at the camp since August 2023 after fleeing their homes for safety.
The distribution of formal dresses was part of an initiative by Humanitarian Aid International (HAI), which has also been conducting weekly traditional arts training every Sunday. In addition to art-based healing, the children are also receiving educational support as part of the broader intervention. The children will soon begin giving public performances in their newly distributed traditional attire.