IMPHAL, August 2: The State government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the families of the people who were killed in floods and landslides taking place in different districts due to the incessant heavy downpour of rain for the last couple of days.
The announcement was made during an emergency meeting of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Council of Ministers convened this evening in the wake of the death of 20 villagers who were buried alive by a massive landslide at Zoumol village, Chandel district on August 1.
The high-level meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary, DGP, Deputy Commissioners and high ranking officials of concerned Departments.
Elaborating about the meeting, Education and CAF & PDF Minister Moirangthem Okendro who is also the spokesperson of the government said that the meeting has taken serious note of the devastating landslides, floods and subsequent submergence of many paddy fields due to the heavy shower of rains.
He informed that the concerned Deputy Commissioners had been asked to submit an in-depth report on the loss incurred in the floods and landslides within two weeks.
The meeting minutely discussed about the present flood situation in different parts of the districts and its adverse affects on the lives of people hit by the devastating flood, the Minister said.
Okendro maintained that the government will extend all possible assistance to the affected people on the basis of the report to be submitted by the Deputy Commissioners.
As of now, strict instructions had been given to the DCs to take up necessary measures to avail relief materials for the affected people, he disclosed.
Announcing that Agriculture Department will come up with steps to distribute sowing seeds and pulses for the paddy fields which have been destroyed by the flood water within three months, the Minister made a fervent appeal to the concerned farmers not to worry over the loss incurred in the flood.
The Cabinet meeting also appreciated the valuable help extended by the people in trying to face the devastating floods, he added.
The Minister went on to inform that the meeting also gave approval to total lifting of public curfew clamped in Imphal West and Imphal East district in view of the tense situation in the districts following the death of a student during a protest staged on July 8 demanding enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the State.
However, the prohibitory order under CrPC 144 which prohibits assembly of more than five persons and carrying weapons that can cause harm to people will remain effective, Okendro said.