NCM team to disburse ex-gratia to anti-sikh riot victims in Ranchi

New Delhi, Nov 29 (UNI) A team of National Commission for Minorities (NCM) led by its member Harcharan Singh Josh is leaving for Ranchi tomorrow to expedite the payment of compensation to next of kin of those killed in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots there.

Outside Delhi, maximum 1300 people were reportedly killed in Ranchi and its surronding areas of the undivided Bihar in the riots, Mr Josh told UNI here today.

As many as 120 Sikhs were burnt alive by throwing them in the furnace of Bokaro Steel Plant there, he claimed, adding that only 610 families of such victims had so far been compensated while as many as 655 families were running from pillar to post for getting their dues for the past 23 years.

The Centre has already disbursed Rs seven crore as compensation to victims there while a grant of Rs 13 crore is still lying unused, Mr Josh added.

He said he would meet Jharkhand Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and other concerned officials there.

UNI