Legendary Indian boxer and Olympic medallist MC Mary Kom extended humanitarian support to internally displaced persons (IDPs affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur on December 17, distributing blankets and offering messages of solidarity, hope and resilience. Mary Kom visited the protest site at Lanboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West, where the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), along with displaced families, has been holding a continuous protest since December 1. The agitation calls for the resettlement of all displaced families by December 31, in accordance with the timeline earlier announced by the Manipur government.
As part of her visit, the boxing icon distributed blankets to the IDPs and interacted closely with affected families. Expressing deep empathy, she described the initiative as a small yet meaningful gesture, adding that even limited support can bring comfort and renewed hope to those enduring prolonged hardship.
In a major announcement aimed at empowering children impacted by the conflict, Mary Kom said that children from IDP families who are interested in boxing would receive free training at her boxing academy. She highlighted the role of sports in healing trauma, fostering discipline and restoring confidence, especially among children growing up amid violence and displacement.
Calling for continued collective responsibility, Mary Kom appealed to authorities and the wider society to ensure that displaced families are rehabilitated with dignity, safety and long-term security. COCOMI Women Wing Convenor RK Tharaksa praised Mary Kom’s gesture, stating that her presence and support on December 17 provided emotional strength and renewed encouragement to the displaced families. Members of the IDP community and COCOMI also expressed heartfelt gratitude, describing the initiative as a powerful act of compassion at a time of profound distress.