In Ukhrul district, members of the local Hao Riders escorted three children to Goodwill School on their first day back after the tragic loss of their mother. The riders walked alongside the siblings, offering reassurance as the children resumed their routine amid grief.
The children—Kezia, Shekinah and Shonrei—are students at Goodwill School in the district headquarters. Their mother died in a road accident on August 26 while traveling from Imphal to Ukhrul via the Nongdam‑Shingkap route. The crash left the family devastated, and Tuesday marked the siblings’ return to school without their parent.
School staff, teachers and classmates welcomed the trio warmly, providing emotional support and a sense of belonging. Their father, Anem Vashi, who is also a Hao Rider, expressed gratitude to the riding community and the school for ensuring his children did not feel alone during such a painful transition.
The episode also underscores the broader challenges faced by residents of Ukhrul and neighboring Kamjong districts. The Imphal‑Ukhrul stretch of National Highway 202 is considered unsafe for regular travel, prompting many commuters to use the longer Nongdam‑Shingkap detour. Poor road conditions, especially during the monsoon season, heighten risks for travelers amid ongoing tension in Manipur.
