It was a grand homecoming for Two labourers from Assam, who were among the 41 workers rescued from Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand, reached their home on Friday.
They were escorted by Assam government officials and both were in good health condition.
Narzary and Basumatary, both residents of Ramfalbil in Kokrajhar were welcomed with huge reception with MLA Lawrence Islari and BTC Executive Member Reorewa Narzari present with a large umber of well-wishers at their residence.
Putting an end to a long period of anxiety and wait, the two rescued workers finally got to meet their parents, who were welcomed with a sea of tears by their family and close relatives.
On the other hand, the BTR government has given employment to two both Ram Prasad Narzary and Sanjay Basumatary respectively.
In addition to a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh from the Assam government, the BTR government has decided to give Ram Prasad Narzary and Sanjay Basumatary a Mobile Tea Stall as well.
MLA Lawrence Islari has said that this measure is taken to ensure that one does not have to go out in search of work.
The duo, 40-year-old Ram Prasad Narzary and 35-year-old Sanjay Basumatary, are from Ramfalbil village in Kokrajhar. They had gone to Uttarakhand in May to work in the under-construction tunnel. The workers were rescued from the tunnel Tuesday night after a long-drawn operation.
Talking to reporters outside Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport here, the duo expressed happiness on reaching back safely as they proceeded to their homes in Kokrajhar, about 180 km from here.
Narrating their 17-day ordeal, the workers said initially they were not aware that the exit route was blocked.
“We realised we were trapped only when we tried to leave. For the first 24 hours, there was no food or supplies. Later, when a pipe was inserted, we were provided with oxygen, water bottles and food. After that, we didn’t face any shortages.” “We chatted among ourselves to pass time. We knew we will be rescued,” the duo said.
A state government official who was deputed to coordinate their return said the two workers underwent complete medical check-up at AIIMS Rishikesh.
One member from each of their families were sent to the tunnel site by the authorities as rescue operations were underway.
