The All Manipur Tribals Development Grievances Forum (AMTDFG) has strongly condemned the incident in Churachandpur district where an attempt was made to siphon off food grains under PDS meant for the economically backward citizens of the state.
AMTDFG, in a press release, termed the incident as unfortunate and said that it was an attempt to steal food grains under PDS. They also expressed suspicion on the incident carried out by some goons allegedly in nexus with politicians of the hills district of Manipur.
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The AMTDGF appealed to the state government to book the culprits involved and not to spare any persons, even politicians who are involved.
It also mentioned that distribution of foodgrains under NFSA has been irregular in the hill districts of the state as it has been sold off.
AMTDGF also cautioned the State Govt. that fair price shop agents, PDS staff and concerned politicians should be held responsible. There are complaints that foodgrains(rice) under NFSA are abundantly available in the open market in hills districts.
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There are also reports that rice (foodgrains under NFSA in the hills districts) are sold at the price of Rs 5, Rs 10 and Rs 15. There are reports that a complaint has been lodged to the concerned DCs of hills districts but no action has been initiated so far. It should be remembered that fair price shop agents are appointed by the DC at the dictate of the concerned MLAs of the hills district, the release added.
The Forum appealed to the State Govt. to initiate necessary action against those involved including politicians, staff and whosoever and ensure a proper mechanism to deal with all these lapses in the distribution of foodgrains under NFSA.
