Crochet dolls made by Manipur relief camp inmates to go global 

In Manipur, ethnic violence has caused displacement of 60K people, destruction of 4,780 homes, and loss of life. 1 Million Heroes is training relief camp inmates in crocheting amigurumi dolls for export, providing a source of income and hope.

GUWAHATI/IMPHAL

Crochet dolls made by the inmates of relief camps in ethnic conflict-scarred Manipur are set to go global. 

1 Million Heroes, a multi-platform entertainment brand striving to make children across the globe smile, has undertaken a project to train Manipur’s internally displaced people in crocheting amigurumi dolls specifically for export. 

The ethnic violence in the northeastern State, which broke out on May 3, has so far claimed the lives of more than 175 people, injured at least 1,108 and displaced 60,000 people. More than 4,780 houses have been set on fire. 

The training in making amigurumi dolls is being imparted in five relief camps across Manipur, one of them in Thoubal district’s Khangabok housing 210 people. 

Laishram Geeta Leima, a 36-year-old mother of three, is one of the trainees who hopes to sustain her family by producing the dolls on a larger scale. She had fled her home when armed miscreants attacked the Sugnu Awang Leikai village in the Kakching district on May 27. 

“I have almost mastered the art, which is satisfying and productive as well. I hope the new skill would ensure a future for my children during and after such tough times,” she said.