SIPHRO

Lamka, November 4, 2006: A public meeting held at the Synod Hall, Churachandpur today discussed rehabilitaion of the rape victims and dislocated people of Tipaimukh subdivision.

The meeting was attended among others by PWD minister T Phungzathang, Tourism minister TN Haokip, T Manga Vaiphei, MLA, Chaltolien Amo, MLA, UCM president K Langamba Singh, members of Meitei Society, Hmar Women’s Association, CDSU,SSPP and Mizo People’s Convention.

The deputy commisioner and SP, Churachandpur also attended the meeting.

Expressing gratitude to the government of Mizoram for providing shelter to the dislocated villagers from Manipur, Phungzathang said the government has taken up rehabilitation measures and provided them an amount of Rs.5000 each and foodstuffs and ensured their return to the state.

TN Haokip said everybody should strive to make Churachandpur a place of peace and harmony in the same way as they have done with quality education.

JL Sawmi said out of the 21 girls allegedly raped on January 16 last, one became totally blind, one mentally deranged so far.
The Hmar Women Association president said while the government hasn’t paid any compensation so far, even the relief assistance provided to them has not been sufficient.

Though more than eight months have lapsed there hasn’t been any positive response from the state government so far and its silence despite repeated appeals has disappointed the Hmar community, she added.

Meanwhile, the Meitei Youth Organisation, Churachandpur has appealed to the Churachandpur Distruct Students’ Union, CDSU to reconsider the latter’s decision to ban intrroduction of Meetei Mayek or language as academic discipline in schools and removal of hoardings and signboards with the script.

Source: The Imphal Free Press