From Moirang to Kolkata: Mukti and UNM Collaborate for Socio-Economic Inclusion

This year, our pre-Independence Day celebrations began with a tribute to the first Indian flag hoisters on Indian soil, under the supreme leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose via the Indian National Army (INA) at Moirang, Manipur. In a significant moment of connection, the descendants of these patriotic families from Manipur traveled to Mukti’s city office in Kolkata on 13^th August 2024 to participate in an information exchange program. The primary objective of the program was to foster organic interaction and deliberate on socio-economic inclusion within the framework of sustainable development.

Through this exchange, two distinct communities—one from Manipur and the other from West Bengal—were brought together on a common platform to share their cultures, thoughts, ideas, social values, challenges, and other key issues related to social development.

After a brief introduction to the team from Manipur, we quickly delved into the operational areas of Mukti. We presented our integrated development strategies, including our models, innovations, and social development practices within the thematic areas of HEALER AID. The Manipur team was highly impressed by our innovative operational models and expressed keen interest in replicating similar models in their state.

The situation in Manipur has been severely deteriorating due to an ongoing ethnic and ideological crisis, exacerbated by civil unrest, genocides, and geo-political conspiracies influenced by both national and international politics. The most affected are the ordinary civilians from various ethnic groups, nomadic tribes, sub-tribes, and neutral communities. Private entities and civil societies face intense pressure from home departments and other investigative agencies due to the volatility and mistrust in the region. As a result, the normal civilians, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and those in relief camps are left without support for their basic needs, rights, and amenities.

In response, UNM – MANIPUR, an unregistered coalition of over 100 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) formalized in 1995, has once again raised its voice for the betterment of its people. Following the violence in Manipur, UNM has engaged with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), United Nations bodies, US consulates, other embassies, international NGOs, and other agencies capable of providing direct assistance to civilians or supporting their reintegration into mainstream society with dignity.

The Mukti team was pleased to host representatives from UNM – MANIPUR at our Kolkata office for this exchange program. The goal was to introduce innovative techniques that could be implemented in Manipur to enhance social well-being. Mukti also assured the UNM team that, if necessary, we could provide technical assistance and expertise for their social development initiatives. As advocates of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), our primary focus is on ensuring quality and sustainability in our programs, with a view to achieving impactful outcomes.

This exchange program was truly remarkable. The Mukti staff gained a deep understanding of the grievous situation in Manipur and the glaring inequalities in justice faced by the civilian population. Our program leaders shared their experiences, insights, and assistance with the UNM team, offering valuable suggestions on how they might overcome the challenges they face. The dialogue between Mukti and UNM was organic, constructive, and forward-looking. Mr. Pishak Labam Singh, the secretary of UNM Manipur, remarked on the strength of the bond between Bengal and Manipur, emphasizing the need to rethink how we can support each other for the betterment of our communities.