Cyclone Mora: Affected denizens of Ukhrul ask for 2nd instalment of relief fund
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, October 19 2020:
Aggrieved villagers of Ukhrul affected by Cyclone Mora demanded an immediate release of the second instalment of the relief fund sanctioned by the Centre at the earliest.
A press conference was held today at Ukhrul District Working Journalists Association (UDWJA) office at Viewland, Ukhrul.
One of the victims, Silas Tuikhar expressed strong dismay against the district DC Joseph Pauline Kamson who is also the chairman of Ukhrul DDM for his 'indifferent' attitude toward the beneficiaries.
Despite repeated appraisal, the fund has not been transferred to the beneficiaries till date, Silas added.
He said the cyclone that hit Ukhrul in May 2017 destroyed many paddy fields, farms, ponds etc.
According to Silas, the State Government has already sanctioned and deposited funds amounting to Rs 1.19 crore in March 2020 for the beneficiaries.
The DC concerned purported delay to transfer the money on lame excuses is not acceptable, he continued.
Mentioning that additional Rs 7 lakh was also sanctioned for the affected persons, Silar further demanded the Ukhrul DC to incorporate the interest collected from Rs 1.19 crore in the relief fund.
He also mentioned that the third instalment for infrastructure development would not be possible until the second instalment is released.
Meanwhile, another victim W Khudai from Khangkhui village informed that verification of over 5,000 persons from four blocks-Ukhrul, Jessami, Chingai and LM Block was already done by the former DC, Dr Harmit Pahuja last year.
The affected villagers have also submitted a memorandum to CM in 2019 on Meeyam Numit, highlighting their grievances, he continued, adding that transferring done can be completed within a week as majority of the procedures are already completed.
Seeking immediate intervention of the higher authority, the aggrieved villagers cautioned that they will pursue the matter in the Court for legal proceedings against the DC if the demand is not entertained.