Sangma seeks public help for riot victims
By IANSWednesday, January 12, 2011
SHILLONG - Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Wednesday appealed to the public to donate generously to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help the thousands of people displaced in ethnic clashes in the state.
Ten people have died so far and scores were injured in the violent clashes between Garo and Rabha tribes that began Jan 1. Nearly 50,000 people were displaced from their homes and are staying in relief camps in Assam and Meghalaya.
Hundreds of houses were burnt down in the riot-hit areas of the state.
The Meghalaya government Tuesday announced compensation of Rs.3 lakh to the next of kin of each of those killed in the continuing ethnic conflict. The government will also bear the expenses for the treatment of the injured.
The government also announced an amount of Rs.10,000 to each of the displaced families.
“The situation in the affected areas has been brought under control and the government is making all efforts to rehabilitate the displaced families,” Sangma said.
