NCW seeks report on death of newborn after getting stuck in traffic jam in Meghalaya

Taking note of the tragic death of a newborn because the baby and the mother were stuck in a traffic jam and did not get immediate medical attention, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought an action taken report from Meghalaya Chief Secretary Donald Phillips Wahlang.

The massive traffic jam was caused due to a fishing competition at Pamphyrnai in Meghalaya’s West Khasi hills on Saturday.

NCW chief, Rekha Sharma has ordered Wahlang to submit a detailed report within next seven days to the Commission.

Sharma maintained that it is of utmost importance to conduct a programme to sensitise people of Meghalaya to deal with such cases with empathy.

She has also urged the Meghalaya government to provide all necessary support to the mother of the deceased baby who is receiving medical treatment at Holy Cross Hospital, Mairang.

On September 16, the pregnant woman, a resident of Ksehkohlong village in West Khasi Hills was on her way to the hospital to give birth, but got stuck in the traffic for hours at Nongspung.

Her vehicle, a tourist taxi, was unable to move due to the massive traffic jam, with countless anglers and spectators heading towards the fishing pond.

The mother had no choice but to deliver her baby inside the vehicle. However, due to the prolonged delay in reaching the hospital, the newborn lost its life while en route to hospital.

A police inquiry is underway into the incident and a suo moto case has been registered.

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