Imphal, September 26: Zeme Naga Council, Manipur has refuted the allegations ma-de by Tousem Village Au- thority secretary Rangnei-kam that no rice was distributed in the area.

In a statement, Council president P Haimasuang and secretary Apung said that in May this year 100 quintal of rice was distributed to the villagers in the area under DRDA sancti-oned by DC of Tameng- long.

The charge was total-ly baseless, they said.

The statement pointed out that Don Bosco Social Welfare, Tamenglong distributed hundred quintal of rice, in May 2005 under food for work programme through DRDA given by D.C Tamenglong to be implemented and monitor by DBSW to remote villages of Tousem sub-division including Tousem Khunou.

Besides, under the same programme large amount of rice has been distributed and received by the villages through SDO Tousem.

Considering the absen-ce of road and transporta- tion ,DC Tamenglong and SDO Tousem, have also given in cash to some of the villages as an alternative arrangement to procure rice from Mahur & Haflong N.C Hills, Assam as the villagers find it easier and nearer to carry rice from there.

The villagers were very happy and extended their gratitude to D.C and SDO for their concern towards the hunger stricken public fighting against the food scarcity in order to sustain their lives.

They deserved praise from every section of the people for their selfless effort and untiring jobs committed for the welfare of the entire district in general and Tousem sub division in particular, said the statement. On the charge that SDO Tousem did not come to sub-divisional headquarters on Republic Day to celebrate and hoist the tri color flag in Tousem sub divisional Headquarters, the statement said that is true as reported.

Clarifying on the charge the statement said he couldn't come due to insecure law and order situation in the area at that time due to presence of different underground groups carrying out counter operations am-ong themselves.

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