Representatives of gas victims stage dharna | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Representatives of gas victims stage dharna

None | By, Bhopal
Mar 31, 2006 12:50 AM IST

TEN REPRESENTATIVES of the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) working for gas-affected victims today staged a dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of their six-point charter of demands.

TEN REPRESENTATIVES of the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) working for gas-affected victims today staged a dharna at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi in support of their six-point charter of demands.

HT Image
HT Image

The first objective of the agitators is to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the fulfillment of their demands.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

If these demands are not accepted the dharna would be converted into an indefinite hunger strike from April 1, Rashida Bi of the Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Stationary Karmachari Sangh (BGPMSKS) said at a press conference here today.

A group of gas survivors, under the joint aegis of the BGPMSKS, Bhopal Gas Peedit Mahila Purush Sangharsh Morcha, Bhopal Group for Information and Action and Bhopal ki Aawaz, had undertaken a foot march from Bhopal to Delhi between February 20 and March 15.

Their main demands are provision of clean water, environmental remediation at the polluters’ cost around the Union Carbide factory premises, setting up of a National Commission to provide medical and economic rehabilitation, stopping Union Carbide and Dow Chemical’s businesses in India until justice is done and incorporation of the Bhopal tragedy in curricula besides constructing a memorial in Bhopal.

Meanwhile, six representatives of the survivors met Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Ram Vilas Paswan. Rashida Bi told media persons that the minister was in agreement with all six demands and had assured the delegation that his ministry would take positive steps on issues that come under its jurisdiction.

The representatives also met Cabinet Minister Oscar Fernandes, who promised to support them in felicitating a meeting with the Prime Minister at an early date. In another development, 20 members of the American Congress, led by Congressman Frank Pallone, have written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to address the demands of survivors and take action against the errant US multinational.

“The conduct of American Corporations outside the United States is a long-standing concern of ours, especially with regard to environment protection standards. …It is outrageous that the CEOs of Union Carbide and its successor, Dow Chemical has yet to be brought to justice.

It is disappointing that the Indian Government has been reticent in pursuing the Union Carbide and Dow Chemical for their civil and criminal liabilities in the country,” the letter states.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On