A rock concert for the aid of Myanmar cyclone victims

Imphal, June 1: Indian artistes took part in music concert in Manipur to raise funds for the cyclone victims in neighbouring Myanmar.

Organised by Youths Foundation for Fitness and Service (YOFFS), the concert, which was held on Saturday in Manipur's capital Imphal, was aimed at raising funds for the rehabilitation of those devastated by a killer cyclone that hit Myanmar in the month of May.

The concert which was part of a two-phase drive to raise funds for the cyclone victims, saw some of the best from the music world in Manipur lend their voices for this noble cause.

"This concert is organised to help those people who suffered in Myanmar cyclone. That's why I came here. I just wanted to help them through my music, that's it," said Uttam Singh, a singer.

The singers were quite happy to do their bit to support the victims. They hoped that the notes of their music would help heal the miseries of those who suffered in the devastating cyclone.

"I feel very sorry and hope it not again happen. I wish them for the future," said Roshibina Devi, another singer.

The money collected from this concert will be given by the volunteers to the Myanmarese government to be used for the rehabilitation of the victims.

In the second phase of the drive, a courtyard theatre will be organized to collect relief fund for the Myanmarese victims.

Cyclone Nargis left behind it, a trail of destruction, when it ripped through Myanmar's Irrawaddy delta on May 4, destroying houses and leaving bodies struck in debris and lying in pools of water.

Those affected by it are still struggling to piece their lives together after going through the tragedy.

Though aid is pouring in from all over the world, Myanmar's military junta, as the government is known to be, has declined the offer, appearing to fear that a large-scale international relief effort would loosen the grip the generals have held since a 1962 coup.

The official toll of dead and missing from the cyclone is more than 134,000. An estimated 2.4 million people have been left destitute.

ANI