Victims’ kin decline BJP’s ration, demand justice instead
ON DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF LOVED ONES, KIN SAY ONE YEAR HAS ELAPSED BUT NO ONE HAS BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE
AMRITSAR : A year after a train mowed down 61 people gathered on the tracks to watch the customary burning of Ravana’s effigy at Dhobi Ghat near Jaura Phatak on October 19, 2018, the BJP on Saturday organised a prayer meet in memory of the victims.
BJP state spokesperson Rajesh Honey had organised a Sukhmani Sahib Path at Amarkot Gurdwara Sahib near Jaura Phatak to mark the first death anniversary of the victims.
However, a few families refused the ration offered and demanded justice instead.
“A year has elapsed but no one has been held accountable for the death of 61 people. We need justice not food,” said Navjeet Singh, whose 16-year-old son Sachin Singh lost his life in the accident.
“Those who organised the Dussehra event near the railway tracks have been allowed to get off scot-free. Some of them even have security cover. What kind of system is this?” asked Navjeet.
“The municipal corporation (MC) had promised to give government jobs to the next of kin of the victims, but nothing was done. Former minister Navjot Singh Sidhu had promised to adopt the orphaned children. He had also promised to take the responsibility of educating the victims’ children,” he said.
“Some families accepted the ration as they are extremely poor, and don’t have a breadwinner in their family,” he added.
Deepak Kumar, whose brother was killed in the accident, said, “We did not accept the ration, but sought the leaders’ help in getting justice. If we do not get justice in the coming days, we will launch a statewide protest.”
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Rajesh Honey, said, “Only four to five families refused to accept the ration as they did not require it. However, most of the families took the ration. The function was organised to help victims’ families. It was not politically motivated.”
BJP leaders also targeted Congress for ‘shielding the accused’.
They said, after holding a magisterial probe into the incident, Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh had ordered that stern action be taken against those who had organised the Dussehra event but no action has been taken.