ZOU ORGANISATION DELHI PRESS RELEASE

A tragic Truck Accident took place on 17th January 2008 when the Bridge over the Ngasuan River collapsed under the weight of the Truck. The Ngasuan River is located near Behiang Village in Singngat Sub-Division of Churachandpur District, Manipur. In this accident 20 innocent lives were lost and 34 others sustained serious injuries. The death and the injured include Women and Children. It is reported that the condition of some of those injured and presently hospitalized are very critical.

In order to condole the death and share the pain and grief of the bereaved family members, a Joint Condolence Meeting was held on 18th January, 2008 at Manipur Tikendrajit House, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi under the auspices of the Zou Organization Delhi. The Meeting was attended by hundreds of mourners from various Delhi based organizations from Manipur such as the Zomi Christian Fellowship (ZCF), Kuki Worship Service (KWS), New Testament Baptist Church (NTBC), Mary Grace Children Home (MGCH), Delhi Hmar Welfare Association (DHWA), Tiddim Chin Development Society (TCDS), Young Paite Association Jt. HQ. Delhi(YPA), Zou Sangnaupang Pawlpi (ZSP), Siamsinpawlpi Jt. HQ. Delhi(SSPP), Kuki Students Organization (KSO), Hmar Students Association Jt. HQ. Delhi(HSA), and Khangthah Zuun Pawl (KZP).

One Minute Silence was observed by all the mourners as a mark of respect to the departed souls and expression of heartfelt sympathy to all those who sustained injuries.

Speaking on the occasion, representatives of all the above organizations pointed out that the bridge was newly constructed which was inaugurated as recently as in November 2007. They were agitated to point out that the bridge was constructed by using substandard material, not fit even for making household items, let alone a bridge over the only national highway of the area. The quality of wood used for construction of the bridge was so dismal that it could be torn apart with naked hand. To that extend, all the Speakers strongly condemned the callous attitude of the Government of Manipur. The Government of Manipur is solely responsible for the tragedy and therefore the entire mourners very strongly demand that the following action be taken immediately:

1. The Government of Manipur must accept its responsibility for the tragedy since the Bridge collapsed as it was constructed by using dismal quality of wood that could be torn apart with the naked hand and as such it was unable to withstand the weight of a single loaded Truck;

2. The Government of Manipur must institute a Judicial Enquiry to thoroughly investigate the circumstances under which the bridge collapsed from every possible aspect, fixed responsibility and recommend corrective measures that should be taken to avoid recurrence of similar tragedy in future;

5. The Government of Manipur must also pay compensation at the rate Rs. 2 lakhs each to those who sustained injuries apart from providing free treatment and medicines.

Publicity Wing,
Zou Organisation Delhi