Prime Minister’s office expressed shock over the tragic Longsai accident in the Noney district of Manipur. Several Union Ministers including, Amit Shah, and Jagat Prasad Nadda too tweeted about the incident.
PMO tweeted, “Anguished by the loss of lives in Manipur’s Noney district due to a tragic bus accident. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. I hope the injured recover soon. The Manipur government is providing all possible assistance to those affected: PM@narendramodi.”
“An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased in the bus accident. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM@narendramodi“
On Wednesday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased of the tragic Longsai 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 nine (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 Longsai accident and offered prayers for a 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 the government will bear all the expenses for treatment.
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.
N Biren also paid a visit to the injured students who were admitted at RIMS, Raj Medicity, and JNIMS Hospital and checked up on their condition. He made the announcement for the possible help and assistance to be provided to the injured students.
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 organizing any sort 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 the passenger services to refrain from the rush drive for the sake of getting more passengers.
The chief minister also cautioned against canceling 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 driving immediately against overloaded vehicles, driving without helmets, and those overcrowded school vans.
To scrutinize the drivers of passenger vehicles and to give awareness on DOs and DON’Ts of driving, the chief minister mooted organizing a mega awareness convention for the drivers very soon.
According to the chief minister, the cause of the accident is yet uncertain and an investigation has been initiated to know the root causes of the accident.
Several organizations marked the day as black day and all forms of entertainment were immediately postponed as a mark of condolences for the unfateful Longsai accident. MSAD observed candlelight in the National Capital. Popular music band, Blue Band Manipur too canceled all their shows to share the grief of the family members who have lost their child in the Longsai accident.