An Appeal

In the wake of recent ethnic disturbances and ensuing violence, thousands of people have been internally displaced within Manipur. In addition to being rendered helpless and homeless, their houses have been burnt, their property destroyed, and they have been forced to leave their land. Many have fled for their lives, some even barefoot, with only their clothes on. It is as if they have become refugees in their own State, facing extreme hardships even for their necessities.

Most of these displaced people are currently sheltered in makeshift relief camps, numbering over 100. These camps have been spontaneously set up & run by local clubs, village leaders, youth groups, etc. by raising funds from their own sources, supported by prompt response from the general public, at large.

The Ramakrishna Mission, Imphal, has also been trying to ease the sufferings of the afflicted, by way of distributing dry ration items (consisting of pulses, salt, edible oil, soya nuggets, baby food, infant milk, etc.), hygiene kits (consisting of bathing soap, washing powder, toothpaste, toothbrush, baby diapers, etc.), utensils, as well as, local clothing items, mats, etc. to meet their most pressing needs in these critical times.

So far, we have reached out to inmates of over 40 relief camps sheltering more than 5000 displaced people from more than 7 districts. We have witnessed firsthand the misery of these distressed people and their dire need for necessities. The onset of monsoon has added to their woes, especially of women & children, as temperatures dipped down during the rains and there is an urgent additional need for warm beddings, clothing, blankets, etc.

The prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed due to the disruption of supply lines owing to these disturbances and the public has started feeling its impact. Hence their capacity to continue supporting the displaced people is gradually waning. It is difficult for the state administration alone to cope with the unprecedented scale of misery being faced by the people of Manipur.

Thus, to continue our efforts to reach out to as many of them as possible, we are in need of funds and appeal to our well-wishers, admirers, and kindhearted people for their generous contribution in support of our humble efforts to alleviate the suffering of the affected people to some extent.

While thanking all those who contributed for this noble cause, we request our well-wishers, admirers and friends to come forward and donate liberally, to help us in this noble endeavour. All donations by cheque / demand draft should be drawn in favour of “RAMAKRISHNA MISSION” payable at Kolkata and are exempt from income tax under section 80G (5) of the I.T. Act. The online donation facility is also available through https://donations.belurmath.org. Please mention your name, full postal address and PAN details while sending a donation. Donations may be sent to: The General Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, (Relief Section), Belur Math, Howrah, West Bengal – 711 202, India.