By- Bit Irom
Imphal, Dec 5,
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has assuaged the hurting feelings of the disabled, saying, “The door of my govt is always open for the physically challenged fellows particularly the weaker section of the society residing in the far flung villages of Manipur.” The CM was speaking to the representatives of the Society for Empowerment of the Disabled Persons, Langmeidong village during his recent visit at Langmeidong in the southern part of the state.
Presenting a mat made of locally called ‘Kouna,’ long weeds, during the reception function of the CM at Langmeidong ground, Kakching district of Manipur, the Secretary of the Society Laiphakpam Memcha Devi, 50, a spinster, drawing the attention of the CM disclosed that some of the Society members are not getting financial assistance from the Govt for the many months. Memcha said that she couldn’t walk properly since she was hit by a heavy bench on her back at the age of 17. Whenever she goes, a walking stick is always used, she said. “The disabled in our locality are not getting the monetary assistance apart from depriving of wheel chairs, tricycles and hearing aids,” the physically challenged female added.
On hearing the woes of the disabled, the CM said that the details of the matters would be put up through the proper channel of the local MLA and then it would be looked into the matter for providing all sort of assistances to the right persons.
President of the Society, Elangbam Babita Devi, 48, also revealed her plights of hearing impairing stating that the concerned authorities had so far failed to provide the much needed aids despite drawing theirs attention on several occasions. The Society has 70 members including 30 females and of them there are 27 handicapped, 18 hearing impaired fellows and the rest mentally retarded persons. One Elangbam Sakila Devi, 40, a resident of Elangkhangpokpi village said that for a few months her disabled son namely Kunjo was getting financial assistance from the Govt but it had been stopped six months back.