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- DIMAPUR — Despite
the ongoing installation of rock and slope barrier works along National
Highway-29, another rockfall incident was reported on Friday morning at the Tsiedukhru
range (Pagala Pahar) in New Chümoukedima, resulting in the death of a dumper
truck driver.
- The
deceased has been identified as 28-year-old Abdul Salam Laskar. According to
the DCP Traffic, the incident occurred around 8 am on Friday. Salam was traveling
alone from Jharnapani to Chümoukedima when a rock fell onto his dumper truck,
severely damaging the cabin and killing him instantly.
- Salam
Laskar is a resident of New Showuba village and was originally from Dinanathpur
village under Hailakanti district in Assam. His body was subsequently handed
over to family members at the Chümoukedima Police Station.
- Meanwhile,
Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, has expressed sadness over the tragic loss
of life due to a rockfall in the Pagala Pahar area under NH-29.
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- According
to him, Friday accident marked the third such fatal incident in three years on
NH-29 with similar tragedies occurring in 2023 and 2024.
- “This
incident occurred in a stretch where valley-side road restoration, which was
swept away by the river, is currently underway. Though installation of rockfall
barriers and netting by M/s Maccaferri Pvt. Ltd. is ongoing, this specific
portion remains pending due to the ongoing restoration work,” Zeliang stated on
his Twitter account.
- While
conveying condolence to the deceased family members, Zeliang has assured to
urgently take up the matter with NHIDCL to ensure immediate and comprehensive
remedial measures. He added that the state government will continue to explore
all ways available and give the necessary support to the implementing agency to
ensure safety of the commuters.
Read: Rock fall on NH 29 again; movement of light vehicles restricted