Victory: Government of India concedes both the demands of Bhopalis. This evening, a four-member delegation of Bhopal activists, including Rashida Bee, Balkrishna Namdeo, Saffreen Khan and Satinath Sarangi, met the Minister of Chemicals Mr. Anand Kumar. Subsequently, Joint Secretary, Chemicals, Mr. A.J.V. Prasad visited the dharna sthal garlanded the satyagrahis and announced that the Government was ready to accept both their demands. The figures of dead and injured -- grossly underreported by the UPA Government -- will be revised based on data from ICMR, Bhopal Memorial Hospital and Research Centre, and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, and an amended petition will be submitted to the Supreme Court. The Government will additionally file an application seeking early hearing of the case. On the matter of extending ex-gratia payment to all the injured, the Government has said that they will decide who should benefit from additional compensation on the basis of scientific records. The five courageous women have been given their first drink of water in four days, and the dharna sthal is resounding with jubilation. The sense of victory is tinged with a realisation that the Bhopalis shouldnt have had to come to delhi, starve and go without water for this to happen. But thats for later. For now, tight Bhopali hugs to all those who read, liked, faxed, and supported in any manner. bhopal.net
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 15:18:24 +0000