IMPHAL: Amidst the ongoing violence in Manipur, a heartwarming tale of resilience unfolded recently when approximately 20 internally displaced children from a relief camp in West Imphal had the unique opportunity to lend their voices to a song.
Following dedicated practice spanning a month, these children entered a makeshift studio in a school-turned relief camp in Phayeng and record a song titled Chingya-Gee Khangpoksang (A Song From a Relief Camp).
Released on May 3, coinciding with one year of Manipur’s ongoing ethnic violence, the heartfelt composition is conceptualised by a collective of compassionate musicians in Imphal.
Popular band Imphal Talkies, along with musicians affiliated with the initiative “A Native Tongue Called Peace,” spearheaded the creation of the song with the aim of offering solace and a sense of normalcy to the children of the Phayeng camp.
The band’s frontman, composer, and lyricist, Akhu Chingangbam, says that the project is part of his musical project, A Native Tongue Called Peace, and it aims to provide a creative outlet for the displaced children and help them keep in touch with innocence.
Recorded at KBS studios in Imphal, the collaboration also features musician James Riame, a Rongmei Naga artist, on vocals alongside Akhu himself.
Reflecting on the significance of the song Chingya-Gee Khangpoksang, Akhu believes that the ongoing violence has had the most severe impact on the lives of children. Amidst the cacophony of news, reports, and opinions, he observes that people have forgotten about them.
“It seems everybody is preoccupied with discussing the bloody war between the Meities and the Kukis, overlooking the plight of those in the relief camps. What about their voices? No one seems to care. These people need to go home; we can’t keep them there forever. Through the song, we are trying to remind people about the children and their living conditions,” says Akhu.
Despite obstacles, the project came to fruition, with the song touching the hearts of many and garnering over 45,000 views on YouTube to date.
In a year marked by violence and displacement, with over 200 casualties and approximately 60,000 internally displaced people seeking refuge across Manipur, the song is a beacon of hope amidst despair for these children in the relief camps.
As the melody of Chingya-Gee Khangpoksang resonates far and wide, it serves as a poignant testament to the indomitable spirit of Manipur’s displaced children, offering a glimpse of hope in the midst of adversity.
