The emotional and social impact of the migration crisis on local communities- An Account by Poetess and Philanthropist Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom
Today, we are honored to speak with Promila Devi Sutharsan Huidrom — a respected author and passionate philanthropist whose deep connection to Manipur and its people brings powerful insight into the ongoing migration and ethnic conflict in the region. We appreciate her courage and willingness to speak on such a pressing humanitarian issue that affects thousands.
Here are ten questions designed to shed light on the crisis, giving Promila Devi space to share her experience, empathy, and expertise with the world.
- As someone deeply rooted in Manipur, how would you describe the emotional and social impact of the migration crisis on local communities?
Answer: In Manipur, there has been open boundaries due to which migration has had and has been happening, thus getting an aadhar card and easy access to the resources of the locals has been commonly happening. At the same time, this becomes an issue when the demand for separate administration and illegal activities like poppy plantation happens.
- What inspired you, as an author and philanthropist, to engage so actively with the displacement issue in Manipur?
Answer: I personally feel it’s my duty to do every bit I can for my mother land.
- The conflict has forced tens of thousands into relief camps. What are the conditions like, and what have you personally witnessed or heard from those living there?
Answer: People are somehow surviving in camps, the condition is really extreme. There are about 60k people who have lost their homes and are in camps. Meiteis from all over the world are donating and helping in their ways via CSO’s and other organizations.
- Many believe the crisis is not just political but deeply human. How can storytelling — through books or media — help restore empathy and awareness in such times?
Answer: The crisis is human as human are suffering and it is deeping hurting when the indigeneous people from the land cannot own their land and Meiteis are only restricted in a valley of 6% land area and due to ST reservations the hills are all occupied by the occupants. This is actually a geopolitical issue and it has to be dealt with, by the Indian Government, as we see the north east is quite volatile now, and this rage may spread across further and reach mainland India too.
- What role do you believe women, particularly those from conflict-affected areas like Manipur, can play in peace-building and reconciliation?
Answer: Meira Paibis who have been fighting since the British era are still active. They are all the Meitei Ladies fighting for peace. They play a very pivotal role in Manipur and highlly respected.
- There’s increasing concern about the effects of militarization and insurgent involvement. How do these factors further complicate the lives of ordinary people?
Answer: When there is a war, there is Military involvement, that’s natural, but this do affect the locals life. The smooth daily movement of lives is affected.
- What kind of grassroots or philanthropic efforts are currently underway — or needed — to provide sustainable support to displaced families?
Answer: There are quite many organizations involved in sustainable support and every Meitei is doing their bit in every possible way. It’s surprising that the Meities across the globe are doing everything they can do for the Motherland Manipur.
- With growing polarization, what would you say is the most misunderstood aspect of the Manipur crisis by people outside the region?
Answer: That the war is raged for Tribal status. This is not at all true. It happened as there was illegal poppy plantation, there was illegal immigrations happening, there was illigal activities happening and Manipur is burning.
- If you could send one message to policymakers at the national level regarding Manipur, what would it be?
Answer: Save Manipur, Save India. Meiteis should not be another Kashmiri Pandits forced to leave the motherland.
- Finally, on a personal note, how has this conflict changed you — as a writer, a woman, and a humanitarian?
Answer: It has changed my way of writing, I have started writing for my mother, I became a philanthropist and a reformer.
