UCM urges Manipur Governor to help displaced villagers

Imphal, Jun 23: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has urged Governor S S Sidhu to help rehabilitate the villagers of Wakan area under Sadar district.

UCM president Lanngamba said following the frequent and ongoing clashes between the two Kuki militant organisations, around 140 civilians belonging to the Kom tribe and 247 Kuki civilians from Wakanphai had been forced to flee the area.

''They are being provided temporary shelter in miserable conditions at the worm rearing shed of the Japan Sericulture project at Purum Likli where 40 persons are made to stay in a small room of 14/23 feet without mosquito net and proper clothing,'' Mr Lanngamba said.

Another 250 civilians from Wakon, Khokawn, L Songphel and H Molhoi had been provided shelter at Champhai village.

Diarrhoea cases were on the rise among the small children of the displaced persons.

''Irreparable losses of property, including domestic animals, and mass destruction of crops have occurred in the area due to the presence of the militants,'' he said.

The president also alleged that no government agencies had so far visited or enquired about the situation.

UNI