Jiribam DC inspects Meetei village, assures support
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, October 22 2024: Jiribam deputy commissioner (DC) Krishna Kumar inspected Mongbung Meetei village, which had been targeted repeatedly by armed Kuki militants, and discussed with the villagers their issues, concerns and challenges, on Tuesday.

The villagers urged the DC to repair the road connecting Mongbung to Lalpani, explaining that the JT road, their primary route, is fraught with danger as it passes through a Kuki village.

They also narrated difficulties faced by school and college students.

Acknowledging importance of education, DC Krishna Kumar assured the villagers that he would ensure the primary school in the village functions smoothly, and arrange transportation for the teachers, who have been facing difficulties commuting, by coordinating with the CRPF or other central forces.

The DC also addressed the issue of unemployment among the villagers during this time of crisis, promising to allocate more work under the NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) for Mongbung village.

Additionally, he pledged to facilitate access to medical facilities, while expressing that the frequent bomb attacks would be significantly reduced due to the presence of CRPF and Assam Rifles, and state forces stationed in the area.

During the visit, he also distributed essential supplies, including rice, lentils and cooking oil to the villagers.

Speaking to reporters after distributing the essential commodities, the Jiribam DC explained that his visit to Mongbung Meetei village, along with the Jiribam SP, relief camp nodal officer, and district administration staff, was carried out under the directive of chief minister N Biren.

He added that the team held discussions on concerns and challenges of the villagers.

The DC assured that issues faced by the residents would be addressed by deploying relevant department personnel after coordinating with officials of the line departments including the ICDS, health and education sectors.

It is worth noting that the villagers of Mongbung were forced to flee and stay in the relief camp set up at Chingdong Leikai Primary High School after their village was attacked by armed Kuki militants using bombs and firearms.

In a tragic incident on June 6, one Soibam Saratkumar of Jiribam Sorok Atingbi Khunou was found killed.

The villagers only returned to Mongbung after additional central and state forces were deployed on August 6 .

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