In the wake of ethnic violence in Manipur, president of the Indian Medical Association-Banjara Hills Prabhu Kumar Challagali felt a strong sense of duty as a doctor and knew he had to help those suffering in the conflict-stricken region. Witnessing the plight of the people, he along with a team of doctors and others embarked on a courageous journey to provide much-needed aid and medical assistance.
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Determined to make a difference, Dr.Prabhu Kumar conducted thorough research and reached out to the chief medical officer of Kangpokpi, one of the worst-affected areas, as well as the superintendent of police. He expressed willingness to offer his services to the people of the district. The camp was organised in the first week of July when the violence was still continuing in that State.
The path to reach the location was fraught with challenges. Dr.Prabhu Kumar took a flight from Hyderabad to Dimapur via Kolkata and then joined forces with social activists, travelling for about 8 to 9 hours in multipurpose vehicles (MPVs) until they finally reached their destination. “The route took us through treacherous mountainous terrain, passing through Sechu, Kohima, Zakhama, and Maram before reaching the entrance to Manipur in Senapati district. Police clearance was essential for their mission, which was swiftly arranged with the coordination of Manoj Prabhakaran, SP of Kangpokpi,” he added.
Throughout their journey, the team faced harrowing situations, including witnessing two landslides and encountering a Kuki militant armed with a rifle. But after explaining to him about the team visiting for providing medical care, they got past him. GP Kumar, a social activist based in West Bengal, was a part of the medical camp and played the role of assisting and coordinating with the local organisations, NGOs and higher officials making a way for them to continue with the camp.
“Many people are coming for relief operations but a majority of that help is being offered at places where movement is easy. We went to a town called Saikul where there was continuous firing. On the very first day when we wrapped up our camp, we witnessed a mob running around with rifles and for a moment we had thought of winding up but reconsidered and continued with the camp because innocent people needed help,” added the activist.
Upon reaching their destination, the team found that a majority of the people were traumatised, having lost their homes to the violence. Common diseases prevalent among the affected population included diarrhea and viral infections. Nevertheless, undeterred by the risks, Dr.Prabhu Kumar and his team of 10, including social activists, nurses, and staff, persisted in their mission to serve the affected communities.
In total, they provided relief to approximately 600 individuals, administering essential medications such as antibiotics, painkillers, antacids, anti-diabetic and antihypertensive medication, as well as nutrition powders. In addition to medical care, they ensured access to food and shelter, addressing immediate and pressing needs.
Speaking to The Hindu, Didim Hmangte Haokip, a nurse from Saikul town of Kangpokpi district, said a major portion of the district was burned down in the violence. “When the doctor and his team reached the location, I helped them get in touch with the local population, and explain to them the difficulties being faced by the people. Medical supplies were scarce due to the disturbances caused by the violence. Dr.Prabhu Kumar came to our location with medicines and gave a new lease of life to a lot of people in the district. The people of Saikul and other locations are grateful to the doctor and his team,” she added.
Dr.Prabhu Kumar’s extensive experience of over 20 years in rural areas of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where he has conducted more than 5,000 medical camps, proved invaluable in handling the demanding circumstances in Manipur, even in high-terrain areas.
