Imphal, April 7 : The Manipur branch of the Indian Red Cross Society today handed over relief materials worth nearly Rs 50,000 to the members of Zeliangrong community which has been displaced from several villages of North Cachar Hills district of Assam following alleged atrocities by the Dimasa militants.
The secretary of the Society, Manipur branch, M. Lala Singh, handed over the relief materials to the representatives of the Zeliangrong Students’ Union and the All Manipur Anti-drug Associationat the office of the Society here.
The relief materials include 250 blankets, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soaps, tarpaulin sheets, candles and matchboxes.
Lala Singh said the materials were donated to the Society by individuals and various organisations.
A team of the anti-drug organisation and Zeliangrong students will distribute the relief materials on Wednesday. The association is also collecting donations for the refugees.
Nearly 800 villagers fled their homes and reached Tousem subdivision in Tamenglong district of Manipur fearing more attacks from the Dimasa militants in February.
The members of the Zeliangrong community here alleged that the militants had killed five civilians and injured several more.
The secretary of the Zeliangrong Students Union, Majadung Kamei, said about 600 villagers had been provided shelter at four relief camps opened at Tousem subdivision.
Some members of the displaced families have returned to their villages in NC Hills district to take stock of the situation.
The convenor of Tousem unit of the Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Ileilung Newmai, said some refugees were staying at the homes of their relatives in Tousem.
He appealed to the Assam government and the North Cachar Hills district administration to ensure the safety of the Zeliangrong community.
He also appealed to civil society organisations of Assam to find an amicable and lasting solution to the conflict in North Cachar Hills.
Amada will provide rice, medicines and edible oil.
Its vice-president L. Krishnamohon said the organisation was seeking relief materials from the people for handing them over to the displaced villagers.