From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, May 26: A 22-year-old man from Lawblei village, located about 15 km from Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills, is feared dead after he slipped and fell into the Umngi river while fishing at a spot known as Shar-Shar, approximately 2 km from the Umngi Bridge on Mawkyrwat-Shillong road.
The man has been identified as Sainkupar Lyngkhoi (22), originally from Lawbyrtun village in Eastern West Khasi Hills. He had moved to Lawblei village after marrying a woman from the area.
According to local residents, on Sunday at around 3 pm, Lyngkhoi went fishing in Umngi river at Shar-Shar along with three minor boys from Lawblei. Between 6:30 and 7 pm, he accidentally fell into the river’s deep and fast-moving current. He was not seen resurfacing and is feared to have drowned.
Official sources informed that on Monday morning, a Search & Rescue Team (SRT) from Shillong, assisted by the Fire & Emergency Services team from Mawkyrwat and local residents, conducted an extensive search throughout the day but were unable to locate him. “The team had to return to Mawkyrwat in the evening as it was not possible to continue the search due to the area’s challenging terrain and the strong river current, made worse by heavy rainfall over the past few days,” the sources said, adding that the SRT will resume the search on Tuesday.
Speaking to media persons, Swington Lyngdoh, Myntri of Lawblei village, expressed deep regret over the incident. He urged the public — especially those who frequently fish in the Umngi River — to exercise extreme caution, noting that similar tragedies occur almost every year.
“The problem is that people venture into the river and act boldly without understanding the dangers of the area. With just one slip, they can lose their lives in seconds. The terrain is simply not meant for human activity,” said a resident of Lawblei village.