04/09/2026
A Helping Hand in Times of Crisis: HSC Imphal Extends Support to 68 Artisans Affected by Manipur Community Clashes
The pain of losing one’s home, livelihood and lifelong belongings is difficult to describe in words. For families affected by the recent community clashes in Manipur, the trauma has been particularly devastating. Many people have spent a prolonged period in rehabilitation camps after their houses were burnt and their properties destroyed. For them, life has had to begin again—almost from zero.
Among those affected are 68 artisans who are presently staying in a rehabilitation camp in Imphal East. Their homes, belongings and sources of livelihood have been severely affected, leaving many of them facing acute financial hardship. Their children continue their education while living in the rehabilitation camp, making the struggle for normalcy even more difficult.
Recognising the difficult circumstances faced by these artisan families, the Handicrafts Service Centre (HSC), Imphal, under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), took the initiative to extend immediate humanitarian assistance. The matter was discussed with a Non-Governmental Organisation associated with the office, with the objective of providing whatever support was possible to the affected artisan families.
Accordingly, relief materials were distributed to the 68 artisans, comprising 5 kg rice, 2.5 kg potatoes, 1 kg peas, 1 kg dal, 1 kg sugar, 100 grams tea, 250 grams Amul milk powder, two packets of Maggi, three packets of biscuits, one soap, two packets of papad and one litre of mustard oil for each beneficiary.
“Standing Together in Times of Crisis — A Helping Hand for the People of Manipur”
The relief programme was organised by HSC, Imphal, for people affected by the recent community clashes in Manipur under the message:
“Standing Together in Times of Crisis — A Helping Hand for the People of Manipur.”
The programme was held at Imphal East, Manipur, in the presence of officers and representatives associated with the concerned relief camp and district authorities, including Shri Waikhom Jiban Meitei, Nodal Officer, Porompat Veterinary Relief Camp, Government of Manipur, and Shri Senjam Ibohanbi Singh, Representative of the Relief Camp, along with other well-wishers and associated persons.
However, the initiative was not limited merely to distribution of essential food and household items. The affected artisans expressed a deeper and more urgent need—the means to rebuild their livelihoods.
The artisans requested that they may be provided tool kits through HSC, Imphal, so that they can restart their traditional handicraft activities, produce quality finished products and gradually regain their economic independence. Such support could enable them to participate in exhibitions and other marketing platforms, thereby creating opportunities to earn income and support their families.
From Relief to Rehabilitation
For an artisan who has lost a home, tools, raw materials and accumulated possessions, restoring livelihood is not an overnight process. Food assistance can provide immediate relief, but sustainable rehabilitation requires handholding, skill support, tools, market access and opportunities to earn.
Keeping this larger objective in view, HSC, Imphal, also attempted to undertake online registration of all 68 affected artisans. However, the registration process could not be completed due to a server-related technical problem. Nevertheless, the details of the artisans have been collected by the Centre and it has been decided to accord priority to their cases for further necessary assistance.
The initiative highlights an important principle: relief should ultimately lead to rehabilitation, and rehabilitation should lead to self-reliance.
For these 68 artisans, a tool kit may be much more than a collection of equipment. It could represent an opportunity to return to their craft, rebuild their confidence, generate an income and once again become economically independent.
The suffering endured by families displaced by community violence is an unforgettable chapter in their lives. Their children are growing up in rehabilitation camps while continuing their education, and their parents are struggling to rebuild what was lost. The road back to financial stability will undoubtedly be long and challenging.
At such a difficult juncture, sustained institutional support and collective community efforts can make a meaningful difference. The affected artisans do not merely need sympathy—they need opportunity, tools, markets and continued handholding to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The hope is that no human being should ever have to experience such devastation again. Until normalcy and stability return, initiatives that provide compassionate relief today and sustainable livelihood tomorrow can become a vital bridge between displacement and a dignified new beginning.