IMPHAL : Legendary Indian boxer and Olympic medallist MC Mary Kom on December 17 extended humanitarian support to internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing conflict in Manipur, distributing blankets and offering words of solidarity and hope to families living in displacement.

Mary Kom visited the protest site at Lanboikhongnangkhong in Imphal West, where the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) and IDPs have been staging a continuous protest since December 1. The agitation is seeking the resettlement of all displaced families by December 31, in keeping with the timeline earlier announced by the Manipur government.

During her visit, the boxing icon distributed blankets to IDPs as part of a humanitarian outreach and interacted with displaced families, expressing empathy and appealing for peace and unity. She described the initiative as a small but meaningful gesture, noting that even limited assistance can bring comfort and a sense of hope to those enduring prolonged hardship.

In a significant announcement aimed at empowering children affected by the conflict, Mary Kom said that youngsters from IDP families who show an interest in boxing would be offered free training at her boxing academy. She underlined the role of sports in healing trauma, building discipline and restoring confidence, particularly among children who have witnessed violence and displacement.

Calling for sustained collective efforts, Mary Kom urged the authorities and society at large to ensure that displaced families are rehabilitated with dignity and provided adequate security.

COCOMI Women Wing convenor RK Tharaksa la welcomed Mary Kom’s gesture, saying her presence and support on December 17 had given emotional strength and renewed encouragement to the IDPs. Members of the IDP community and COCOMI also expressed gratitude, describing the initiative as a powerful act of compassion at a time of deep distress.