Ukhrul, April 25: A rebuttal has been issued in response to a recent article published in Ukhrul Times by S. Shangriwung, Manager of MSPCL Transmission Sub Division No. VIII, regarding the electrocution of a minor at Langdang.
The rebuttal questions the basis of the claims made in the report, stating that the author was not present at the site at the time of the incident and is not an eyewitness. It argues that any reconstruction of events, particularly suggestions about the actions of the victim, remains speculative.
Related Boy Severely Injured in Electrocution at Langdang, Ukhrul; MSPCL Manager Writes to NHIDCL
Eyewitnesses, including the guardian and companions of 14-year-old Ngammeikhai R. Shimray, have maintained that the boy was not “playing near” the 33 KV line when the incident occurred. What is consistently established, according to sources, is the timing, around 10:15 AM, and the condition of the infrastructure at the site.
Multiple accounts indicate that the live 33 KV transmission line near Langdang village was hanging unusually low, reportedly at a height of around four feet from the ground. The rebuttal describes this as a serious safety lapse, noting that such clearance falls far below acceptable standards for high-voltage lines.
The minor sustained severe burn injuries to the face, head, and feet and is currently undergoing treatment at District Hospital Ukhrul.
The rebuttal further states that focusing on the alleged actions of the victim risks diverting attention from what it describes as a possible failure in maintenance and safety compliance. It calls for a fair and transparent investigation into the incident, and for accountability to be fixed where negligence is established.
Also read | Central Security Forces Providing Army Uniforms to Kuki Armed Groups: Khanuithot-Khon
It also maintained that incidents involving public infrastructure must be examined on the basis of verifiable facts, with priority given to safety and prevention of future occurrences.