Pawan Hans victims a forgotten lot

SHILLONG: Every year, September 22 brings back the memory of the tragedy that struck the State killing 10 people including Cabinet Minister Cyprian Sangma and two legislators – Heltone Marak and Ardhendu Chaudhuri – who were travelling in a Pawan Hans helicopter which crashed at Nongkhla near Kyrdemkulai in Ri-Bhoi.
The incident that occurred way back in 2004 had shocked the State. However, 11 years later, the day has passed off without any memorial service being organised for the departed souls.
However, individual level observance of the day by way of prayers was done by the relatives and friends of some of the deceased including those of late Ardhendu Chaudhuri.
Though there were several promises being made by the Government including the one to develop the crash site into a tourist destination, none has materialized yet.  An official source admitted that there was no follow up action on the promises made.
After 11 years of the tragedy, the Pawan Hans, meanwhile, is still operational in the State and Chief Minister Mukul Sangma among others are the regular passengers of the chopper service.