AVIK CHAKRAVARTY
Tinsukia, Dec 12: Fifteen days into her marriage, Mala Tanti sits outside her small quarters in the 13 No. labour line of Gelaphukari Tea Estate, imagining the life she thought lay ahead. On the morning of December 8, her husband, Agar Tanti, left home before sunrise, telling her he would return the next day.
“He told me he would come back soon,” she said, tears welling. “I never imagined that would be the last time I saw him walk out of our door.”
Agar was among 22 workers from the estate who travelled to Arunachal Pradesh for temporary construction work. Four days later, word reached the labour line that their vehicle had plunged into a gorge on the treacherous Hayuliang–Chaglagam road in Anjaw district. Nineteen workers are feared dead.
Even as grief tightens its grip on the community, Mala still clings to hope.
“We got married just 15 days ago. We had so many dreams,” she whispered. “I am still praying he returns safely.”
Agar’s father, Amit Tanti, shares the same uncertainty that now hangs over the entire line. “We don’t know whether my son survived or not,” he said quietly. “We only hope he comes back.”
During winter, when work in the tea gardens dwindles, families often travel to Arunachal Pradesh for higher wages—₹500 to ₹700 a day, compared to around ₹200 at home. It was this familiar compulsion that sent the group of workers from Gelaphukari to Hayuliang.
“The entire line is mourning,” said resident Biren Tanti. “Some still wait, believing their loved ones may return.”
Among the missing is 23-year-old Dhiren Chatriya, who had promised his wife, Rose Marry, that they would celebrate Christmas together.
“When he left, I was still in bed because I was unwell,” said Rose, now caring for their four children. “He just took his Aadhaar card and walked out. Later we heard the vehicle had crashed. I still don’t know what happened to him.”
Rescue teams continue to navigate the steep, landslide-prone terrain of Anjaw district. Officials have confirmed that 19 bodies have been recovered so far.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today visited the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. Several victims were from Assam, including from the Dibrugarh Lok Sabha constituency.
Sonowal met the bereaved families at Gelapukhuri in Tinsukia and expressed solidarity, assuring that the government stands with them. He said he has been monitoring the situation and has spoken to the Assam Chief Secretary to ensure close coordination with Arunachal Pradesh.
He directed all concerned agencies to work together for swift rescue and relief efforts.
“My deepest condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Sonowal said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who died. The Assam Government has also announced financial assistance.
Assam minister Bimal Borah and Tinsukia MLA Sanjay Kisan visited the accident site to assess the situation.
“When the news came, the Army and district administration launched rescue operations immediately,” Borah said. “But the terrain is extremely difficult. Today at 6 am, NDRF, Army and local teams resumed efforts with 15 NDRF jawans and 20 Army personnel.”
For now, the labour lines of Gelaphukari wait — their narrow lanes heavy with silence, unanswered questions, and the fragile hope that a few of their men may still return home.
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