Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased of the tragic accident that took place earlier in the morning at Longsai Part III in Noney district.
The school bus carrying girl students of Thambalnu Higher Secondary School, Yairipok, met with an accident, killing at least seven (as per the latest report) and injuring more than 35. Of the 35 students, five are reported to be in critical condition.
Speaking to the media at his secretariat in Imphal, CM Biren condoled the deceased of the tragic accident and offered prayers for speedy recovery of the injured victims.
He also informed that the state government will extend an aid of Rs 1 lakh each to the students who are seriously injured and Rs 50,000 each to the other injured students, while all the expenses for treatment will be borne by the government.
Acknowledging the immediate response of the Longsai villagers in the rescue operation, the chief minister extended his gratitude to the villagers for their immense support in saving many lives.
Considering the fogginess in the hill districts from early morning till noon during this winter season, Biren informed that the state government had imposed an immediate ban on organising any sorts of academic excursion till January 10 of 2023, considering the safety of the students.
Pointing out that rush drive has been witnessed among the passenger service vehicles especially in the Imphal-Churachandpur road, Imphal-Moreh road via Pallel and Imphal-Dimapur Road, he apprised thCe passenger services to refrain from rush drive for the sake of getting more passengers.
The chief minister also cautioned against cancelling the license of those school van services that are carrying students beyond the seating capacity and also initiated legal action against the school authorities.
The people of the state lack understanding unless the government goes strict, he said announcing that the government will strengthen drive immediately against overloaded vehicles, driving without helmets and those overloaded school vans.
In order to scrutinise the drivers of passenger vehicles and to give awareness on DOs and DON’Ts of driving, the chief minister mooted organising a mega awareness convention for the drivers very soon.
According to the chief minister, the cause of the accident is yet uncertain and investigation has been initiated to know the root causes of the accident.
