Seven Assam pilgrims killed in Nepal quake

By Our Staff Reporter

Guwahati, April 27:  Seven women from Assam, all hailing from Guwahati and members of a group on pilgrimage, have been killed in the devastating earthquake in Nepal.

The family members have identified the victims as Hema Prabha Saikia (58) of rikolbasti, Kalpa Adhikari (64) of Bhangagarh, Bhumika Das (60), Ri Das (55), Padmabati Mazumdar (60) and Joyshree Bora (60) – all from Hengerabari area. There is uncertainty regarding the fate of Bhanita Deka, also from Hengerabari. Though officials claimed that she was among the victims, the family is yet to confirm it.

 Kalpa Adhikari’s daughter Masi sustained injuries in the quake. She reached Guwahati today and has been admitted to a hospital.

Home Commissioner LS Changsan said the Ministry of Exterl Affairs has informed the State government that the bodies of the seven victims are being brought to Delhi. Depending on the condition of the bodies and the opinion of the family members, it will be decided if the last rites would be performed at the tiol capital or the mortal remains be brought to their respective homes.

The Ministry of Exterl Affairs has also communicated that due to rains, several unidentified bodies are getting decomposed. There is a proposal to cremate the bodies in Nepal upon the consent of the family members.

Nine injured people from Assam are being treated at various hospitals in Kathmandu. A team of army doctors from Tezpur has been dispatched to Nepal to assist the injured Assamese people.

ASDMA CEO PK Tiwari said that the State government has received information regarding the presence of 120 persons from Assam in Nepal. Of them, 40 have been evacuated by the Indian Air Force, while six persons from Morigaon have returned by themselves.

The government has established contacts with some of the remaining 58 people.

ADG Umesh Kumar is on his way to Kathmandu to look after the arrangements for the people of Assam stranded in Nepal and to take necessary measures for their safe evacuation.

Assam government is also looking into the possibility of bringing back the stranded people through roadways. The Kokrajhar DSP (headquarter) has been already asked to move to the Nepal border.