22 years later Gas Tragedy victims still await justice

Bhopal, Dec 2 (UNI) ''We do not have any sensational news for you, we have the sorrow and suffering of the Gas Tragedy victims and the documents linked with a long battle for justice. But is anyone still interested about those affected by the world's worst industrial disaster?'' When social activist Abdul Jabbar raises this poignant question his eyes reveal the fatigue and sadness of the past 22 years during which he has been involved with the case.

Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Udyog Sangathan convenor Jabbar needs to wipe his clouded eyes repeatedly as he was also affected by the Methyl Isocyanate that leaked from the Union Carbide India Ltd (UCIL) factory here on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984 killing several thousand on the spot. Responding to a query, he saID, ''I am tired and also vexed but not disappointed. I will continue championing the cause of the victims' rights. Over the past 22 years, 34,000 persons died as a consequence of the inhalation exposure. One lakh were either temporarily or permanently handicapped. To add insult to injury, those responsible are yet to be brought to book.'' Meanwhile, Bhopal Gas Tragedy Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Babulal Gaur, also a former Chief Minister, told UNI that the state government was extending all possible assistance and treatment to the victims.

''I was myself a witness to the tragedy and therefore the rehabilitation of those affected is my foremost priority. Time and again we have requested the Centre for aid and Union Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh's stance has been cooperative. The Centre should either help in securing more compensation from Union Carbide or sanction financial assistance itself,'' he felt.

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