Lamka, January 23: Even as all indications point towards the substandard material used for the construction of the bridge for the tragic Ngasuanlui mishap in Singngat, CCpur district, in which 20 people were killed while at least 37 were injured, Singngat MLA Hangkhanpau on Monday said that it was 'human error' that led to the tragedy.

Talking to the media at his residence on Monday morning, the local MLA said L Canan chief, who was also among the deceased, was never a part in constructing the bridge, as was published by some section of the media.

Following immense request from the people to arrange a temporary means, at least for the rainy season, the bridge was constructed by S Kamzamang of Behiang with an amount of Rs.50,000, he said adding, 'that money was from my own pocket (private source) and not from any scheme or sanction.' This, he said, he did so after the Minister concerned had responded to his earlier appeal with the words, 'Please bear till January'.

Despite repeated reminders that the wood used for the bridge construction was of inferior quality and was the chief reason for the collapse, the MLA shied away from talking about the quality of the material used for the bridge and stuck to his 'human error' claim.

"During my visits to the bereaved families, I was consoled by the people and even the family members have accepted their fate," he said.

When pointed out, as claimed by Works Minister K Ranjit, that Rs 2 crores have been sanctioned for the bridge, Hangkhanpau denied having any knowledge about it.

"From 2002-06, at the time when maintenance work along the road was taken up, they might have issued some but I am in the dark about that," he claimed.

The MLA like the Works Minister refused to take the blame but acknowledged moral responsibility.

When asked, if he had ever contemplated resigning from the Assembly after the tragedy, he said "It's not the MP from Bihar who steps down but the Minister in Delhi , I am just a recommending agency, things cannot materialise with my signature." The MLA also accused the State Government of neglecting his Constituency.

"The circumstances, in which a Minister visited my Constituency without informing me speaks volumes about the attitude of the Govt towards me.

"There are people whose words are given more importance than mine," he said.

On what action will be taken against any officials, if found guilty, the MLA who have been accusing the PWD and PHED officials of disregarding his written appeal to accompany him whenever he visited the interior areas said, "It will come out in the Assembly, there is an appropriate forum," and added, "I have a responsibility, who ever it may affect, I am going to go ahead." It may be noted that the media team which conducted a spot inquiry a day after the tragic mishap had brought along a good number of the substandard wooden pieces and they have been displayed atleast at two points inside the town.

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