Various NGOs and social activists from the village of Rongjeng in East Garo Hills have expressed their unhappiness over the quantum of compensation being offered by the state government to the victims of the horrific accident that took place near the village of Nongchram last week.
The accident saw eight people killed and 15 others severely injured after the MTC bus they were travelling in fell off a bridge into the Ringde River, close to the border of West Khasi Hills. Most of those killed were young adults with their entire futures ahead of them.
While an investigation has already been launched into the incident, the state government, under pressure from various quarters, announced an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh only to those killed and Rs 50,000 for those injured in the horrific crash.
In a release, pressure groups opined that the amount of compensation was far too low and needs to be enhanced.
“We demand that the compensation be enhanced as they had their entire future ahead of them and their families have been severely hit due to their deaths. While money is not enough to soothe the pain, the government can at least do its bit in giving their families something to look forward to,” said adviser to the AAYF, JM Sangma.
The NGOs further felt that the government should take responsibility for the injured and take care of expenses until they are nursed back to health.
Further they sought recognition from the state government for the selfless service rendered by a group of youths from Nongchram, who, despite the risks to their own lives, jumped into the river to rescue the 16 injured passengers.
The four youth, identified as Walgrik G Momin, Sengrik D Sangma, Jinggas Marak and Nilberth Sangma, had rushed to the accident site on the fateful night and jumped into the river to help the injured.
“Their efforts need to be recognised by the state. They were selfless and put their lives on the line. They deserve all the accolades for their efforts,” said Tuesbrial Marak, the ASWA general secretary.
