In a striking display of humanity amid ongoing ethnic tensions, a tragic road accident in the conflict-ridden region of Manipur brought out an inspiring act of compassion from the local Kuki-Zo community.
At around 3:00 PM today, a truck transporting potatoes en route to Imphal met with a fatal accident near Keithelmanbi Military Colony along National Highway-2 in Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi District—a Kuki-Zo dominated area.
Locals, upon hearing the crash, rushed selflessly to the scene to offer help, braving the risk of casualties. To their astonishment, they discovered an injured man concealed among the potato sacks in the truck. He was identified as Hemam Prem Singh (36), son of H. Inaocha Singh, hailing from Moirang Turenbul Leikai, Ward No. 4 under Moirang Sub Division in Bishnupur District.
The victim belonged to the Meitei community—a fact that might have sparked alarm in any other circumstance, given the deep-rooted conflict between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. However, in a moment that transcended enmity, the Kuki-Zo locals, together with Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on Road Opening Patrol (ROP) duty, immediately rendered assistance.
Despite fierce opposition by the Kuki-Zo people to the Government's controversial Free Movement Regime (FMR) policy and the ongoing inter-ethnic hostilities, the locals set aside divisions and helped evacuate the injured man to a hospital for urgent treatment.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
