HRLN sorry for boy death in footpath collapse

Aizawl, Jan 9(UNI) Aizawl-based Human Rights&Law Network has expressed concern over the death of a 5-year-old boy in a collapse of footpath/retaining wall on December 29 at Bawngkawn here, and regarded the incident as 'criminal negligence'.

The fact that the retaining wall/footpath collapsed during dry season clearly indicates that it was due to negligence of construction work,' a HRNL statement said today.

The statement pointed out that the nearby residents, including Chhimtawna, grandfather of the boy, had repeatedly voiced that they were in jeopardy because of the sub-standard construction of the RCC structure.

The group further criticised selection of party workers to construct such important public assets and demanded discontinuation of such practice. It also demanded inspection of the all the retaining walls, footpaths and bridges and close which are found to be unsafe.

The HRNL welcomes the institution of a magisterial inquiry into the incident and requested the public to cooperate with the inquiry to help punish the culprits.

UNI ZS PL RD 1442