The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Churachandpur sheltering in as many as 115 relief camps across Churachandpur district are on strike, demanding ration as their weekly supply for February have allegedly not been released without any reason.
The IDPs expressed that their food is being provided by the Union government; therefore, the DC has no right to deny them their share and lamented that they will die of starvation if the situation continues.
Meanwhile, no one is certain about the DC’s whereabouts after his office was burned by miscreants last week. No reason has been given or cited by the district administration as to why the distribution was halted. As per sources, there was enough stock of food at the godown of the district administration.
Since the violence broke out, approximately 18,000 IDPs have been taking shelter in the 115 relief camps and their food is being provided by the Union government via Mizoram, as per sources.
At some relief camps, the IDPs including children were seen holding placards that read, ‘we refuse to be ignored’ , ‘denying food is the worst form of violence’, ‘home burned, life threatened, denied food’, ‘we need food to survive, govt of India can’t you provide us basic needs’ etc. at some relief camps, the inmates protested by displaying their empty pots and utensils.
The IDPs, who are stationed at the relief camp across Churachandpur are looked after by 15 CSOs, are provided 44+7 food and non food items who consume 1001 bags of rice, 245.5 bags of pulse, 209 bags of potatoes per week, among others, which are distributed by the district administration on every Monday of the week.
