In the midst of turmoil, a glimmer of hope emerges in Manipur’s Kakching district, where a rehabilitation centre offers a beacon of opportunity for displaced individuals. The District Khelo India centre, a sprawling facility, is training those affected by the Meitei-Kuki ethnic violence in various skills, providing a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and dignity.
At the centre, around 60 families, comprising 134 individuals, are learning the ropes of various trades, including candle making, craft making, carpentry, detergent making, and stitching. The initiative, launched by the District Collector’s office, aims to empower displaced persons, enabling them to earn their living and rebuild their lives.
Ebeyama Maibam, 71, a resident who lost her grocery shop in Sugnu during the violence, has reason to be optimistic. Her son, who received compensation to build a new house in Serou, is now constructing their future home. Maibam’s story is a testament to the programme’s efficacy, which not only provides skills but also facilitates job placement.
Naobi, 50, and her son Thoiba, 19, have been at the centre for two years. Having fled to Myanmar and eventually deported, they now reside at the facility. Thoiba, who was offered candle making training, declined, opting instead to work in the fields during harvest season. He needs to priorities securing his lost certificates and focusing on his Class X exams.
Kha Manipur College in Kakching is home to two rehabilitation centres, with the skill development programme also initiated at the main campus. Thomba, a 20-year-old, left Sugnu after his house was burnt down and has been at the centre for a year. He is eager to take his Class X exam and was disheartened when the last skill development programme concluded.
Mani, a volunteer at the centre, notes that many residents prefer jobs as labourers or field workers, while others are self-employed. At another centre, Maniyama Khuniyayi, the manager, reports that residents have become entrepreneurs, creating their own businesses through detergent making and candle production.
Kakching District Collector Rohit Anand was recognized for his efforts under the Skill Development category at the Excellence in Governance Awards 2024, organized by The Indian Express. Anand’s vision was to empower displaced individuals, enabling them to earn a living and regain their dignity. His administration’s initiative has provided a new lease on life for many, offering hope in the face of adversity.
As the district moves forward, the rehabilitation centre remains a vital lifeline, providing a means to rebuild and restart. With the programme’s success, the people of Kakching are now better equipped to face the future, armed with skills, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-violence-hit-kakching-skill-training-at-relief-centres-offers-sliver-of-normalcy-9891649/
Category : India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-03-18 04:34:00
