Seminar on Mental Health Services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Held in Singngat, Manipur

Singngat, Manipur, March 3, 2025: A one-day seminar and training program on community mental health services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) was conducted on March 1, 2025, at St. Thomas Parish Hall, Singngat. The event, which was organised by the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) in collaboration with the CCBI Commission for Migrants, was executed by the RVA ZO Service. The training program aimed to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills necessary to support the mental, spiritual, and physical well-being of IDPs from the Kuki-Zo community who have been affected by the ongoing violence in Manipur. More than 63 IDPs from various relief camps attended the seminar.

The event began with an opening prayer led by Sir Jacob Nausen from Divine Glory Retreat Centre, Zoumun. Following this, Sr. Marin Sennu, FCC, a nurse from Tuibuang, conducted the first session of the program. Speaking on the importance of health and hygiene in relief camps, she urged the participants to prioritise their well-being, stating, “When we are burdened with tension, we cannot enjoy a healthy life. Only when we are free from overthinking can we overcome challenges and live our lives properly.” Her address inspired attendees, instilling a spirit of hope and resilience among them.

During the program, 12 volunteer leaders were selected from the 63 individuals who attended to implement mental health support initiatives both inside and outside the relief camps housing IDPs. Dr. Steve Tungnung, a medical officer from Singngat who personally experienced the impact of the Manipur conflict, provided free health cards and essential medication to the IDPs. “I am here to give my maximum support to you,” he assured the attendees, encouraging them to seek help for both physical and mental health concerns.

Dr. Tungnung also addressed societal attitudes toward individuals addicted to drugs and those suffering from mental illnesses in Lamka. He stressed that the stigmatisation of such individuals often leads them to suffer from severe depression and even commit suicide. He urged the community to treat such individuals with compassion and respect.

In his address, Fr. Mung, the parish priest of St. Thomas Parish, emphasised the significance of psycho-spiritual support, stating, “Without spiritual health, we cannot achieve physical health. To be spiritually healthy, we must think positively and focus on noble thoughts.” He reminded the attendees that faith and prayer are essential to achieving mental and spiritual well-being.

The seminar concluded with a heartfelt prayer by Mr. Rosemary from Singtom Village. Participants expressed deep appreciation for the program and encouraged the organisers to conduct more such sessions in the future. The event fostered hope, unity, and a renewed commitment to mental, physical, and spiritual well-being among the attendees.

By Tungthang Zou,

News Reprter and Producer,

Radio Veritas Asia Zo Service