"Proper reasoning, explanation into Uttarkashi tunnel collapse must be ascertained," says CPI leader D Raja

New Delhi [India], November 23 (ANI): Days after an under-construction tunnel in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district collapsed where 41 workers were trapped, Communist Party of India (CPI) General Secretary D Raja said that proper reasoning and explanation for the tunnel collapse must be ascertained.
Speaking to ANI on the tunnel collapse on Thursday, Raja said, "People across the country are praying for a smooth and successful rescue operation in the Uttarkashi tunnel collapse incident. I, along with several other Indian citizens, pray that each one of them is rescued in a safe and sound manner."
"We need to rescue our people and then draw lessons as to why such a collapse takes place and what preventive measures or steps must be taken or planned. We must also look into how it could have happened and how it could have been prevented. All such questions need to be addressed in the coming days," said the CPI leader.
On November 12, a portion of the under-construction tunnel from Silkyara to Barkot collapsed and debris falling in the 60-metre stretch on the Silkyara side of the tunnel trapped 41 labourers inside.
The workers are trapped in a 2 km-built portion, which is complete, including concrete work that provides safety to the workers.
Earlier in the day, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reached the Silkyara Tunnel in Uttarkashi and prayed to the Baukh Nag Devta for the well-being of all the trapped workers.
CPI leader Raja also spoke to ANI on the looming threats of deepfakes and artificial intelligence and said that the people of the country must not only be made aware of the consequences of such media but also be taught how to counter them.
"Deepfake is a threat to not only democracy but also to freedom of expression. What we have been saying about freedom of expression is being interpreted in a way through deepfake, so the citizens need to be made aware of the consequences of such artificial intelligence and how to counter them," said Raja.
"Additionally, the citizens need to be made aware of the rules, laws and ways in which people can counter the issues of deepfakes. The government should explain to the people the mechanisms by which they can counter this," he added.
The parliament is going to meet, so it is likely that the members of parliament will raise this issue so that the government can think it over and respond accordingly, D Raja said further. (ANI)