Imphal, October 28: This is a time to sow and a time to reap but for some poor farmers of Paomata block, this harvest season will be a harrowing time for them as they will have nothing to reap from their paddy fields and crops have been totally destroyed in the devastating hailstorm that lashed the area on October 26 last.

According to a late report received here, the hailstorm that started at around 12.30 pm on the fateful day lasted till 2 pm destroying all the paddy crops of Phuba Khuman and Phuba Thapham village of Paomata sub-division.

The source said that the hailstorm destroyed the standing crops, which may fill 300 barns or more adding the damage is more acutely felt at Phuba Thapham village.

The hailstorm occurred in other adjourning areas too, however, it is learnt that no damage were caused to these areas.

In this regard, the two village chairmen have appealed to the authority concerned to assess the damage caused by the hailstorm by commissioning a spot survey.

With this calamity, the number of households affected in this year�s natural calamities will increase by about 300 households in the district.

Telephone woes: After the arrival of Cell One (postpaid) Mobile phones in the district, cable phones have been relegated to the background with the telephone connection between Karong and Vakho remaining out of order snapped for almost a fortnight now.

The delay in the restoration of telephone links could be due to the shortage of linesmen in the Telecom Department as it is learnt that only two regular staff are stationed here at the moment.

Almost all PCOs in the district headquarters have also remained closed because of delinking due to failure to clear their outstanding dues.

Telecommunication in the district is something of a joke.

The lone SDOT deputed here has no other subordinate staff to assist him in matters of technical failure and he is learnt to be in-charge of three districts namely; Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong, which appears to be a cruel joke played on the people.

The SDOT is always on the run, going from one place to another as his duty demands and hence, the problem is faced by the people because he cannot remain fixed in one station leaving the other.

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