Lapalang case: Pyngrope seeks immediate relief for rescuers amid legal delays

SHILLONG, July 18: As the state grapples with the legal technicalities of compensation, Nongthymmai MLA Charles Pyngrope has demanded that the government bypass “jurisprudence” delays and provide immediate financial relief to the families of the Thakuri brothers, who sacrificed their lives in the July 11 Lapalang well tragedy.
Sunil Thakuri (34) and Umesh Thakuri (30) died while attempting to rescue three labourers trapped in-side a well. While a magisterial inquiry is underway, the government’s efforts to secure compensation have hit a bureaucratic bottleneck. Officials are currently debating whether the brothers, as rescuers rather than “employees,” can be covered under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, or if the fami-lies must seek relief through the courts under the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855.
“The two brothers were the breadwinners of the family and made the ultimate sacrifice to save others,” Pyngrope said. “The government should provide immediate assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund or other appropriate sources rather than waiting for legal formalities.”
The tragedy has left five families devastated. While the Thakuri brothers hailed from Nongrah Dongktieh, the other three victims—Pynskhemlang Mawthoh (22), Rapborlang Nongspung (35), and Elka Shadap (25)—were from Thangsning and Umiew Maw-u-Sam in Smit.
In a move to alleviate the family’s burden, Hill Crest Higher Secondary School, Rynjah, has announced a full fee waiver up to Class XII for Abhinav Thakuri, the son of late Sunil Thakuri. Pyngrope commended the school for the humanitarian gesture but reiterated that the state’s financial intervention remains critical.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal confirmed that the Deputy Labour Commis-sioner has been directed to conduct a formal inquiry to determine eligibility for compensation. The ad-ministration is exploring past legal precedents to see if the rescuers can be included under existing labour laws to expedite the process.