Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Aug 12:
In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the community of Ukhrul, a one-and-a-half-year-old boy tragically lost his life after a retaining wall collapsed at around 4pm on Monday causing a landslide that completely destroyed a neighboring house. The incident occurred at Hamreikhong block 1, near the western side of the Ukhrul Mini Secretariat, leaving the victim’s family and the entire village in deep mourning.
The young victim, identified as Chishin Lunghar, was the only son of Qr. Hormi Lunghar, a resident of Tashar village who was currently residing in the Hamreikhong area. The family’s home was situated adjacent to a large retaining wall, which had been a growing source of concern for them. Unfortunately, their worst fears were realized when the wall gave way, resulting in the devastating loss of their beloved child and the complete destruction of their home.
According to sources, the retaining wall that collapsed belongs to Outer Manipur Member of Parliament (MP) Qr. Alfred Kangam Athur. The victim’s family revealed that they had repeatedly expressed concerns about the wall’s safety, fearing that it was too tall and unstable. Despite their numerous pleas to the wall’s owner to address the issue, their warnings went unheeded. Now, the family is left grappling with the unimaginable loss of their son, overwhelmed with grief and regret.
“We had warned them time and again,” the family mournfully stated, struggling to contain their sorrow. “We told them that the wall was too tall and that it could endanger our lives. But no one listened to us, and today we have lost our only son. Our home is gone, and our lives will never be the same.” The scene at the site of the collapse was one of unimaginable anguish as the family and community members gathered to mourn the loss of young Chishin.
The collapse of the retaining wall has raised serious questions about the responsibility and accountability of those involved in its construction and maintenance.