Charity Run in London Raises Funds for Displaced Widows in Manipur
CONFLICT
Imphal: Amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, Okram Bishwajit Singh, a London-based chartered accountant, has demonstrated a remarkable act of compassion by raising funds to support displaced women, particularly widows, in his native state. Bishwajit organized a charity run, which he called the "Charity Run for Manipur," and garnered substantial support from his friends and relatives, raising over Rs 2 lakh.
Participating in the “10K Charity Run” held in London on July 14, Bishwajit joined 17,000 other runners as they traversed the iconic landmarks of central London, including Big Ben, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. The event not only celebrated the spirit of the city but also brought attention to the plight of those affected by the ethnic conflict in Manipur.
The funds raised were distributed on August 18, with each of the 33 economically disadvantaged women, mainly widows, receiving Rs 6,000. These women, taking refuge in various relief camps, have faced significant hardships due to the violence that erupted on May 3 last year, which led to over 220 deaths, thousands injured, and nearly 60,000 displaced.
Bishwajit, originally from Thoubal district, expressed his gratitude to his mother, Okram Jamuna Devi, his father, Okram Premchand Singh, and members of the World Meitei Council, who personally visited the relief camps to distribute the funds.
At the Sajiwa relief camp in Imphal East district, a widow expressed her relief, saying, “The money has come at a time when I have lost everything. This support will help me rebuild my life and care for my children.” Another woman from Moreh town said, “The assistance we’ve received shows there are people who care and are willing to help us in the darkest times of our lives.”
Bishwajit acknowledged the contributions of individuals from Europe, America, and India who supported the charity run. “My focus was mainly on widows and economically disadvantaged women living in internally displaced persons’ relief camps in Manipur. Due to limited resources, we could only cover camps in Imphal East, Kwakta, Wangjing, Kakching, Wairi, Wangoo, and Sugnu in the valley districts,” he explained.
He emphasized the need for government action, urging authorities to expedite the return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their places of origin or at least provide a timeline for their resettlement. Bishwajit’s initiative is a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity, even in the face of adversity.
In a similar gesture of solidarity, the American Meitei diaspora contributed Rs 6 lakh to conflict victims last August, presented by former Governor Anusuiya Uikey at the Imphal Raj Bhavan.