IMPHAL, February 20: Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch today distributed loans to widows of conflict. Under the livelihood project of Indian Red Cross Society, loans were distributed at the office premised of Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch located at MG Avenue, Imphal.
Altogether 50 widows of conflict were facilitated in the programme.
General Secretary IRCS-M Dr Y Mohen Singh said 25 widows each from Manipur State Conflict Widow Organisation and Extra-Judicial Execution Victim Families`™ Association, Manipur (EEFAM) were selected for the programme.
He said that getting a loan of even a small amount is a long official process especially for widows.
He said that the two groups MSCWO are the victim widows of UG groups and EEFAM are of security forces but in the end women are the victims of the conflict hence it will be wise to unite together for better future.
He said that an amount of Rs. 3 lakhs were donated by AFSPA-1958 crusader Irom Sharmila Chanu, Rs. 1 lakh by the widow of Sarungbam Krishnadas, S (O) Premi Devi and another Rs. 1 lakh came from the association to bring the total up to Rs. 5 lakh to be distributed as loans. Each loan is worth Rs 10,000, he said. The loan will be paid back without interest, he added.
Dr. Mohen called for timely repayment at the rate of Rs 500 a month so that other widows can get the same benefit from the society.
He also called for donations from individuals for the uplift of widows of conflicts in the State.