Gram sale banned in Assam

GUWAHATI, AUG. 19. The historic Barpeta Xatra (monastery) has stopped its century-old tradition of distributing gram to people after three persons died and more than 3,000 people were affected by food poisoning in Assam during the last fortnight.

The Barpeta Xatra, one of the most revered Vaishnavite monasteries in the State, decided to break the tradition of distributing soaked gram on an auspicious day as panic spread in Barpeta and Nalbari districts.

Experts have been flown in to examine patients suffering from food poisoning while the health infrastructure has been stretched to the limits to accommodate the unending line of patients. A public interest litigation was filed in the Guwahati High Court which directed the State Government to pay special attention to the patients while a National Human Rights Commission team met the affected people, mostly children.

Initially, nearly 2,300 people were taken ill in Keotkuchi area of Barpeta district following consumption of soaked gram in a government-sponsored rally.

A week later, another 500 fell ill in Borobori area of Nalbari district forcing the authorities to ban the sale of gram in the State as the cause of poisoning was not yet established. It was suspected that the gram was laced with pesticides.

Authorities had opened camps, rushed additional doctors and paramedics and offered financial help but still the assistance was inadequate.

Sources said gram suppliers were arrested and senior officials suspended. Meanwhile, The Union Minister of State for Water Resources Mr. Bijoya Chakravarty has asked the Health ministry to rush a team of specialists for treating food poisoning cases.

- UNI

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