SHILLONG: The Unified Peace Movement for Garo Hills (UPMGH) in its executive meeting held recently remembered and offered prayers for thousands in Garo Hills, Khasi Hills and parts of Assam, particularly in Garo-dominated areas of Goalpara district who were affected by recent cloudburst and inundation.
In a statement issued here on Sunday, Fr. Januarius S Sangma, general secretary, UPMGH said that the Movement remembered those who lost their lives in the deluge and offered condolences to the bereaved families, while it also hoped that such families might receive ex-gratia assistance from the Government and the NGOs.
Stating that the loss of the people and the region is incalculable, the movement appealed to the Government to do everything in its power and means to bring relief, rehabilitation, succor and reconstruction on a war footing. Together with this appeal, the movement also urged the Government machinery to closely supervise the relief and rehabilitation programme so that whatever is meant for the affected people reaches the target group.
Taking a strong resolution to contribute the Movement’s mite towards the on-going relief and rehabilitation programme, it was decided by the members to appeal to the general public to make some donations in cash or kind for those affected by the floods.
Realizing that there are many individuals and groups who are expressing their eagerness to offer relief services but do not know how to go about it, the Movement offered to be the medium through which they could channelize for the assistance of those suffering.
The Movement would identify three or four most affected areas or where the assistance had not reached in a substantive way and offer such assistance that best suits the situation at the present moment. The movement also informed that the intentions of the donors would be respected and stated that any assistance in kind or cash can be sent to the general secretary of the movement at Don Bosco HS School, Tura.
