Kathmandu, June 28:

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) have jointly provided assistance to 119 conflict-hit families in Nawalparasi and Rupandehi districts.

A press statement issued here today by the ICRC said that the families affected by the armed conflict were provided assistance under the Micro-Economic Initiatives (MEI) programme launched by the ICRC and NRCS in the beginning of 2007. “Goat raising, buffalo milking and opening grocery shops are the most popular options for the conflict-hit families to choose from,” the statement said.

“This programme would help ease our livelihood,” the statement quoted Shanta Bahadur Ranabhat from Nawalparasi, one of the beneficiaries who was provided with cattle, as saying. “I make Rs 400-500 a day by giving my oxen on hire,” he said, adding, “I also don’t have to rely on my neighbours to plough my field.”

The MEI programme is targeted to be launched in 12 districts of the country, the statement said.