Manipur Ground Report: Reviving Postal Services — A Silver Lining in the Dark Days of Violence

Imphal— In Manipur, a harrowing chapter of ethnic violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities unfolded, disrupting the lives of thousands. After nearly 100 days of turmoil, the arrival of 870 bags of mail delivered with army aid marked a significant step towards normalcy in the region. This story sheds light on the multifaceted impact of the violence on the state's postal services and the resilience of its people.

The violent conflict, which erupted on May 3, 2023, was triggered by a rally demanding reservation in Manipur. Tragically, it resulted in the loss of at least 150 lives, with more than 400 individuals sustaining injuries. Over 60,000 people were forcibly displaced from their homes, leaving the army, parliamentary forces, and police struggling to quell the unrest.

One of the consequences of this turmoil was the severe disruption of essential services, including the postal system. As curfew blanketed the entire state and riots and arson incidents persisted, citizens were confined to their homes, streets patrolled by armed forces. Government services, such as banking, postal services, and even railways, had to shutter their offices, paralyzing daily life. Internet access was entirely cut off, further complicating matters for post offices that relied on digital tools.

In the midst of this chaos, the Imphal city postal department found itself unable to function effectively. As a result, parcels containing vital items, including ATM cards and job-related documents, languished in a locked room, inaccessible to their intended recipients. An estimated 700-800 bags of undelivered mail piled up during the post-service shutdown, exacerbating the frustration of those waiting for essential documents.

Thankfully, on August 22, the situation began to improve as the postal services were gradually restored with the assistance of the army. A total of 870 bags, filled with parcels and letters, finally reached Lamka city. Manual operations of postal services commenced on August 23, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered populace.

An official from the Imphal postal department expressed relief, stating, "The postal department was severely affected by the caste violence and remained closed for the past four months. We are now resuming operations manually, addressing the grievances of the public."

However, challenges persist as digital transactions remain severely impacted. Despite BSNL activating a line, the lack of a working IP address continues to hinder the department's efforts. Nevertheless, the revival of postal services is a ray of hope for residents eager to receive their long-awaited parcels.

One student, who had eagerly awaited her books, shared her joy at finally receiving them. Meanwhile, the closure of the Passport Seva Kendra in Imphal since May 4, 2023, left individuals like Sarita Devi, who had sent essential medicines for her father in Manipur from Darjeeling, in a quandary. To circumvent the postal delays, Sarita resorted to delivering a second packet of medicines through a family friend.

Tengzam, a coordinator at a relief camp in Churachandpur, emphasized the camp's isolation from the internet and other means of communication. For many, phone calls became the sole lifeline for exchanging vital information. Countless youths anxiously awaited updates on their job applications, while others desperately sought their bank chequebooks and ATM cards stuck in the beleaguered postal department.

Digital transactions in the region has taken a significant hit. Furthermore, the Passport Seva Kendra in Imphal has remained non-operational since the onset of the violence. This crisis has compelled residents to seek emergency services from the Regional Passport Office located in Guwahati, a daunting 500 kilometers away from Imphal.

As a result, those in need of urgent passport , including emergency applications, have to make the arduous journey to the Regional Passport Office in Guwahati. The considerable distance and logistical hurdles involved in this process have added to the burdens endured by Manipur's residents during this turbulent period.

The absence of functioning digital infrastructure has hindered daily transactions for the people of Manipur. Access to online banking, payments, and digital communication has been severely compromised, leaving residents grappling with the inconvenience of disrupted services.

With the gradual restoration of postal services, a newfound sense of hope has permeated the community. As mailbags are finally being sent to their rightful destinations, residents of Manipur believe that life is slowly inching back towards normalcy after months of turmoil and uncertainty.

Story Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai