Isolated Tribal Villages Facing Starvation in Manipur

By Iboyaima Laithangbam

Imphal, Aug 22 : Three tribal villages in Manipur's Ukhrul district are facing starvation due to their being cut off from other parts of the State since the July 29 landslip between Chingai and Quingai.

The situation worsened after another landslip on August 15.

In addition, the washing away by a flash flood of the wooden bridge over the Rondei river connecting these villages with the rest of the district has greatly impeded transportation.

Tribals told The Hindu that some of them have to walk over 20 km. to fetch life-saving drugs and other consumer items. Transport of people to hospitals in Imphal has been impeded. Although villagers had informed the District Collector and other officials, no relief has been forthcoming.

An official who assessed the damage reportedly said that over Rs. 1. crore would be needed to rebuild the bridge.