Imphal, Sep 05: Suspected outbreak of malaria disease in the interior locations of Sadar Hills is reported to have claimed three persons, including a minor girl during the past one week.

Conveying the matter to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, president of Kuki Youth Federation (GHqs) Chungsat Khongsai said outbreak of malaria-like disease has posed severe health threat to the entire population in six villages Govajang, Thengjang, Wakotphai, Chaljang, Lhouthang and Gajavri Basti.

While informing that persons stricken down by the yet-to-be confirmed disease was detected when a Federation team under its secretary (organisation) Khuplen Lhouvum visited the affected villages clustered about 50 kms north-west of Kangpokpi, Chungsat criticised the State Govt for not coming to the aid of the villagers.

Urging State health authorities to immediately send a medical team to investigate and take up appropriate measures in combating the disease outbreak before the death toll climbs, the student body leader also asserted "we will declare the Okram Ibobi Singh Government as anti-people if no action is taken up.

"There is no meaning at all of the CM's rhetoric slogan of equal development in the State when hapless people of the hill are denied basic right to health care." He also identified some of the deceased as Seikhogin Lhouvum (26) of Gavajang, Konshi Chongloi (8) of Thenjan village and Seidou Singson (40) of Wakotphai.

While Lhouvum died at Kangpokpi Mission hospital on September 3, Konshi and Seidou are informed to have died at their respective homes last week.

According to chairman of Chaljang village Helen Chongloi out of the total population of 600 in his village, 38 women and 25 men are currently bed-ridden.

Despite location of a primary health centre at the nearby Tujangvaichong there is no doctor since a long time back, he alleged and added that some nurses and the chowkidar at the centre are unaware of the outbreak.

When informed they cited non-availability of medi-cines to react to the situation, said Helen while conveying that responding to an SOS of the villagers a health team from the Kangpokpi medical centre reached the affected village on September 1 and had examined the villagers.

The Sadar Hills casualty claim comes close on the heels of report of seven persons dying of malarial diseases in Tipaimukh area apart from four succumbing in Tamenglong district villages.

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