Weavers producing phanek, the traditional wraparound garment central to Meitei women’s dress, say they have continued their craft even from relief camps, using portable looms where possible to keep the tradition and a modest income stream alive during displacement.

Master weavers in Imphal said demand for handwoven phanek has remained steady, particularly for ceremonial occasions, even as supply chains for raw materials have been disrupted at various points during the conflict. Some displaced weavers have formed informal cooperatives within camps, pooling resources and sharing looms.

Craft promotion officials said they hoped to expand support programs connecting displaced weavers with wider markets, framing the effort as both economic support and cultural preservation for a textile tradition passed down through generations of Meitei women.