Tribal Sangha claims 31 malaria deaths in Assam

Guwahati, May 13 (UNI) The All Assam Tribal Sangha today claimed that 31 children died of malaria and diarrhoea in Hailakandi district of Barak Valley.

Addressing a press conference, Sangha Secretary Aditya Khakhlary said an 11-member team of the Tribal Sangha had visited the malaria affected Kundanala, Durgapur, Kassapchera, Khuli, Youkubnala, Rupachara and Chandirghat villages on May 11.

''Altogether 369 families, consisting of more than 4000 people, were affected by malaria and diarrhoea. Since April last, 31 children have lost their lives and the number of deaths is still on the rise,'' he said.

''One Heus Karla, a four-year-old child, died a day before we reached the village. The sad part is that the area has no basic amenities. Nearest public health centre is in Lallacherra, which is 30 km from the affected areas,'' Mr Khakhlary said.

They demanded immediate medical relief team to help the villagers and feared that if delayed, more deaths would be reported.

UNI MT PL GL CS1720