Bhopal gas victims demand review their problems

New Delhi, Apr 14 (ANI): Surviving victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy said they will not give up their protest until the proposed panel looks into their demands, as promised by the government four years ago.

Speaking to the media persons here, victims of the tragedy said they would intensify their agitation until the empowered commission, as promised to them in 2006, is instituted.

"Prime Minister gave us assurance in writing that a commission will be instituted to look in to the demands of the victims but two years have passed and nothing has been done.

Now to take up this protest, victims of the tragedy will come from Bhopal and will continue the agitation until the demands are met," said Rashida Bee, a victim.

They also accused the government of being more active in inviting more US-based companies in India following the passing of the Nuclear Liability Bill.

"The victims have been deprived of justice, they have been deprived of living a normal life for a long time. They are just asking for their basic requirements, asking for treatment, economic rehabilitation, job, social security and the poison that has spread to the area should be treated and on the other hand Manmohan Singh is very active for the Nuclear Liability Bill," noted Satinath Sarangi, Bhopal Group for Information and Action, an NGO fighting for the cause of the gas victims.

In the early hours of December 3, 1984, around 40 metric tonnes of toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas leaked into the atmosphere and was carried by the wind to the surrounding slums.

The government says around 3,500 died as a result of the disaster.

Activists however calculate that 25,000 people died in the immediate aftermath and the years that followed. (ANI)