Over 200 survivors of the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal today set fire to an effigy of “Corruption in medical care, rehabilitation and compensation disbursement” in front of the Union Carbide factory.
Body of the effigy says “Corruption in Bhopal Gas Disaster”
Names on effigy from right to left: Bureaucrat, Govt. Doctor, Supreme Court Judge, State Minister, Dow & Union Carbide, Central Minister, Claim Tribunal Judge, Govt. Scientist, Govt. Employees
The demonstration on the anniversary of the “Quit India Movement” day, was part of the national India Against Corruption campaign’s preparations for its mobilisation led by Anna Hazare from August 16th.
Banner reads: Wipe out corruption; will take rightful compensation
Banner reads: Bhopal Gas Victims are determined to bring Jan Lokpal Bill
Leaders of the five survivors’ organisations who organised the demonstration said that corruption at all levels of the central and state governments and the judiciary was a significant reason behind the denial of adequate medical care, rehabilitation and compensation to the survivors of the disaster. They said that a strong Lokpal Bill, and not the weak and ineffective bill presented by the government, is one of the essential elements to put an end to the disaster that is ongoing for the last 27 years.
Survivors of Bhopal will be joining Anna Hazare’s fast and dharna in New Delhi as well as taking part in solidarity actions starting from August 16th in Bhopal.
