Assam Congress Leader Asks Prime Minister for Higher Aid After Kaziranga Crash

Assam Congress leader Debabrata Saikia has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek higher financial support for the victims of a recent minibus-truck collision near Kaziranga National Park. The crash killed 26 people, including minors and college students, and left 20 others injured.

Demands And Claims

Mr. Saikia wants the total compensation for each deceased person's family raised to at least 20 lakh rupees, which would include the nine lakh rupees already announced by the Central and State Governments. He also requested free medical care, disability aid, rehabilitation for the injured, scholarships for dependent children, and livelihood help for families who lost their main earners. In his letter, the Congress leader pointed out the poor condition of the National Highway-715 stretch and stated that officials ignored vital road safety steps. He also called for a complete inquiry into the road's design, maintenance, traffic management, and safety rules.

Political Reactions

While thanking the Prime Minister for quick financial help after the accident, the opposition leader criticized Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's response. Mr. Saikia said the Chief Minister's comments about a possible medical emergency of the driver should not draw attention away from bad highway infrastructure. He also noted that the Chief Minister himself admitted traffic rules were relaxed earlier due to political pressure. Aside from the crash, the letter touched on other local issues like healthcare, hospital premises usage, environmental protection, land acquisitions, and local shares in tourism benefits.

Context

Highways passing through or near ecologically sensitive areas often face intense scrutiny over traffic management and heavy vehicle movement. Public leaders frequently use formal letters to higher authorities to demand policy reviews and infrastructure upgrades following major public tragedies.