As many as 12 minor children across four villages in Tipaimukh sub-division of Churachandpur district have died of different reasons directly or indirectly related with scarcity of foodgrains and malnutrition, said the Hmar Students' Association, Hmarram (Tipaimukh) joint headquarters in a statement today.

The students body said that the reports of deaths were confirmed from reliable sources while terming the contrasting reports on the deaths as due to malnutrition, epidemics, diseases, etc. in Tipaimukh as "very unfortunate."

Among the dead six children namely Vasty, daughter of Larawn, Rebecca (seven months), daughter of Lalremsiem, Rochanhlu (10 months), son of Neia, Baby (five months), daughter of Lalremkung, Lawmnachullo (eight months), daughter of Sanga and Lalpiengthang (seven months), son of Lalremruot were from Lungthulien village.

Three children, Lalzarlawn (seven months), son of L Biekthuom, Ramnghakmawi (seven months) and Esther L (eight months), sons of L Ringvel were from Leisen village.

Baby (three months), daughter of Ropuilien and Joseph L (eight months), son of Lalramhuol were from Parbung and Patpuihmun village respectively, the statement said.

Despite contrasting reports, no one could deny the deaths were directly or indirectly related with scarcity of foodgrains and malnutrition.

The body also urged the authorities to send medical teams along with experts and equipments and additional quota of rice to Tipaimukh before things worsen.

Reacting on the FCS department's indecision the students said that the department was wondering how rice and other items under PDS should reach the people of Tipaimukh sub-division and its adjoining areas, whether through the MLA nominees or through the deputy commissioner, while the people were under immense hardships due to the shortage of foodgrains.

"No more blame game and lip service," said the statement stating that what they demand is additional quota of rice not who will take responsibility to reach the items to the people.

The stand of CDSU is not without reason, the students body said adding that at the same time the more important thing for the concerned department was to decide whom to entrust for the transportation and stocking of at least three months requirements before June when the monsoon season arrives.

The people of Tipaimukh have been waiting for arrival of the relief for the last six months but till date no more than the existing quota of rice and a few quintals through NREGS had reached the people.

No additional rice had been allocated even though a famine like situation is prevailing in the region for the last few months, it said stating that neither the chief minister nor the chief secretary or deputy commissioner have initiated any measures to increase the quota of rice except on paper.