Government announces ex-gratia for bandh victims

New Delhi, Sep 21 (UNI) The Delhi Government today announced an ex-gratia relief to the families of those who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the violence at Seelampur during yesterday's anti-sealing bandh.

The next of kin of the two adult victims would receive Rs two lakh each while the family member of the child victim of police firing would be given an ex-gratia of Rs one lakh, an official spokesman said.

The Government also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 and Rs 5,000 each for those with serious and minor injuries.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister V P Singh demanded that the Government institute a judicial enquiry into the police firing.

Moreover, it should announce a compensation of Rs five lakh to the next of kin of those killed.

Arguing that the ''law'' was merely a reflection of popular will, he asked the Government to ensure that the will of parliament prevailed in the matter. The Government should fulfil its promises by amending the Constitution, he said.

In a statement, the Resident Welfare Associations' collective under United Residents Joint Action (URJA) expressed shock over the violence in Seelampur. Resident bodies also severely criticized the administration for allowing the situation to get out of control and taking abnormal measures.

Members of the group cautioned both trader groups as well as the state Government that taking extreme positions will only exacerbate the situation leading to more such incidents.

UNI VN PA BD1912