Assam workers trapped in Silkyara tunnel for 17 days reunite with families

Reported by Mizink Wary | Copy edited by Bhargobi Khaund

After spending 17 days trapped inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, the two workers from Assam finally reunited with their families on Friday night.

A wave of emotions swept through the residence of Ram Prasad Narzary and Sanjay Basumatary, where family members and locals welcomed them with tears of joy.

Locals celebrated the safe return of the duo by bursting crackers.

Expressing gratitude, Ram Prasad Narzary conveyed his appreciation to the government for their efforts in their rescue. He expressed relief, stating, “We were hoping that we would come out soon from the tunnel.”

Recounting their harrowing experience, he shared, “For two days, we feared a lot about what would happen to us. For 18 hours, we did not receive proper oxygen, and we were trapped, unable to do anything. After 18 hours, oxygen was delivered to us through a 65-meter water pipeline, and proper food, including rice, roti, and fruits, started arriving on November 21. Luckily, none of us fell ill.”

Sanjay Basumatary, sharing his experience, revealed the emotional toll of being trapped, stating, “I missed my home a lot while I was in the tunnel. I always thought if I don’t eat, will my mother eat? I thank the Uttarakhand government, which helped us a lot.”

A family member of Ram Prasad Narzary expressed gratitude and extended thanks to the Assam Government and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who announced Rs 1 lakh in financial assistance.

“I am feeling grateful, and want to thank Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who announced Rs 1 lakh as financial assistance and also Bodoland Territorial Council who promised to provide a mobile tea store so that they do not have to go out of Assam in search of job”, said the family member.

The daughter of Ram Prasad Narzary expressed her joy at her father’s safe return, saying, “I am feeling blissful and happy that my father finally reached home.”
Kokrajhar DC PC Dwivedi, present to welcome the duo, expressed happiness and gratitude, thanking the government for their efforts in the successful rescue.
Kokrajhar East MLA Lawrence Islary extended thanks to the government and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, highlighting the continuous communication between the Chief Minister and BTR Chief Pramod Boro to monitor the workers’ families and their conditions.

” I thank Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma who was in constant touch with BTR chief Pramod Boro to take stock of the worker’s family and also the condition of workers”, said Kokrajhar East MLA Lawrence Islary.

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