A relief concert at Kiphire. Photo: Bhadra Gogoi

With eastern Nagaland being worst hit by the recent floods and landslides, the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has appealed to the state government to continue providing relief in some of the districts, towns and villages of the region which are facing scarcity of essential commodities.

“Rescue the people of eastern Nagaland who are leading their lives under very difficult conditions,” ENSF general secretary Imtichoba Chang urged the government in a release on Thursday. The federation said airlifting of essential commodities, especially to Kiphire, Tobu and other parts, should continue until the situation becomes normal.

It pointed out that the situation in eastern Nagaland still remained pathetic and urged the government to continue rescue operations by offering aid to the places that were totally cut off from rest of the state.

Lauding the state government’s efforts to bring the situation arising out of the recent natural calamity to normal, the ENSF said the students were most affected. It pointed out that many students were not be able to attend their classes till date as the public vehicles stopped plying after the roads and bridges were damaged by the recent floods and landslides.

Appealing to the government to provide better roads and infrastructure, the federation expressed apprehension that the officials of department and contractors concerned would not carry out repair work properly and siphon off money in connivance with politicians.

Pointing out that a bridge over Choklo river under Thonoknyu subdivision that connected many villages had been totally washed away, the federation hoped the government would construct a new bridge.

The ENSF assured to extend its fullest cooperation to face the challenges.

Meanwhile, Meluri additional deputy commissioner Rhosietho Nguori said two-thirds of the sub-division had been affected by the recent floods. He said about 500 farmers in Lephori village have not been able to attend to their agricultural activities and fields as four hanging bridges connecting their paddy field areas had been swept away by Araju river.

Nguori said the Phek district administration has been taking stock of the situation and reaching out to the farmers in all possible ways. However, more assistance is required from the higher authorities of the state at the earliest, he said.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]