Money is not everything, says victim’s kin

NEW DELHI: When riots broke out in north-east Delhi, Mohammed Asif had gone to fetch milk for his two children but returned with a bullet injury.

Four days ago, the Delhi government gave him a compensation of Rs 20,000 cash when the compensation started rolling out for all victims but Asif is yet to receive the full amount.

A resident of Vijay Park in Maujpur, Asif was a carpenter or used to be till his shoulder was injured. “We did not know a riot had broken out. There was no milk in the house so my brother went to fetch some. We heard a commotion and rushed outside to see people were running. My brother came with blood flowing from his shoulder,” says Asif ’s brother Tasleem. His brother is helping his family survive with compensation money and help from other relatives.

Tasleem goes on to narrate their family’s predicament, “We rushed him to GTB hospital where the doctor said they will take out the bullet after three weeks. We were not happy with the doctor’s suggestion so we requested for a transfer. We took him to Meerut instead from where he returned on Saturday,” says Tasleem. Asif has been asked to rest for six months and there is no certainty that he will be able to go back to his previous profession.” He does not know any other work, this was his only skill said his brother.

“The Delhi government and our relatives have been helpful but what will happen to his life now? Government officials have said they will give Rs two lakh in a couple of days. We are not worried about that. We are worried that his hands are crucial for his skill and he cannot even lift his arm now,” adds Tasleem who is now living with the family in north-east Delhi. Many families who have received compensation are trying to get their lives back on track but compensation isn’t enough.

“Money is not everything, it will last for some time and start something but he cannot do the same work again. He’ll have to learn a new skill or something,” said Tasleem.

Several families like Asif ’s are still struggling to get back on track and lead normal lives once again.

‘The Delhi government and our relatives have been helpful but what will happen to his life now? Govt officials have said they will give Rs 2 lakh in a couple of days’