CSWO demands compensation for victims of electrocution

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Oct 30: The Civil Society Women Organisation (CSWO) has urged the State government not to waste time in deciding the compensation to the family of victim of electrocution. The women’s organisation said that it should be a “huge compensation”.

It may be mentioned that on October 27, Prisdalin Shangpliang (35) who was a pregnt mother, along with her five children, died on the spot as they were electrocuted. The incident occurred at Nongthymmai Neng locality in Lyngiong village under Mawphlang C&RD block in East Khasi Hills district.  

“The family of the deceased should immediately be provided with money without delay and the amount should not be a meagre amount for so many precious lives were lost,” CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said. Meanwhile, the members of the CSWO, during their visit to the unfortute family, met the father Tirot Khyriem. According to Kharshiing, more lives could have been lost, but fortutely, one Seibor Shangpliang had the presence of mind to take a stick and hit the wires of the transformers. “Had he not done this, more lives would have been lost that day,” the CSWO president said. The CSWO has recommended the me of Seibor for a bravery award, as according to the women’s organisation, he had risked his life to stop more lives being electrocuted. It may be reminded that on October 28 the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Peter S. Dkhar had informed that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered in the incident.

The inquiry will be carried out by Extra Assistant Commissioner, M. Challam, who is also the block development officer of Mawphlang C&RD block to ascertain the cause of the tragic incident. The probe is to be completed within four days. “The inquiry report will tell whether the cause of the incident was due to faulty on the part of the consumers or the MeECL,” he had said. In the interim, the district administration has provided fincial assistance of Rs 15,000 to the family of the deceased and after the inquiry, compensation will be decided further after the probe.