Malta tragedy Mission to appeal apex court for more relief

Jalandhar, May 23 (UNI) The Malta Boat Tragedy Probe Mission will file an appeal before the Supreme Court to seek more relief for the families of victims of the boat tragedy in Malta Sicily channel.

Talking to reporters here today mission chairman Balwant Singh Khera said the Punjab and Haryana High Court in its recent decision had granted an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 to each victims' family and directed the authorities to issue death certificates for those who died in the mishap which took place on December 25, 1996.

He said although the High Court had provided some relief to victims' families but the mission would go in for an appeal before the Supreme Court to seek more relief and decision on some other issues.

About 280 youths, including 170 from Punjab, had drowned near Malta in Malta Sicily channel, he added.

Mr Khera said cases for compensation and other relief are also pending in courts in Italy, Greece and Malta.

He said mission is also seeking help from world leaders, including Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Italy Prime Minister Romano Prodi for retrieval of bones of the deceased from the sea.

Meanwhile, the NRI Sabha Punjab has also resolved to raise funds through contributions from NRI's for the victims' families.

Sabha president Resham Singh Hayre said a seperate bank account had been opened for collecting voluntary contributions from NRI's.

He made an appeal to NRI's to come forward to help the families.

UNI SS DP PG ND1700