SIPHRO

Aizawl, March 26, 2006: While the Mizoram government’s expenditure for the relief of Hmar refugees who fled their homes in Manipur in fear of Meitei militants has already crossed Rs 13 lakh the Manipur government has spent only one lakh for the same.

Mizoram’s relief & rehabilitation minister Lalrinchhana told the House on Friday that the total amount of money spent for the relief of Hmar refugees is Rs 13,24,021. This included construction of refugee camp in Sakawrdai and for the supply of food, water and electricity, health and education for the refugees.

The visiting Manipur MP (outer constituency) Mani Charanemei said that the Manipur government so far has spent Rs 1.3 lakh for its people who have been scared away from their homeland.

“Under SSA, a primary school (English medium) has been set up in the refugee camp for which three teachers have been appointed on contract basis at Rs 1000 per month for each teacher,” Lalrinchhana said in his answer to the starred question of ZNP leader and Ratu representative Lalduhoma.

Meanwhile, the Ibobi Singh government has constituted a one man commission under retired HC judge SP Rajkhowa to probe into the alleged mass rape of Hmar women by militant, according to Charanamei.

Visiting the Sakawrdai refugee camp on Thursday last week the outer Manipur MP encouraged the frightened Hmars not to fear the to tell the truths before the commission so that “justice will be done”.

Admitting that he was “deeply shocked” to learn that the underground militants raped Hmar women in the area, Charanemei said he felt the need to come and listen to their problems face to face.

Expressing gratitude over Mizoram’s hospitality to the Hmar refugees, the MP said to the refugees: “However, this hospitality can not be received forever. There will be time when you have to get back home. You should feel secured to return home.”

Talking to some reporters here, the MP also thanked the Mizoram’s media for highlighting the plight of the Hmar people. He was quoted as saying that those big papers in Manipur run by Meiteis never reported the issue in favour of the Hmar people.

The MP assured to take steps for establishment of army posts security forces, police stations and other administrative offices in the area for permanent peace and development.

On his visit, the MP gave the refugees in Sakawrdai and Lungthulien Rs 50,000 which he said was donated by Zaliengrong Women Union of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland, the Naga Employees Federation and several individuals in outer Manipur constituency.

Charanemei was received and accompanied to the refugees by Darlawn BDO Dr Lalngura.

Source: Newslink