Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 24 2009:
Hit hard by the shortage of foodgrains due to the ineffectiveness of the PDS in their area of jurisdiction in Ukhrul district, the Tangkhul Naga Aza Long has urged the FCS Minister to plug the loopholes.
TNAL, under whose jurisdiction comes 93 villages, said that they have been hit hard by shortage of foodgrains and the drought like situation has only made matters worse.
Briefing media persons at its branch office at Tangkhul Avenue today, the executive members led by its chairman, J Mayarmi said that despite the provisions of
relief and grants from the Government, as well as acknowledging the famine like situation, due to natural calamities, since last year, the PDS has remained ineffective.
PDS items like BPL rice and IAY rice have not been distributed to the villagers, even today, they alleged.
IAY rice at the rate of Rs 700 for each 50 kg bags were brought to the villages only twice, in January and May this year, they further claimed.
Urging the authority concerned, including the local MLA, DC, SDO, FCS Minister and Chief Minister as well as the contractors/PDS suppliers to look into the matter, TNAL said that they would be constrained to take up a series of agitation, if their grievances are not addressed.
TNAL covers the villages located in Kasom, Phungyar, Saikul, Thoubal, Chandel and Ukhrul.