Scent of coexistence: Manipur’s women find hope and empowerment in Delhi

New Delhi: Many have seen their homes burned down and families separated. Living in relief camps for over a year, the pain of seeing their former friends from other communities become part of rampaging mobs remains fresh.
But despite hardships, women like Sophia Oinam, who is from Meitei community, and Kim Hoi Phal, a Kuki, embody a powerful message of coexistence and resilience, as they delve into the art of perfume-making at Delhi University’s Hindu College.
A joint initiative by Manipur govt, Hindu College and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, under the mentorship of Supreme Court appointed committee and headed by retired Justice Gita Mittal, the project aims to promote entrepreneurial skills and empower women. It has brought together 30 young women, including some who could not continue their studies or missed NEET due to the violence, for a 21-day training in Delhi, followed by a visit to CSIR - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Lucknow.
Sharing a room at Hindu College girls’ hostel with a Meitei and Naga colleague, Kim, belonging to Vaiphei tribe from Kangpokpi district, recalls the fateful night of May 4, 2023.
“It was my birthday when a large mob descended on our village, shouting and burning houses. However, help for my family came from my Meitei friends. Around 3pm, we were rescued by Army and taken to Malom camp. Thereafter, we stayed at the Army division headquarters at Leimakhong for a week,” she said, adding, “Many villagers sent their children with some belongings to the jungles to take shelter.”
Kim couldn’t sit for her fourth-semester tourism and management degree exam on May 13.
With over 50,000 people living in camps, May 3, 2023 continues to hurt the collective memory of an entire people. That was the day a ‘tribal solidarity march’ organised in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for ST status led to ethnic clashes between the Meitei and the Kuki communities.
Serina Chanu, who is from the Meitei community, recalled the nightmare. “We were having dinner. Suddenly, there was an alarm about an attack. We left for the SP’s office as our village got burnt down.”
For the past 14 months, the sixth-semester student of BA (H) Political Science has been living in a relief camp in Bishnupur with her eight-member family. “Life in the relief camp is difficult. Most youngsters are now daily wagers trying to make ends meet for the family,” she said. And while she said there is “nothing left” to return to her village, she does yearn for a “normal, peaceful Manipur”.
For some, the unrest shattered their dreams. Sophia, who has been staying in a relief camp in Langol Leima Khullen for over a year with her family, couldn’t attempt NEET last year.
“It was dark. I was preparing for the exam when we suddenly heard a lot of noise outside. The village was under attack by a mob. Assam Rifles rescued us at 2am and took us to the headquarters. My house was burnt down. There is nothing left. I will try to rebuild it when I return, but it can’t be the same,” she said.
Ningombam Yaiphalembi from Churachandpur, a Meitei youngster, shares a room with “other community” members. Now, learning new techniques at the “Skill Training in Fragrance Formulation for Wellness Products”, she said with a sense of disbelief: “Here I felt something I have never felt before. I have Kuki friends”. Being part of this group has renewed her hope in “coexistence”, she added.
Building bridges might take time, but it’s worth the effort, said Woryohon Awungshai, from Ukhrul’s Tangkhul tribe. “My Kuki and Meitei roommates realise the crisis was due to a misunderstanding. It will take time to heal, but coming together is the way forward.”
Naga woman Lupangai Liu Pannei of the Rongmei community from Tamenglong, said, “The younger generation should try to unite all communities. Such initiatives not only empower, but also reflect the importance of inclusivity.”
“We are from the same forefathers, we are from Manipur, and we are from India. That should be a lesson as we heal. We should let go of the past and pray for progress,” said Sophia.