Arunachal govt releases ex gratia for bridge collapse victims

Arunachal Pradesh government on Wednesday released Rs 19 lakh as ex gratia for families of victims of the October 29 bridge collapse incident at Seppa in East Kameng district in which six persons died. Newly appointed Chief Minister Nabam Tuki directed the immediate release of the funds to the East Kameng district administration for disbursement.

With the search by the Army, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and police continuing for 12 missing persons, the National Disaster Relief Force was asked to take over the operations and the DIGP West was told to monitor them. The government also directed officials of the Disaster Management and Relief and Rehabilitation department to head for Seppa immediately.

Official sources said the chances of finding survivors were remote. Altogether 31 persons were rescued till Tuesday.