NE India to raise funds for Burmese cyclone victims

This initiative by the Youth Foundation for Fitness and Service (YFFS), a local NGO based in India's north eastern state of Manipur bordering Burma's northwestern Sagaing division, is part of the young artistes' living up to  their motto of serving disaster affected people in Burma.

Prominent singers Khun Joykumar, Naba Volcano and young artistes like Sadananda, Ranbir Thouba and Tapta Jayenta will join their female counter parts including Usharani, Sophia, Nandeswori and Pushparani in a special musical concert at the NCC ground in Imphal on May 31.

This will be followed by a performance - popular court yard plays or Shumang Leela - by renowned artistes of the region at the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen complex in Manipur's capital town of Imphal on June 8, according to Hijam Meghachandra, President of YFFS.

"We took up this initiative to help our disaster affected brothers and sisters of Myanmar [Burma] by raising relief funds," Meghachandra added.

The Burmese junta has stated that over 70,000 have died with more than 50,000 are missing due to cyclone Nargis which lashed the country on May 2 and 3. But the UN said the death toll could reach 130,000 with at least 2.5 million affected.

Volunteers of YFFS, who have records of extending humanitarian services in times of crisis in the region, said they have about 100 volunteers working on fund raising for the cyclone victims in Burma.

"This time around 100 of our volunteers have been conducting fund raising drive across the state since May 17," W Bobby, an important functionary of the organization told Mizzima on Friday.

He added that the funds collected will be handed over to the Burmese authorities across the border by the organization.

"We're expecting a lot, but as of now we can't say how much we're going to raise and hand over to them," Bobby added.

On May 16, 77 Rotary Clubs from Rotary International District 3240 in India's north eastern states under the leadership of Director General Rotarian Parbhat Kedia delivered emergency medicines to the Burma Border Trade Centre in the Burmese border town of Tamu, opposite Moreh in India, as volunteers are not permitted to go to the  Delta.

"We are the nearest Rotarians from India's north east region who cannot turn a blind eye to the sufferings of our brethrens in distress. More aid from our organization will be pouring in. The moment we open our windows to South East Asia, the first glimpse we catch is of Myanmar [Burma]," Kedia said.

Prabhat Kedia said despite their efforts to send in 60 medical doctors to help the cyclone victims, the Burmese authorities have not granted permission.

The medicines were finally handed over to Director of the Burmese Border Trade Department Aung Kyaw Hlain in Tamu in the presence of Soe Myint, Secretary of District Peace and Development Council and Political commissioner Lieutenant Colonel Aung Htein, he said.

Earlier on May 13, The Border Trade and Chamber of Commerce, Tamil Sangam, Moreh and National Identity Protection Committee, sent five trucks loaded with relief materials mostly salt, flour, soyabean, milk powder, pulses, biscuits and medicines worth Rs 10 lakhs (USD 24,390) through the Tamu township border point.

The relief supplies were received by the Tamu township DC Soe Naing in the presence of Secretary of Tamu Soe Myint, Commanding Officer of 50 LIR Lieutenant Colonel Aung Myo Than, Political Colonel Aung Hlain and other district level officers.

Meanwhile, central government of India has also sent at least two navy ships carrying relief and medical supplies, and five aircrafts carrying tents, medicines, roofing material and other relief items. A team of Indian medics have also reportedly been sent into the disaster hit region of Burma's Irrawaddy delta.