Assam Rifles helps rehabilitate Burn Victim

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, December 27, 2018: Assam Rifles today presented a sewing machine to Soraisam Pushpa, 22, a victim of domestic violence.

Pushpa had no idea that her life would take a completely different turn in the autumn of 2015 when she falls prey to domestic violence. She found her room being put to flames due to which she suffered 70% severe burn injuries. Pushpa had a miraculous escape from the fire incident after she was rescued by neighbours and rushed to RIMS. She was admitted for almost eight months in RIMS recovering from her burn injuries. The RIMS doctors not only saved her life, but the plastic surgeons reconstructed her face almost to normal, said a release by Assam Rifles.

Fearful yet confident of overcoming her woes, Pushpa fought all odds to live a dignified life and tried her hand at odd jobs including working in a brick kiln. However, she was mocked both in her society and workplace because of her burn marks resulting in social isolation. Facing social isolation, Pushpa lost confidence and preferred to stay indoors, added the statement.

Assam Rifles learnt about Pushpa’s tragic story from staff of Manipur Baptist Convention church and decided to assist and help her. It was also learnt that Pushpa had interest in embroidery and had done a course in stitching. Taking a note of the same, Tulihal Batallion under the directions of Brig Amit Kabthiyal, commander, 9 Sector Assam Rifles presented her a sewing machine today at Tulihal Batallion headquarter.

“I have received a gift for the first time since the fire incident. I am grateful to Assam Rifles and Tulihal Batallion for such a lovely gift,” said Pushpa. She wants to start her work by stitching phaneks (a woman wear) and bed covers. By starting her tailoring work, she not only wants to earn steadily, but also wants to get her dignity back in her village. Tulihal Batallion also provided her food supplements and items of daily essentials, it added.

Though this initiative of Assam Rifles is a small step, but it is in the right direction to help rehabilitate victims of social and domestic violence, said the Assam Rifles’ statement.