Storm affected folks seek Govt's attention

OSR/OC
IMPHAL, Mar 16 : In the aftermath of yesterday's destructive wind and hailstorm, a call has been raised from diverse quarters seeking help from the Government authorities in view of large-scale destruction to property and crops.
In Langathel village, around 200 hectares of vegetable farms were destroyed by the hailstorm.
The village is well-known for producing the largest yield of vegetables in Thoubal district.
Pumpkins, bottle gourds, cucumbers, watermelons and other crops grown across the village were almost ripe for harvest when tragedy struck and destroyed the vegetables and fruits.
Speaking to the press, Moirangthem Ibochouba from Ayum Langathel has appealed to the department concerned to address the plight of the farmers who have suffered significant losses.
Another farmer by the name of Moirangthem Barkesho shared that the 200 hectares of farmland produces around Rs 1 crore worth of crops annually. The destruction of these crops spells financial disaster for the farmers.
Also highlighting the plight of farmers whose crops have been destroyed, Khallei Sillup (KHASIL) has appealed for Government assistance.
Speaking to the media at Manipur Press Club today, KHASIL secretary Khom-dram Sunil urged the authority concerned to arrange a relief package for the farmers, who form the backbone of Manipur society. He further called for on-site visits and inspection by the District Officers concerned to assess the extent of damage.
The windstorm and hailstorm also wreaked havoc on the cabbages and American peas diligently grown by 24 year old Irungbam Malemnganba from Toubul Maning Leikai, Bishnupur.
The young man started tenant farming from January of this year and has spent a total of Rs 30,000, his entire savings, in the endeavour. He was preparing to harvest the cabbages on March 17 but the crops were completely destroyed by the hailstones.
Like others affected by the hailstorm, Malemnganba, who is also a National level boxer, has sought help from the Government.
The fisher folks of Loktak Lake have also suffered heavy losses due to the windstorm of May 15 which raged in the area from 12.30 am to 4.30 am approximately and the hailstorm which followed later.
According to Loktak Lake Fishermen's Welfare Society, a large number of fishing equipment and tools kept at Loktak have either been lost or damaged beyond repair.
Phumdis were blown away in different directions, including the small huts and restaurants built on them.
The affected fisher folks are from Karang, Champu Khangapok, Thanga Chingkha, Thanga Heisnam, Thanga Salam, Thanga Oinam, Thanga Samukol, Thanga Khunjem, Thanga Moirangthem, Thanga Tongbram, Khoirom, Thanga Ithing, Sendra, Khola, Thanga Ngaram etc.
Loktak Lake Fishermen's Welfare Society has urged the Government authority to assess the situation and provide some relief to the fisher folks.
Additionally, it has urged the Government to build two/three multipurpose cyclone relief centres in the Loktak Lake.
The windstorm also damaged the market shed at Laiching Area, Maring Tuishmi Bazar in Tengnoupal.
The All Laiching Village Authority Action Committee (ALVAAC) has sought the attention of the District Magistrate and other concerned authorities to rebuild/repair the market shed.
In view of the orange alert issued by IMD, according to which both the hills and valley areas of Manipur may be subjected to 40/50 km winds in the next four days, All Manipur Agriculture Workers' Union has urged the Government to repair the dwelling houses damaged by the wind/hail storm on war footing.
Meanwhile, Manipur Loumi Lup has demanded financial aid and relief materials for the affected farmers.