Directs Secretary (Justice & Law) to conduct inquiry; announces ex-gratia
Dimapur, July 11 (MExN): The State Cabinet expressed “shock and profound grief” over the loss of 4 lives and injuries. The Cabinet while announcing ex-gratia to the next of kin of the 4 deceased and to the injured, further directed the Secretary (Justice & Law) to conduct an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the collapse of the bridge, loss of lives and injuries “and recommend suitable measures for prevention of such incidents in future.”
Meanwhile, Roads & Bridges Minister, Y. Vikheho Swu took moral responsibility for the tragic incident. He told The Morung Express that he was “extremely sorry for the lives lost and injuries caused to the people and also the inconveniences caused to the people.”
According to him, he had visited the site on three occasions since taking over the ministry and that the department had proposed the construction of a new bridge, which was approved and the work order subsequently issued. “Work order was issued last year but before the new bridge could come up this incident occurred for which I am extremely sorry,” said Swu.
Stating that the department will be coming up with more details of the bridge and since the government has already announced an inquiry, the Minister said he would not like to comment further.
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