Surbala Devi's life tragically exemplifies the toll of the ongoing conflict in Manipur. A devoted wife, loving mother, and the backbone of her family, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience and love. At 31, she lived a life deeply centered around her family’s well-being, juggling multiple responsibilities to ensure her children’s future despite the challenges of ethnic violence in the region.
On September 1, the violence that had plagued her homeland claimed her life, marking the end of a story filled with love, care, and sacrifice. Her death is not just another casualty of conflict but a painful reminder of the innocent lives caught in the crossfire. Her grieving family – a husband and two young children – now face an irreplaceable loss.
In the peaceful village of Phayeng, Surbala was the heart of her home. Her husband, Ngangbam Ingo, worked as a village guard, often away from home due to the unrest. In his absence, Surbala took charge of raising their children – Mahesh, 14, and Rosia, 8. She also ran a small piggery and a local rice liquor brewery, managing to support her family despite their limited means.
August 31 had been a day of anticipation for Surbala. Eager to visit her son Mahesh at his boarding school, she was anxious to see his mid-term results, a testament to her unwavering dedication to her children’s education and future. But the violence that followed shattered the life she had worked so hard to build.