Hatikokh residents refute reports over distribution of flood relief materials

NAZIRA, August 24, 2026 — Residents of historic Hatikokh village in Sivasagar district have strongly reacted to what they described as false and misleading reports concerning the distribution of relief materials among people affected by the devastating floods in the Dikhow River.

The floods have affected thousands of people, prompting individuals, organisations and institutions from within and outside Assam to extend assistance to affected communities. However, the Hatikokh villagers alleged that certain individuals were attempting to exploit the relief efforts for personal interests.

According to the villagers, eight organisations from Hatikokh, with the support of local residents, came together to distribute relief materials in several flood-affected areas of Sivasagar district on August 16 and 17.

As part of the initiative, relief materials were distributed to several flood-affected families at Naga Gaon in Ligiripukhuri, Nazira, on August 16. The villagers said the organisers had assured other affected families that assistance would be provided shortly.

However, they alleged that a few families from the same locality, allegedly influenced or provoked by certain individuals, subsequently claimed that they had not received relief materials.

The villagers further alleged that some online portals published reports claiming that relief materials had been collected and distributed in the name of singer Zubeen Garg, while linking Hatikokh village to the matter. They described the reports as false and misleading.

They also alleged that the names of two youths from Hatikokh were included in the reports, which they claimed was an attempt to tarnish the reputation of both the village and the two youths.

The villagers said that, in keeping with their commitment, the organisers returned to the area on August 17 with relief materials meant for 50 families. However, when the intended beneficiaries reportedly declined to accept the materials, flood-affected residents of Alikinar in Ligiripukhuri requested the supplies. The materials were subsequently distributed among them, and the programme concluded in a cordial atmosphere, the villagers said.

The residents said they were shocked after coming across the alleged reports later that evening.

They particularly expressed resentment over a report allegedly circulated by a youth whom they described as a “self-styled journalist”. The villagers alleged that the reports were intended to mislead the public and bring disrepute to Hatikokh village and two of its youths.

At a press conference, the villagers further alleged that the youth had previously faced opposition from Hatikokh residents in connection with an alleged incident and claimed that the latest reports were motivated by personal grievances. These allegations could not be independently verified.

The villagers also stated that the youth is not associated with the Nazira Press Club, the Free Journalists' Association of Nazira or the Nazira Sangabadik Mancha. They appealed to the concerned authorities of the online portals Druta Sangbad, Prime Assam, Samaguri Live and AN Aditi News to refrain from publishing unverified reports.

The Hatikokh residents warned that if appropriate action is not taken against what they described as false reporting and the alleged “self-styled journalist”, they may seek legal recourse.

The villagers maintained that relief activities should remain focused on helping flood victims and should not be used to spread misinformation or settle personal disputes.