March 19, 2025 : While the rest of Manipur celebrated the grand Yaoshang festival with sports and cultural events, young women from the aggression-prone areas of Sanasabi and Thamnapokpi under Lamlai Assembly Constituency, along with internally displaced individuals from Gwaltabi and Sanakeithel, were left to endure their harsh reality in silence.
Deprived of the joy that comes with one of Manipur’s biggest festivals, these young women struggle daily in an environment marred by narco-terrorism and instability.
In a bid to uplift their spirits and encourage them amidst these trying times, political activist Sapamcha Kangleipal organized a counseling program and a grand feast at his residence in Nongada, Imphal East.
The event provided not only a meal but also a moment of solace, strength, and motivation for those who have been forced to live under constant uncertainty.
Speaking to the media, Kangleipal lamented the plight of these young women, emphasizing the lack of concern from elected representatives who, he claimed, only appear during elections but are absent when the people face true hardship.
While the Yaoshang festival symbolizes joy, unity, and cultural heritage for most of Manipur, for these young women in every conflict zone, it remains a distant dream.
As they navigate through adversity, the event reflects the need for long-term intervention and attention from authorities to ensure that displaced and vulnerable communities are not forgotten.
