Not surprisingly the worsening crack completely shocked Tribal Development Minister N Kayisii, who visited the spot today at about 11.30 am. N Kayisii was accompanied by A Kashiprii, former ADC Member of Senapati, T Ranjit Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi and K Kapa, Joint Director, TD.
The Minister also visited the affected victims at the temporary relief camp at Goma Devi High School, Toribari after assessing the situation at the spot and provided them financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh and other essential commodities.
While addressing the victims, N Kayisii said “The Chief Minister sent me on behalf of the Government to attend to your grievances and take stock of the situation” while conveying the Chief Minister’s sincere sympathy and concern.
He added, “I could not instantly come and visit you in time due to the Assembly session and share your pain and grief.”
The Minister further said “since you will not be eligible for any assistance including GI Sheets and others meant for tribal populace under Tribal Development, I will personally help you by any means and provide assistance at the earliest.”
N Kayisii also assured the earth crack affected people that he will report the situation and their grievances to the Chief Minister this afternoon itself and request him to help at the maximum at the earliest possible time.
Speaking to a host of media persons, N Kayisii said, “when I heard about the incident I thought it was a landslide similar to that of the Sirarakhong incident in Ukhrul but when I personally visited the spot today it has really shocked me as the impact of the earth crack has rendered many of Kalikhola village homeless.
“I am deeply hurt on seeing the tremendous hardships and grievances of the people here and I will definitely make sure that the Government extends all possible relief.”
He further said “I will meet the Chief Minister this afternoon and convey the grievances of the people and seek a relief package for the victims from the Chief Minister at the earliest and I will also personally help them at the maximum.”
The Minister appreciated the District Administration Kangpokpi for their prompt action and commendable works in connection with earth crack and affected people.
Deputy Commissioner T Ranjit Singh said, “I have already written for Natural Calamity funds amounting to not less than Rs 10 lakh as per the District Disaster Management Act, 2005 and a reminder which I hope will definitely be receive a positive response.”
He said that considering the deteriorating condition of the earth crack all the 30 households with a population of not less than 250 must be shifted for their safety while some are already taking shelter at the temporary relief camp.
A team of State Disaster Response Force also reached Kangpokpi DHQs yesterday evening and are stationed at Kangpokpi PS and assessing the situation.
Source: The Sangai Express
