KSU gives one-month deadline, demands compensation for SWKH victim’s family
MAWKYRWAT, Oct 31: The death of a 19-year-old boy due to electrocution has not gone down well as the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), South West Khasi Hills, has issued a one-month ultimatum to the Power department, demanding compensation to the bereaved family.
The victim, Jimwillson Thongni, who died from electrocution under an electric pole in a nearby forest in Rangblang Pombriew village, was discovered by children around 8:30 am while they were foraging for wild nuts.
In the wake of the incident, even the villagers have accused the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) of negligence.
The villagers claimed that despite a litany of appeals to the MePDCL for action against the damaged electric poles and low-hanging power lines, no action was taken.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, the KSU gave the Power department one month to compensate the family of the victim.
Speaking to media persons, KSU Mawkyrwat circle president, Rutherford Lyngdoh, expressed concern over what he described as another instance of negligence by the authorities.
He recalled a previous incident in Mawkohphet village, where a young girl lost both her hands to electrocution while playing near a transformer.
Lyngdoh stated that the KSU has repeatedly urged the power minister and senior officials to ensure safe power distribution, emphasising the need to protect people, animals and the environment. “It’s sad to say the department’s functioning remains abysmal,” he added.
Following the recent incident at Rangblang Pombriew village, the KSU has demanded compensation for the victim’s family, fencing around transformers in all villages, repairs on deteriorating poles and loose lines, and recruitment of more staff for monitoring.
“We have raised these issues with the minister and officials multiple times, but the government seems to take them lightly. If unaddressed within a month, the union will take stern action,” Lyngdoh warned.