THE scarcity of essential items and medicines due to the ongoing civil conflict in Manipur has created an environment of desperation and vulnerability among the residents of the North-Eastern State. While the Kukis, in response to the Centre’s call, have lifted a blockade along National Highway 2, which serves as the “lifeline” for those living in the Imphal valley, the Meiteis have steadfastly maintained their blockade, preventing any supply from reaching Churachandpur, the largest district in the State with a significant Kuki population. Churachandpur is home to around four lakh people. Another 10,000 displaced people are living in the relief camps set up in the district. The shortage of doctors, particularly surgeons, has reached critical levels. The consequences are dire as essential medical treatments, including dialysis, and medicines for cancer and anti-AIDS drugs remain out of reach for those in desperate need. “We really need doctors during this prevailing situation. We still need more senior doctors, senior surgeons and cardiothoracic surgeons, and of course, if possible, we would be really grateful if the Government could send us a heart surgeon, a cardiologist, to deal with all these bullet injuries and tackle the complicated cases of blood injuries,” Dr Tinglonlei, Medical Superintendent, Churachandpur District Hospital, told PTI.

 

The hospital, the lone big facility for a population of about four lakh, had treated 288 bullet injuries till Saturday since ethnic clashes broke out in the region. In the absence of a facility for dialysis, the well-off have already shifted to Aizwal, while the poor have no such option. The Centre sent six teams of doctors to Manipur after Home Minister Amit Shah visited the violence-hit State in May. The situation is further compounded by the sporadic gunfights being reported on a daily basis in the Churachandpur-Bishnupur region, leading to injuries and casualties. Dr Tinglonlei grimly revealed that the only machine capable of locating bullet injuries is currently dysfunctional, exacerbating the already-dire circumstances. The health facilities have also worsened in Tengnoupal and Chandel districts as the supply of essential commodities has been affected due to restrictions imposed on the Asian Highway in the valley areas. Similar concerns were also voiced by the residents of Kwatha, a Meitei village. Nestled amidst six Kuki and three Naga villages, the people of Kwatha pray for peace.

 

“We are surrounded by Kukis, but they have not attacked us so far. We want peace as we are also facing shortages of food and medicines. So far, the Assam Rifles has been ensuring the supply of household items and medicines,” T Ratna, a homemaker from the village, said. The impact extends beyond healthcare as the local population is also bearing the brunt of the skyrocketing prices and rampant inflation caused by the blockade. “We are paying more than Rs 250 for a tray of eggs. The rates have doubled since May. Similarly, the price of mustard leaves has increased to Rs 50 from Rs 20-25. Prices of all household items have more than doubled,” Jam, a woman, said at a Churachandpur market. A chicken seller at the market, located near the district medical college, said the supply is coming from Mizoram as the road from the Imphal valley is closed for Churachandpur.