The bodies of Doordarshan Aizawl Director (News) Nampibou Marinmai and Press Information Bureau (PIB) Additional Director General Dr Engam Pame, IIS, who were killed in a road accident in Mizoram, will be transported to their respective hometowns in Manipur after post-mortem examinations scheduled for today, officials said.
Marinmai and Pame were among three central government officials killed when their vehicle plunged into a deep gorge near Sataek village, around 30 km south of Aizawl, on Thursday.
H Lianvela, a multi-tasking staff member of the Central Bureau of Communication field office in Aizawl, also died in the accident. The driver, Gojendro Dey of CBC Aizawl, sustained severe injuries and is undergoing treatment at Zoram Medical College and Hospital in Falkawn.
According to a PIB official, the four were returning to Aizawl after planting a tree at Sialsuk village in memory of Pame’s brother, who had died in an accident. The vehicle reportedly veered off the road and plunged into the gorge after Dey suddenly became unwell and was unable to move his limbs or open his eyes.
CM condoles
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has conveyed his heartfelt condolences over the untimely and tragic demise of Dr. Engam Pame, IIS, Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau (PIB) and Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Imphal Regional Office, and Nampibou Marinmai, IIS, Director (News), Doordarshan Aizawl.
Both senior officers lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Mizoram. Both were residents of Tamenglong district, Manipur. The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences to the bereaved families, praying that they find strength and courage to bear the irreparable loss.
The bodies of the three deceased were brought to Zoram Medical College and Hospital on Thursday night, with post-mortem examinations scheduled for Friday. Following the examinations, the bodies of Marinmai and Pame will be taken to their native places in Manipur, the official said.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and the Editors’ Guild Manipur (EGM) expressed deep shock and sorrow over the demise of Dr Engam Pame.
In a joint condolence statement, the two media bodies said Pame maintained a close and cordial association with the media fraternity in Manipur. They recalled his warmth, accessibility and dedication to his responsibilities, saying he earned the respect and affection of journalists and colleagues who worked with him.
AMWJU and EGM described his death as a profound loss to his family, colleagues and the media fraternity of Manipur. They conveyed condolences to the bereaved family, his colleagues at PIB and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and all those who knew him.
Office-bearers of the Mizoram Journalists’ Association also visited Zoram Medical College and Hospital on Thursday to pay their respects and offer condolences to the bereaved families.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Mizo National Front president Zoramthanga and state Congress president Lal Thanzara also condoled the deaths. Lalduhoma described the incident as tragic and untimely and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.