Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: In a heartfelt gesture, the
Kanglei Economic Development
Organisation (KEDO) visited
the residence of the four
villagers who fell victim to a
brutal attack by Kuki militants
while collecting firewood. The
President of KEDO, Soibam
Maniton, accompanied by
General Secretary Sur
Thokchom, Advisors Shanti,
Rani, and Pakpi, along with numerous
organization members,
extended condolences and provided
much-needed support to
the grieving families.
During the visit, KEDO
handed over financial assistance,
including other essential
provisions such as rice,
dal, salt, edible oil, potatoes,
and onions to the bereaved
families. Speaking on the occasion,
Sur Thokchom expressed
the organization’s inability
to assist everyone but
emphasized the significance of
aiding those who were breadwinners
for their families. He
stated, “Today’s assistance
was made possible through
the modest savings of KEDO
members.”
Sur Thokchom assured the
community that KEDO is committed
to providing a means of
livelihood, pledging support if
five individuals from the four
affected families are identified.
Shanti Leima, Advisor of
KEDO and also the President
of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel
Sinpham and Saktam Kanba
Lup, lamented the unfortunate
incident, noting that the victims
were merely collecting firewood
for their livelihood. She
urged understanding, stating,
“It is very unfortunate that the
Kuki militants killed the four
individuals who were collecting
firewood for their livelihood,
and some people misunderstood
their action in times of
war. It should be understood
that the firewood collected will
be sold in the market or used
within each family.
