Apt financial aid to Varanasi blast victims

Varanasi, Nov 28: The victims of the recent Varanasi bomb blast, who had called a hunger strike here, to protest the alleged discrimination in the distribution of financial assistance announced by the state government to them, have called it off after recieving assuarance from the CMO. The injured, recovering at the Shiv Prasad Gupta hospital, along with their attendents, called a hunger strike, yesterday.

However, the agitators called off the strike after they were convinced by Bar Council member Arun Tripathi and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Haleem.

The CMO said ''a list of the wounded victims, who are yet to recieve the financial support, has been sent to the administration.'' The injured had alleged discrimination in the distribution of the financial support, which was announced by Chief Minister Mayawati following the blasts.

The CM had announced Rs 5 lakh each for the deceased's families, Rs one lakh each for the grievously wounded and Rs 50,000 each for those with injuries.

At least 13 people were killed and 60 others injured in the blast at Varanasi court on November 23.

The injured were admitted to the Shiv Prasad Gupta hospital and other nearby hospitals, here.

UNI