Indefinite fast for rehabilitation of Bhopal gas victims

Bhopal, Dec 1: Four voluntary organisations today announced to go on an indefinite fast from January 3, the next year to press their demands for relief and rehabilitation of victims of 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, which claimed 15,000 lives and left thousands of other maimed.

In a statement issued here, the organisations -- Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationery Karmachari Sangh, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, Bhopal Group for Information and Action and Bhopal ki Aawaaz -- held the state government responsible for the misery of the victims.

The leaders said the government had utterly failed to provide proper medical care, safe drinking water, employment and social support to the survivors of the disaster.

The fast by several survivors and their supporters is aimed at drawing national and international support and is directed against the apathy of the government.

Demonstrations against American multi-national Union Carbide and its present owner Dow Chemicals Company will also be carried out as a part of the protest demonstration on the occasion of the 22nd anniversary of the disaster.

A 'mashal (torch)' rally will be taken out in front of the Carbide factory tomorrow, while on December 3, a rally would be carried out from Bharat talkies to the factory premises that will end in a public meeting.

Besides, participants of the 800 km-long Bhopal-to-Delhi march organised in February-March this year will be felicitated at the public meeting.

On the night of December 2-3, 1984, gas leak from the factory of Union Carbide in Bhopal had claimed more than 15,000 lives and left thousands of others maimed.

UNI