IMPHAL, Apr 9: Providing some relief to the villagers of Sirarakhong in Ukhrul district, who are facing hardships due to the destruction caused to their houses by a disastrous natural calamity recently, United Committee Manipur (UCM) extended assistance to the villagers and shared their hard experience following the incident.
A team of the committee headed by its president Elangbam Johnson paid a visit to the village today and held an informal meeting with the villagers.
Addressing the meeting, chairman of Sirarakhong Village Authority, Ngathingyao Longva appreciated the assistance provided by Ministers of the newly formed Government led by BJP and civil society organisations to the villagers in the wake of the unfortunate incident.
He said that children of the village were taken by surprise at seeing those Ministers as not even a single Minister had ever visited the village since 1992.
He acknowledged the assistance extended by UCM to the villagers, saying such noble service will strengthen the bonding between the hills and valley.
The Government had been pressed by the village to take up steps for rehabilitation and resettlement of the villagers, he said, hoping that UCM would extend help in materialising the process.
Elangbam Johnson maintained that UCM was formed with the objective of protecting the territorial and boundary of the State and maintaining peaceful coexistence amongst the different communities.
He asserted that the committee based on the objective has been visiting different parts of the State including far flung areas and interacting with its local people.
Stating that sometimes the cordial bonding between the different communities got fragile due to communication gap and misunderstanding, Johnson observed that the natural calamity which occurred at Sirarakhong village has given a chance to bridge the gap between the different communities.
He assured that the committee would assist the village in ensuring that the assurances given by the Ministers during their visit to the village are met.
Presenting eatable items to the villagers, he appealed to the chairman of the village authority to take part in the Great June Uprising observance to be held on June 18.
It may be mentioned that a 200 meter hill stretch and a 150 feet stretch along Mahadeva-Tolloi road caved in on April 5 last.
Besides destroying four houses, the incident cut off the village from the rest of the world.
Experts had expressed apprehension that around 26 houses are in danger as they are situated in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.
Meanwhile, reparing work of the caved in portion of Mahadeva-Tolloi road has already been started by BRTF.
It is said that the road will be accessible after one/two days.
Source: The Sangai Express
