Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 20:
Even as the State Government has opened relief camps for migrant labourers in the wake of the recent massacre, the labourers are facing starvation as the Government is not providing any food to some of the camps.
On the other hand, protest sittings were staged today against killing migrant workers today.
At Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School, Thoubal where a relief camp has been opened, altogether 150 migrant workers and their families are taking shelter.
But during a visit by this reporter to the camp today, it was found that the State Government did not provide any food to the inmates.
The non-locals were seen contributing Rs 10 each to buy rice and potatoes for their meal.
The inmates who have been restricted from venturing out were provided rice and some dal by 34 Assam Rifles at about 11 last night.
With the rice and dal provided by the AR, they cooked khechri and shared together even though it was enough to fill one's stomach.
The parents were helpless when their children cried in hunger as they were not allowed to go out of the camp to buy even a packet of biscuit.
Even as the Government assured adequate food to the inmates, not even common salt has been provided to the camp.
Cooking utensils were also arranged by the inmates themselves, lamented one of them.
But for the non-locals staying at the relief camp opened in Kakching police station, the Kakching Bazar Board has been providing food.
Moreover, Wabagai A/C MLA Usham Deben has donated Rs 3000 and a rice bag of 50 kgs.
Kakching A/C MLA Y Surchandra and the Chairperson of the Kakching Municipal Council have also donated Rs 3000 and Rs 1000 respectively towards the camp.
Meanwhile a DIPR release informed that necessary preparations have been made to open a relief camp for non-Manipuris currently taking shelter in police stations, police outposts, Dharamsala, Alu Gali and private buildings.
Eight non-Manipuris who stayed in Kakching police station have left the State.
They were escorted by police to Imphal airport.
On the other hand, protest sittings were staged today at Thoubal Mela ground, Thoubal Athokpam and Singjamei Liwa Road with a call to halt killing migrant workers.
The protest sitting at Thoubal Athokpam was jointly organised by Athokpam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup, Pari Kanba Lup Khangabok and Thoubal Okram Meira paibi Lup.