Assam Govt Announces Rs 5 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Families of Workers Killed in Arunachal Tragedy

PTI, Guwahati, December 12, 2025: The Assam government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased workers who lost their lives in a tragic mishap in Arunachal Pradesh. Twenty-one labourers from Assam are feared dead after a truck, carrying 22 workers from Tinsukia district to a construction site, skidded off a narrow mountain road and plunged into a deep gorge near Chaglagam in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district on the night of December 8.

One survivor managed to reach the Chipra GREF camp and provide information about the mishap. Based on this, the Indian Army launched search and rescue operations, focusing on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road. On Thursday, the rescue team sighted 18 bodies.

Assam Minister Bimal Borah reached the mishap site on Friday to oversee the rescue and relief efforts. "Despite the difficult terrain, deep gorges, and dangerous road conditions, our rescue teams are working with extraordinary courage and determination," Borah said on social media.

"The tragic road accident in Arunachal Pradesh has deeply shocked everyone in Assam. In this moment of grief, the Government of Assam stands resolute with the bereaved families. To that end, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia for each of the deceased. While nothing can replace a life, this support will offer some solace and strength to the affected families," Borah added.

The minister also participated in a review meeting regarding the accident with Lohit district Deputy Commissioner Kesang Ngurup Damo, Superintendent of Police Thutan Jamba, and Commandant of the 25th ITBP Battalion T.S Mangang. "In the meeting, we reviewed rescue efforts, relief measures, and next steps. The administration, police, NDRF, and all rescue teams are working with utmost urgency. We stand with the affected families and are ensuring all required support," Borah said.

Meanwhile, Assam Ministers Atul Bora and Keshab Mahanta visited the homes of the deceased workers' families at Gelapukhuri Tea Estate in Tinsukia district. "We met the bereaved families and conveyed our deepest condolences," Bora stated.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the deaths of the workers in the mishap. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. The PMO India handle posted on X, "Distressed by the loss of lives due to a mishap in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured."