Imphal: The suicide of 20-year-old Sukham Chanu at the Mekola Relief Centre has highlighted the growing mental health crisis among displaced residents in Manipur’s relief camps. The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of suicides among camp residents, calling for urgent intervention.
A team led by MCPCR members Md. Habibur Rahman and Chabungbam Anita visited the Mekola Higher Secondary School relief camp to evaluate the conditions of women and children. The visit revealed alarming mental health challenges faced by residents who have endured over 19 months of displacement. Depression, compounded by feelings of insecurity, monotony, and a lack of hope for the future, has taken a heavy toll on the camp inmates.
The MCPCR has urged immediate action to address the crisis and prevent further tragedies. Recommendations include providing psychosocial support to help residents cope with trauma, introducing life skills and livelihood training to restore purpose, and improving living conditions to reduce physical and psychological stress.
The Commission emphasized the need for coordinated efforts by the government and humanitarian agencies to prioritize mental health support alongside long-term rehabilitation measures. It stressed that addressing the mental well-being of displaced individuals is essential to rebuilding their lives.
This incident has brought attention to the dire conditions in Manipur’s relief camps, where thousands remain in prolonged uncertainty. The MCPCR’s visit underscores the urgent need for systemic action to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced population.
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