MLA leads protest decrying NFSA rice denial
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 29 2024: NFSA beneficiaries of Kshetrigao assembly constituency on Monday Carried out a protest rally cum demonstration led by MLA Noorul Hassan to demand distribution of NFSA rice, which have been kept on hold for the last six months, before commencement of the assembly session.

NFSA beneficiaries from Kshetrigao assembly constituency gathered at MLA Nurool's residence at Kshetri Awang Leikai and took out a rally towards the Imphal East DC complex under his leadership.

They were initially stopped at the entrance but barged into the DC office's compound after which the MLA represented the protestors in a meeting with the DC and other officials.

During the protest rally, the NFSA beneficiaries decried denial of their constitutional rights, asked the minister concerned not to politicise NFSA rice allocation but mitigate their grievances promptly.

They also called for immediate resignation of the CAF&PD minister, urged CAF&PD officials to stop harassing beneficiaries under the garb of verification of ration cards, suggested that the department swiftly allocate the pending six-month rice allocation for Kshetri assembly constituency beneficiaries, and demanded action against negligent CAF&PD officials.

After meeting with the DC, ADC, SP and DSO, MLA Noorul Hassan informed reporters that ha had urged them to arrange for distribution of six months' NFSA rice to beneficiaries of constituency before the start of the assembly session.

He highlighted an incident during distribution of two months' NFSA rice, where the newly appointed FPS agent refused rice to some beneficiaries citing rejected NFSA cards with the issue brought to attention of the authorities during the meeting.

Consequently, the DSO has assured distribution of rice to the beneficiaries by September 7, on the basis of verification from the issuing register.

Additionally, assurances were given that NFSA rice would be distributed to other beneficiaries, except those with unsettled NFSA card, before the assembly session begins, confided the MLA, who also emphasised the need for addressing existing loopholes and avoiding similar lapses in the future.

Noorul Hassan remarked that if the commitments made in Monday's meeting are not implemented, he would regard the CAF&PD minister as incompetent and morally obligated to resign.

Furthermore, he cautioned possibility of intense protests in his constituency if the agreed-upon actions are not fulfilled.

Comment