Residents of Jamrudisa village in the Umrangcho area find themselves caught in the throes of government neglect following a year of devastation caused by natural disasters.
As discussions surrounding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections echo throughout the region, the plight of those in Jamrudisa remains largely overlooked.
Last year, the village, nestled in the Dima Hasao district, bore the brunt of heavy smoke and hailstorms, leaving 23 families grappling with the aftermath.
Typically reliant on agriculture and poultry farming to sustain their livelihoods, the villagers faced significant setbacks as their homes and livelihoods were ravaged by the unforgiving forces of nature.
In the wake of the calamity, it was expected that aid and compensation would be swiftly provided by the government and the Disaster Management Department. However, a year has passed, and the promised relief remains elusive for many. Allegations of irregularities in compensation distribution have surfaced, exacerbating the distress of the affected families.
While some families claim to have received a meager sum of Rs 4,000, others assert that a select few have been granted Rs 1,30,000. This glaring disparity has intensified the grievances of those left without adequate support. With their homes lying in ruins and their means of income compromised, these families are mired in a state of uncertainty and desperation.
The failure of the District Disaster Management Department to conduct a comprehensive and equitable assessment following the disaster has further compounded the villagers' woes. They now find themselves ensnared in bureaucratic limbo, uncertain of whether they will ever receive the assistance they so desperately need.
In a bid to draw attention to their plight, the aggrieved families have appealed to the government, urging prompt action and the fair disbursement of compensation. With their survival hanging in the balance, they implore authorities to heed their cries for help and alleviate their suffering without further delay.