Aizawl (PTI): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga today said due to proactive measures by the state government, there has been no starvation deaths despite the state reeling under acute famine caused by Mautam or gregarious bamboo flowering.

Unfurling the tricolor at the Assam Rifles here on the occasion of the Independence Day, Zoramthanga said that the government machineries have been activated to mitigate the sufferings of the people due to the famine.

"Free distribution of rice to all families whose income does not exceed Rs 10,000 per month has been started from July, 2008," he said.

Pointing out that Mizoram continued to be one of the most peaceful states in the country, the Chief Minister appealed to the people to pledge to preserve and strenghten the integrity of the nation and make the state a land of permanent peace and prosperity.