Umrangso Coal Mine Tragedy: Minister Kaushik Rai Distributes Rs 10 Lakh Ex-Gratia to Victims' Families

OUR CORRESPONDENT

HAFLONG: Assam Minister for Mines and Minerals Kaushik Rai distributed Rs 10 lakhs ex-gratia to the next of kin (NoK) of the deceased who lost their lives in the coal mine incident at 3-kilo under Umrangso in Dima Hasao district. The distribution was done in the presence of Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Executive Member (CEM) North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.

The distribution programme was organized at the premises of Umrangso Police Station today. Minister Kaushik Rai distributed the ex-gratia cheques of Rs 10 lakhs to the families of the four persons deceased.

Families of the other five persons who are trapped in the mine holes and are still missing also received Rs 6 lakhs today with the remaining Rs 4 lakhs to be distributed later. 

It is to be noted that Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday last had announced after the cabinet meeting decision that Rs 10 Lakhs ex-gratia will be offered to each of the NoK of the deceased.

NoK of the other five persons who are yet to be found will also be compensated the same amount whether they are found dead or alive. Rs 6 Lakhs has been given from the Assam Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the remaining Rs 4 lakhs from Assam State Disaster Management Authority.

 Minister Kausik Rai, in deep anguish, conveyed the condolence message of the Chief Minister to the bereaved families of the Umrangso coal mine tragedy victims. Expressing grief, Rai said, “It is really painful that such an unfortunate incident has occurred where lives have been lost. Although the value of life is immeasurable and the ex-gratia that we are offering today is nothing in comparison to lives lost, the small amount is only to support the bereaved families and show our solidarity.” He also informed that the dewatering process is still ongoing and that around one crore litres of water is being extracted everyday but a lot of water is still inside the holes.

Further, the Minister said that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be constituted to enquire into the incident on the basis of the FIR already registered on the matter, which is to be monitored by Retd Justice Anima Hazarika.

Others present during the distribution programme at Umrangso PS were Executive Member of NCHAC Samsing Engti, Special DGP Harmeet Singh, IPS,  Assam cum Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Assam Debjyoti Mukharjee, IPS, IGP (Central Range) Assam Police Meenakshi Das Nath, ACS, Secy to GoA cum Addl. CEO, ASDMA Simanta Kr Das, ACS, District Commissioner cum Chairman, DDMA, Dima Hasao Mayank Kumar, IPS, Superintendent of Police Dima Hasao, and other officials from the district as well as from the state.

Also Read: Assam: Minister Kaushik Rai convenes review meeting in Sonitpur

Also Watch: