Relief given to affected farmers of New Wka village

Affected farmers of New Wokha village whose agricultural fields and properties had been damaged by wild elephants received cash relief from advisor, Treasuries & Accounts, Relief & Rehabilitation, Dr. T. M. Lotha on April 30 in the presence of district administration, police, forest officials and NGOs. 

Speaking at the brief programme hosted by the Tiyi Wildlife Conservation & Animal-Human Conflict Control Society at New Wokha Village, Dr. TM Lotha stated that the government had taken prompt action upon learning of the destruction caused by the wild elephants at New Wokha Village, and as the local MLA, he himself had earlier paid a spot visit to the affected areas on September 24, 2015 along with district administration and forest officials. 

He appreciated deputy commissioner Wokha, A. Robin Lotha for taking proactive role in assisting the villagers during the conflict and assessing the damage and reporting to the government for necessary compensation. He further stated that, the issue was “human-animal conflict”, for which the department of forest and wildlife was the right department to provide relief and rehabilitation. 

He however said that as contingency relief, the government had sanctioned some money under his department despite budget constraints, keeping in mind the gravity of the situation. 

He also appreciated chairman, New Wokha village, Khyolamo Humtsoe and his team for coordinating with the government officials during the entire period of human elephant conflict, an effort of which has prevented human casualties. He further encouraged the villagers to venture into new and innovative farming practices for sustainable livelihood and economic prosperity, stating that it was time for the Nagas to venture into private sectors as employment in the public sector had reached a saturation point. 

Deputy commissioner, A. Robin Lotha also spoke at the program. The meeting was chaired by Khyolamo Humtsoe while Zujabemo Lotha delivered the welcome address. Yingao Murry spoke on behalf of the affected farmers and Zaremo Murry pronounced the vote of thanks.