Body of seventh Assam victim in Nepal identified

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, April 30: The body of the seventh victim from Assam to have perished in the devastating Nepal quake has been identified even as the State government stated that one person is still missing in the Himalayan country.

The body of Padmawati Mazumdar was identified today at a hospital in Kathmandu by her son and son-in-law.

Sources said the body had decomposed badly, and her kin could recognize it only through some identification marks. It was not clear if the body would be brought back or cremated in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the anger among family members of the people killed in the catastrophe was justified, but at the same time asserted that his government did whatever it could.

“The calamity occurred in a foreign land. And it was a devastating one. We did not have specific information about the people and their locations. Because of this, there could be some shortcomings in the process of rescue and evacuation of the people and bodies. But the State government did whatever was possible from its end,” Gogoi maintained.

He said it was not possible to have information regarding the visitors from Assam to Nepal as all were on “persol trips.”

“We have been seeking information from the families. That is how we have compiled a list so far,” Gogoi said.

According to the Chief Minister, 126 people have returned to Assam, while 18 have conveyed their decision to stay on presently. Seven tourists from Assam – all women – have perished in the disaster, and one is still missing, he said.

Gogoi also said all the Congress MLAs and ministers will dote one month’s salary as part of relief to the affected people of Nepal. He has also appealed to the legislators of all the parties to contribute in similar manner, if not more.