In a gesture of unity and care, the Federation of Civil Society Organisations (FOCS), Manipur, held a special Ningol Chakkouba programme for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and women from both the hills and the valley at Ima Khunthok Hanbi Shanglen, DM University Campus, Thangmeiband.
The gathering featured women leaders, academics, and representatives of several community organisations.
Among those seated on the dais were Acting FOCS President B.M. Yaima Shah, UMO President M. Sorojini Leima, MKNM Secretary L. Mema, Presidency College lecturer Dr. Khullakpam Sapana, IDP representative Naorem Rojita Leima, former MU Anthropology HoD Prof. W. Nabakumar, Kabui Mother’s Organisation President Puirona Kabui, and KTOV Women Wing Secretary Huinu Serto Kom.
Speaking to reporters, Yaima Shah highlighted the prolonged suffering experienced by displaced families, many of whom have been staying in relief camps for close to two years. He called for a compassionate response from all sections of society, reminding that Ningol Chakkouba carries the spirit of care and togetherness.
He stressed that women and children continue to face the harshest consequences of the crisis and urged everyone to share the joys of the festival with the displaced. He also reiterated that FOCS remains committed to supporting affected households.
Yaima Shah further said that a FOCS delegation had recently met officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and later interacted with the Governor of Manipur, pressing for concrete steps to address the displacement issue and bring a sustainable solution.
Reaffirming the organisation’s focus on peace-building, he added that FOCS, along with other civil bodies, will soon roll out follow-up initiatives to strengthen harmony and restore normalcy across Manipur.
