Guwahati: Olympic medallist and boxing legend MC Mary Kom on December 17 reached out to families displaced by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, offering humanitarian support and a message of solidarity by distributing blankets to internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Mary Kom visited the protest venue at Lanboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West, where the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), along with displaced families, has been holding a continuous sit-in since December 1. The demonstrators are pressing the government to ensure the resettlement of all IDPs by December 31, in accordance with the deadline earlier set by the Manipur administration.
As part of her outreach, Mary Kom personally handed over blankets to displaced families and interacted with them, listening to their concerns and encouraging unity and peace. She described the initiative as a modest contribution, stating that even small gestures can bring reassurance and hope to people enduring prolonged displacement and uncertainty.
In an effort to support children affected by the crisis, the six-time world champion announced that her boxing academy would offer free training to children from IDP families who wish to take up the sport. She underlined the importance of sports in helping young people overcome trauma, develop discipline, and rebuild self-confidence in difficult circumstances.
Mary Kom also appealed to both the authorities and the wider society to work together to ensure the safe and dignified rehabilitation of displaced families.
Reacting to the visit, COCOMI Women Wing Convenor RK Tharaksa said Mary Kom’s presence on December 17 boosted morale among the displaced families and gave them renewed emotional strength. IDPs and COCOMI members expressed gratitude to the boxing icon, describing her support as a meaningful act of compassion at a time of acute distress.