Assam orders inquiry into death of 14 labourers in Meghalaya

GUWAHATI: Assam government has ordered an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the death of 14 persons belonging to the state’s Dhubri district in Meghalaya’s Ladrymbai in East Jaintia Hills on April 6.

It has tasked Shyam Lal Mewara, additional chief secretary in the state’s fishery, cooperation, and animal husbandry and veterinary department, with ascertaining whether any foul play or negligence was involved in the incident.

Mewara will also suggest measures for regulation of safety of persons from Assam seeking employment in other states in India and submit a report within 30 days from the date of issue of the notification.

It was initially reported that the labourers, who were working at a bridge construction site, died of food poisoning. However, All Assam Minority Students’ Union claimed that the bodies bore injury marks, leading to blockading of the highway by protesters.

A bandh was called in Dhubri on Thursday, where protests continued for the second day.

As protesters resorted to anti-India slogans, the police arrested one person.