Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 16
Minister for Social Security & Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs Kiyanilie Peseyie Saturday visited the terrace fields in Jotsoma village destroyed by spilled oil on July 8.
The minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rovilato Mor, members from the NPF Farmers’ Wing, Nagaland led by president Lanukaba and party workers from both NPF Kohima division and the constituency.
After inspecting the damaged fields, a short interaction was held with the villagers of Jotsoma and the affected families. The minister, while sharing disappointment over the incident, assured to render his support to help the farmers from the government side. He also asked the district administration to assist the farmers in whatever way possible, so that relief is granted to them at the earliest.
The minister, who is also the MLA of the 8th Western Angami Assembly Constituency, during the visit, donated an amount of Rs. 1 lakh to the farmers, as part of immediate relief from his side. It may be mentioned that on July 8, some citizens purportedly spilled oil which entered some of the terrace fields through a small stream Kezharü, above Dzüdza river.
Deputy Commissioner Rovilato Mor also assured the farmers on behalf of the district administration to render all possible help. The DC while informing that he had directed the police department to set up a team to investigate the matter, expressed hope that the culprit(s) would be caught, so that justice is delivered to the affected farmers.
While stating that the district administration had received all the reports about the said incident through the SDO (Civil) Sechü circle, he said the matter was discussed during the DPDB meeting held on July 15.
“Though this is a man-made calamity and not natural calamity, the District Disaster Management Authority will study and discuss about the case and come forward to assist in whatever way possible,” Mor said.
Lanukaba Ao condemned the act and urged the district administration and police department to investigate the matter and bring the culprit(s) to the notice of the public. He also said the NPF Farmers’ Wing will approach the government to grant relief to the affected families at the earliest.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Kosievito Nisa thanked Minister Kiyanilie, the district administration and NPF party workers for their concern and assistance. He also thanked the team from the Agriculture department and the National Food Security for inspecting the paddy fields yesterday.
Meanwhile, the farmers also extended appreciation to the Western Angami Youth Organisation and Jotsoma villagers for all the help and support extended.
