K'pong stampede: Thapa, Deb meet kin of dead, hand over compensation

SNS, DARJEELING, 5 JANUARY 2021: Chairman of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Anit Thapa today visited the family of the two women who died in a stampede in Kalimpong.

Along with Mr Thapa, tourism minister Gautam Deb also met the families of Anita Chettri and Banita Gurung, who died on Sunday while trying to enter the Mela Ground to watch a musical concert, an incident that also left many more injured.

According to Mr Thapa, though he did not want to blame anyone as it was an accident, better security and precautionary measures should be taken in such programmes in the future.

"The women died in an accident. We have learned a lesson and in the future more security precautions must he taken during such programmes. The district administration will look into the accident in depth," Mr Thapa told reporters.

The administration and the organisers oft he event have come under intense criticism from local people and concertgoers, while Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has also alleged negligence on their part.

Asked why such programmes were being allowed amid the Covid pandemic, Mr Thapa said, "Such shows have been part of the Hills. Moreover, we have been witnessing political rallies and programmes, which are being held across the country at present. No one would want something like this to happen."

Offering condolences to the family, Mr Thapa said, "I had a telephonic conversation with the chief minister about the incident. She personally asked me to convey her condolences to the bereaved families and, on behalf of the government, sanctioned two lakh rupees each as compensation to the families. I know money cannot bring back lives but as a gesture of compassion, we could do this much for the moment. Once the rituals get over, I will personally meet the families and seek a way to help them

He added that it took time for such government compensation to be processed but it was good that it had been done immediately with cheques handed over to the bereaved family today. Mr Thapa also said that he had spoken to officials and asked them to ensure all possible help to those affected by the stampede.

On the other hand, Mr Deb said, "It was a sad incident. The chief minister had instructed me to visit here. I have assured the family that the government will help in every way possible." Deb also said that he will try and find out what had indeed happened on Sunday from the SP and the DM there, and accordingly report to the CM.

Also offering condolences, Morcha leader Bimal Gurung, in a press release, said, "We should be careful in thefuture that such accidents do not take place.