Protests mark Bhopal gas tragedy anniv
ANGRY LOT Demonstrations were held to protest the timing of marathon held on the day
BHOPAL:Angry protests were witnessed in Bhopal on Sunday as the city marked the 33rd anniversary of the gas tragedy that killed thousands.
Early on December 3, 1984, toxic methyl isocyanate leaked from the Union Carbide Corporation’s pesticide plant here, killing and injuring thousands. Lakhs of people are still affected and many are dying.
The protesters, draped in a white cloth, lay on the road outside the Governor’s official residence since 6 am, protesting the timing of the marathon ‘Run Bhopal Run’ which is being held on Sunday. While half of Bhopal is mourning, the other half is celebrating, they said.
To avoid any untoward incident, the district administration and police changed the route of the half marathon as protesters continued to agitate against the event.
“The district administration are not sensitive towards the pain and agony of thousands of the victims and their relatives who are yet to overcome the trauma even after so many years,” said Rachna Dhingra, an activist.
However, marathon partici- pants defended the move. “The basic objective of organising the half marathon was to motivate people to donate organ. It was not a celebration at all. We paid homage to the victims too,” Aruneshwar Singh Deo, a participant, said.
The survivors of the tragedy also organised a protest rally in the afternoon against the apathy of government.
Bhopal gas tragedy relief and rehabilitation minister Vishwas Sarang said, “We will rehabilitate the tragedy survivors. New skill training centres will be opened for the survivors. Similarly, best medical facilities are being provided to them.”