By Khumanthem Dhanachandra
Imphal, Oct 20:
The serene state of Manipur, once known for its tranquility and untouched beauty, now bears the scars of unending violence. This turmoil has cast a long shadow over every individual living in its bounds, altering the course of their lives, either directly or indirectly. From heartbreaking tales of lost lives and grievous injuries to displaced families unable to return to their ancestral homes, the extent of anguish is boundless. Among the countless individuals touched by this tragedy is Shamurailatpam Satyam of Keirak Mamang Leikai. On September 8, amidst the chaos in the Pallel area, he fell victim to a gunshot that penetrated his back, damaging the erector spinae, supraspinous ligament, and the spinous process of the L3 vertebrae.
Satyam, who once stood as the primary provider for his family, now lies confined to his bed, grappling with the daunting uncertainty of his future. Each day, he battles both the physical pain and the emotional torment, mourning the life he once led and fearing for the well-being of his family. Following the gunshot, Satyam underwent surgery at Raj Medicity. While his path to recovery involves numerous medical procedures, the financial strain weighs heavily on him. With dwindling resources, he finds himself caught between the need for essential medical care and the mounting costs that his family can scarcely afford. The tale of Satyam is but a reflection of the countless stories of hardship and resilience emanating from the heart of Manipur during these turbulent times.
As he lay on his back, immobilized by pain, Satyam’s gaze turned distant, recounting the events that brought him to his current plight. Beside him, his wife listened, her face a mask of sorrow but her eyes reflecting the unyielding spirit of a pillar of strength.
His voice, though strained, bore a weight of undeniable conviction as he spoke, “The blame for this anguish I endure lies squarely on the shoulders of the Assam Rifles.” Taking a deep breath, he continued, “That fateful day at Pallel Laimanai Chingjin remains etched in my memory. News had spread that our community might come under attack, prompting many of us to head to that location. Our intention was to plead with the Assam Rifles, asking for their support to safeguard our people from potential assaults. I still remember our words – they were infused with respect and urgency, not malice. We informed them of the narco-terrorists and other assailants from Myanmar who were posing threats to India.”
Satyam paused momentarily, swallowed hard, and then went on, “Our conversation with them grew tense, and a disagreement arose. Suddenly, they took a step back, and without much warning, tear gas canisters clouded the area. Amidst our coughing and struggling to breathe, the unexpected happened – the sound of live ammunition pierced the air. It was no stray bullet or accidental firing. They aimed directly at us. While two of my comrades succumbed to their injuries, I was fortunate to survive the assault.”
Satyam’s voice wavered but the determination was evident, “The Assam Rifles have been instituted to guard India, and here we are, trying to protect Manipur, an integral part of this nation. And yet, they shot at us. By the laws of our land, their actions amount to an attempt at murder.” His voice choked as memories surged, “Two of our own were taken that day. I managed to escape death, but the images of that horror haunt me. Those responsible, those AR personnel, they must face the full weight of the law for their crimes against innocent souls.” Satyam’s eyes welled up as he added, “I demand that they be meted out capital punishment for their actions.”
Taking a moment to gather himself, he went on, “Given that my life will never be the same, and the physical toil I once managed is beyond me now, I implore the government to assist. Whether it’s through financial schemes, loans, or other means – my hope is for some semblance of relief.”
Beside him, Jina Samurailatpam, his wife, interjected with her own tale of despair. Her voice was laden with emotion as she shared, “Satyam was our rock, the primary provider for our family. My mother-in-law grapples with mental health issues, and with my husband now incapacitated, our future appears bleak. Although we receive some financial aid from kind souls, it is a mere drop in the ocean of our needs. We are in desperate need of more substantial assistance, both from compassionate citizens and from our government.”
In times of turmoil, when the very institutions meant to shield its citizens falter, it is individuals like Satyam who rise to the occasion, driven by a deep sense of duty towards their community. Yet, it’s a stark irony that those who brave the front lines, standing up for their people, often find themselves grappling with hardships, their sacrifices going unnoticed. It becomes the moral responsibility of the government and society at large to recognize their valor and ensure that they are not left abandoned in their hour of need.
Satyam’s story is a testament to this. As he and his wife navigate the aftermath of that fateful day, their eyes remain filled with hope, searching for signs of support and understanding. Their wait is symbolic, a representation of countless others who, having stood up when it mattered the most, now await the recognition and aid of the government and their fellow citizens. As the curtain falls on their tale, one thing remains clear: the collective conscience of a nation must rally around its unsung heroes, ensuring they never feel alone in their battles.
