Social Media Post Leads to Rescue of Homeless Family in Imphal

Imphal: Manipur authorities plucked a four-year-old girl, her mother, and her grandfather from a sidewalk near the Polo Ground in Maning, Imphal, on Monday. The rescue happened after a Facebook post showed the young girl sleeping on cardboard beside her grandfather. Social welfare and child protection teams from Imphal West district mobilized quickly to find the family.

Officials tracked down the girl's mother, who had been working odd jobs to scrape together an income. The mother and daughter were whisked away to a One Stop Centre before moving to Shakti Sadan, an integrated relief home. They now have access to counseling and stable shelter. The grandfather, who struggled with alcohol addiction while watching over the child, checked into the New Life Foundation Rehabilitation Centre for specialized treatment.

Social Welfare Director Sheikh Abdul Hakim stated, "The department would provide counselling to the family and assess their eligibility for relevant government welfare schemes." Hakim noted that the state government aims to protect vulnerable citizens under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh. Officials urged the public to call the women's helpline at 181 or the child helpline at 1098 instead of just posting photos online. Direct reporting ensures faster help for those in danger.