It was Christmas Eve, some two decades ago, in the state of Manipur. The streets were lit up with colorful lights and the air was filled with the festive spirit. But amidst all the celebrations, there was a dark reality that could not be ignored. Binalakshmi Nepram, a young woman, was about to witness a horrific incident that would change her life forever.
As she walked through the streets, Binalakshmi couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease. She had heard about the ongoing conflict in Manipur, but she never thought it would hit so close to home. But on that fateful night, she was about to witness it firsthand.
In utter disbelief, Binalakshmi saw a group of three men dragging a 27-year-old man from his workshop. She could see the fear in his eyes as he struggled to break free from their grasp. Within minutes, he was shot dead in front of her. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the streets, shattering the festive atmosphere.
Binalakshmi was in shock. She couldn’t believe what she had just witnessed. She couldn’t understand why someone would take another person’s life in such a brutal manner. But as she looked around, she realized that this was not an isolated incident. This was a daily occurrence in Manipur’s ongoing conflict.
According to Binalakshmi, every day, three or four people are shot dead in Manipur. Thousands of lives have been lost in this conflict, leaving behind grieving families and shattered communities. The once peaceful state has been torn apart by violence and bloodshed.
But Binalakshmi refused to be a silent spectator. She knew she had to do something to bring an end to this senseless violence. And that’s exactly what she did. She founded the Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network, an organization that works towards providing support and rehabilitation to women who have lost their husbands, sons, or fathers in the conflict.
Through her organization, Binalakshmi has been able to provide a platform for these women to share their stories and find solace in each other’s company. She has also been actively involved in advocating for peace and justice in Manipur. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous awards and recognition for her work.
But Binalakshmi’s journey has not been an easy one. She has faced numerous challenges and threats for speaking out against the violence in Manipur. But she has never let these obstacles deter her from her mission. She firmly believes that peace and justice can only be achieved through dialogue and understanding, not through violence.
Over the years, Binalakshmi’s organization has helped countless women and families affected by the conflict. She has also been instrumental in bringing the issue of Manipur’s ongoing conflict to the international stage. Her tireless efforts have not only brought hope to the people of Manipur but have also inspired many others to join the fight for peace and justice.
As we celebrate Christmas each year, let us not forget the true meaning of the festival – love, compassion, and peace. Let us remember the people of Manipur who are still living in fear and uncertainty, and let us stand in solidarity with them. And let us also take inspiration from Binalakshmi’s story and work towards creating a world where no one has to witness the horrors of violence and conflict.
In conclusion, Binalakshmi Nepram’s story is a testament to the power of one individual to bring about positive change in society. Her courage, determination, and resilience have made her a true hero in the eyes of many. Let us all strive to follow in her footsteps and make this world a better and more peaceful place for all.
