UMROI: The grieving families of three young boys who lost their lives to a snapped live electric wire in Umtangling village, Ri-Bhoi District, have expressed deep frustration with the compensation provided by the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), calling the ₹2.5 lakh payout per family a mockery of human life.
The families, supported by leaders of the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong, met with the MeECL Director at Lumjingshai to address what they described as negligence leading to the tragedy.
While the compensation was handed over on Monday, the relatives made it clear that no sum can replace a child’s life and blamed the catastrophe on the persistent carelessness and apathy of the power department.
During discussions with the state government, the concerned Minister explained that the payout followed the official magisterial inquiry report, but assured the families that a thorough re-examination of the case would be conducted.
Village leaders, however, insist that the department must reconsider its stance and provide more just reparations, emphasizing that the fatal accident was a direct result of systemic negligence.
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Beyond immediate relief, the Synjuk voiced broader concerns about the hazardous state of the power distribution network throughout Ri-Bhoi.
In their meeting with the MeECL Director, community leaders highlighted a critical structural flaw: utility poles are spaced excessively far apart, causing high-voltage lines to sag dangerously over time and posing severe risks to pedestrians.
To prevent future tragedies, the Synjuk has urgently called for the installation of poles at closer intervals and reinforcement of the power infrastructure to better protect public safety in local villages.
The disaster occurred on July 15, when three children—Primingstar Mawlong (15), John Paul Nonglang (12), and Hamepynshai Nonglang (11)—were electrocuted after a high-tension line snapped and fell onto them as they walked along a village path.
The devastating incident has sparked widespread grief and outrage across the region, with mounting public pressure on authorities to address dangerous electrical infrastructure before more lives are lost.
(4FrontMedia news)
