BJP team reaches epicentre, demands immediate relief
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 07 2016: A team of BJP Manipur Pradesh led by its general secretary (adminis-tration) M Ashinikumar visited Kabui Khullen Part-1, epi-centre of the devastating earth- quake that struck the State on January 4 killing eight people and injuring over 100 .

Speaking to reporters at their Nityaipat Chuthek office, Ashnikumar said that Kabui Khullen is an interior village located on the top of a hill around 18 kms to the north of Noney (Longmai) .

A five-member team of BJP Manipur Pradesh visited Kabui Khullen Part-1 and inspected the loss of properties there on January 5 .

BJP Mahila

Saying that the road leading to the village is deplo- rable, he said that no vehicle could not proceed beyond Naga Hills, 12 Kms from Noney.

He said that the team walked around 6 Kms to reach Kabui Khullen Part-1.After reaching the village, the team talked to the village authority and assessed the ground reality, he said.

Of the 58 houses which suffered damages in the devastating quake, seven were found completely reduced to rubbles, Ashnikumar said.

He further said that although around 20 people were found still experiencing trauma due to the earthquake, no Government help could reach the interior village at that time.

In view of the loss of properties and physical injuries suffered by the villagers, the State Government must send a medical team to the village at the earliest to provide counselling and much needed medical aid, he said.

Ashnikumar further said that the villagers were extremely worried that they might be killed if another tremor returned to the village.

He also said that there is need for opening a relief camp at the village to provide shelter to homeless villagers in view of the chilling weather.

Taking advantage of the availability mobile network for around 10 minutes when the BJP team was in the village, he informed about the situation of the place to Chief Secretary O Nabakishore over the phone.

Ashnikumar said that he also gave the phone to the village chairman to talk to the Chief Secretary and inform him about the problems faced by the villagers.

Ashnikumar said that he also made a call to Union Home Minister from the village and informed him about the ground reality.

The Minister assured him to extend all possible assistance to the villagers, he said.

Regarding the damages suffered by two Ima Keithels, Ashnikumar condemned Works Minister Kh Ratankumar for not taking the responsibility of the loss.

Although the two Ima Keithels were constructed by NBCC, it was the State Government's responsibility to check quality control, he observed.

If they have the courage, the State Government must order an inquiry to probe the matter by a committee comprising technical experts and headed by a retired Judge, Ashnikumar said.