In a significant gesture of reconciliation and hope, Anthony Naulak from the Paite tribe of the Zomi community visited his Meitei mother-in-law in Imphal for the first time since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023. This visit, which took place at his wife’s residence in Singjamei Chingamakha, Imphal West, marked an emotional reunion. Anthony expressed his longing for blessings from his mother-in-law and conveyed optimism for lasting peace and harmony in a state that has been marred by prolonged ethnic tensions following the eruption of conflict.
Anthony recounted that after the violence escalated, he, his wife Okram Jaya, and their daughter fled to Delhi for safety. They resided there temporarily before he moved to Churachandpur to evaluate the situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). During his media interactions, Anthony revealed that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the High Court, which seeks adequate provisions of food and essential supplies for IDPs, a matter currently under scrutiny by the Supreme Court.
He highlighted the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on innocent civilians, many of whom are living in relief camps, and stressed the necessity of government intervention to facilitate the safe return of displaced families to their homes. With a new government in place, Anthony expressed his hope to meet with the Chief Minister to discuss the various challenges faced by IDPs and to advocate for the essential measures needed for their rehabilitation and security.