Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 28:
Reports of the recent hailstorm ravaging paddy plantations and others food crops continues to flood in with the latest information on the freak weather received from Ukhrul districts areas.
According to a statement of Shongphel Village Authority paddy plants and other food crops like cabbage, potato and cauliflower cultivations covering about 70 acres of land have been destroyed beyond redemption when the un-seasonal rainfall accompanied by strong wind and heavy shower of hail of october 24 lashed Shongphel and Mulam villages located under Litan police station.
Estimating the loss between Rs 37-40 lakhs, the statement also informed of president of Kuki Inpi (Ukhrul district) K Haokip, KSO (Ukhrul dist) president and one Ayo identified as personal secretary of circle MLA Danny Boy Shaiza making spot assessment of the affected areas.
Conveying that the public leaders after the inspection had assured to arrange for succour of the affected cultivators, the statement issued by the village chief also observed that inhabitants in the hailstorm ravaged Mulam and Shongphel villages would have an uphill task in rebuilding their lives as these villagers are yet to recover from the crippling impact of ethnic clash in the early 90s.The statement also highlighted several problems gripping the villagers owing to absence of a well maintained motorable road or modern amenities.
Meanwhile, one Wpam A shatsang - identifying himself as a social activist - informed that New Tusom, Tusom CV, Tusom Khullen, Challou, Wahong, Kuingai and adjoining areas had been lashed by the hailstorm that swept these areas on october 20 and 24.apart from the devastation caused to these deprived villagers, the social activist also informed of a woman getting hurt on her head when some objects blown by the strong wind hit her.
Observing that loss of over 500 quintal of food crops especially paddy for a population of about 5000 means imminent problem of food grain shortages, Shatsang fervently appealed to authority concerned to arrange for emergency relief works to ensure survival of the affected villagers.