Over 12,000 Children Grapple With Trauma In Manipur's Violence-Hit Relief Camps

In the midst of ongoing violence in Manipur, a government report has highlighted the plight of 12,694 children who are currently residing in relief camps across the affected region. Out of this number, 100 children are grappling with severe trauma and are in need of professional counseling, as per data provided by the state social welfare department.

The violence has resulted in the displacement of nearly 50,000 people, with over 12,694 of them being children who now call these relief camps home. These camps have been hastily established in response to the violence that has gripped the state. The social welfare department is also closely monitoring the health of these displaced children, especially those suffering from severe malnourishment. So far, 16 children have received treatment for severe malnourishment.

In an effort to address the emotional toll of the conflict, a team of medical practitioners and child psychiatrists, operating as volunteers, is providing professional counseling to those displaced. They have identified at least 100 children severely traumatized by the ongoing violence. The focus is on helping these children return to a sense of normalcy as soon as possible.

According to Ng Uttam Singh, the director of Manipur's social welfare department, the trauma experienced by these children may not manifest immediately but can emerge weeks or even months after the initial events. Therefore, counselors are actively deployed to provide support to these children in relief camps, assessing their mental health needs and offering counseling where necessary, Hindustan Times reported. 

Dr. Jina Heigrujam, a child psychiatrist, emphasizes the importance of professional counseling in preventing long-term mental health issues among these children. The counselors employ various methods, including play and dance, to identify stress-affected children and provide them with an outlet for expression.

Additionally, efforts are underway to improve the conditions in the relief camps, making them more child-friendly. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has provided guidance on establishing such environments for children in need.

The social welfare department is committed to ensuring the well-being of these displaced children and holds weekly review meetings at the chief secretary's level to address any shortcomings in childcare within the relief camps. The involvement of officials, led by Manipur Chief Secretary Dr. Vineet Joshi, in visiting these camps is a testament to the government's dedication to safeguarding the welfare of these vulnerable children during these trying times.