Dubai: The Manipuri community in the UAE is paying a heavy price as an economic blockade in India's northeast region since August 21 has put pressure on most of them to send more money to dependants back home.
"Our family members back home are completely helpless and so are we," says Bijaya Potsangbam, a 36-year-old housewife in Ajman. "Every time we call home, my mother will invariably start narrating the difficulties caused by the blockade. She'll make a special mention of how the price cooking gas cylinder has gone past Rs2,000 [Dh160] from Rs500. The message is clear: she wants us to increase the monthly remittance. We managed to do that for the first month but not after that. Where can we raise additional cash from?"
Dubai resident Romesh Khwairakpam, 27, who just returned from Manipur after his annual holiday, tried to make light of the situation, "Traffic has improved. You see very few cars on the road as the petrol price is so high. People are now saving fuel for festive occasions and emergencies." On a serious note, the shipping operations executive added: "My holiday was ruined...; I was forced to stay at home throughout."
The blockade has become a hot topic among Manipuris here at community gatherings. Despite the helplessness and frustrations brought on by the situation, some try to look at it positively. "The blockade is teaching our folks to be self-reliant. For instance, some have gone back to the old days of growing their own vegetables while others have taken to cycling. That's not a bad thing," said Sunil Thokchom, 36, a territory manager in lighting industry.
