Imphal, Nov 21: Nengboi Doungel’s life is one of a cruel twist of fate, tragedy and resilience.

Nengboi Doungel, a Kuki-Zo woman from Pangmol village in Manipur’s Tamenglong district, gave birth to a baby girl in the safety of Assam’s Hmarkhawlien relief camp. Yet, even as the cries of new life filled the air, the echoes of death reverberated—on the very day of her daughter’s birth, the mutilated body of her husband, Haojoel Doungel, arrived back in Lamka, Churachandpur.

Haojoel’s journey to his tragic end was a testament to a father’s love and a husband’s devotion. When the situation in their homeland grew increasingly volatile, he led his family to the relief camp, a haven from the escalating violence. With his wife nearing her due date, Haojoel ventured to Jirighat to get some financial aid, hoping to ensure his unborn child’s safe arrival. But this noble act became his last.

Tragically, Haojoel was abducted by alleged militants tied to the Meitei community and the Arambai group. He was subjected to torture—his body bearing marks of brutal violence, a grim testament to the depth of human cruelty. His lifeless body was later found in a culvert near Anglapur village in Jiribam.

Back in the relief camp, unaware of her husband’s fate, Nengboi went into labour. As news of Haojoel’s death spread, she held her newborn daughter for the first time. The child’s arrival was a bittersweet moment—hope flickering briefly amidst a sea of despair. It was as if life, in its mysterious way, sought to counterbalance death, even if the scales of justice remained far from even.

For Nengboi, the days that followed were a haze of grief and survival. She now faces the daunting challenge of raising two children alone, including an infant who will never know her father. In the relief camp, her family clings to the meagre support extended by their Assamese hosts, their lives marked by uncertainty but also by the quiet resilience that defines so many in conflict zones.

Haojoel’s death is more than a personal tragedy; it is emblematic of the devastation that the ongoing conflict has wrought upon countless families. The relentless violence has ripped apart homes, shattered dreams, and turned hope into a fragile luxury.

Nengboi’s story also serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit. Holding her newborn daughter close, she embodies the paradox of life in a conflict zone—a fragile yet fierce determination to persevere.

Stories like this remind us of the urgent need to end the cycle of violence, to build a future where families are no longer torn apart, and where the birth of a child is solely a celebration, untainted by the shadow of tragedy.

Also Read: Manipur Congress demands action against P. Chidambaram over controversial post

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