Christian youths pray for Bhopal gas tragedy victims

A youth delegation of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) early this week paid a solidarity visit to the Bhopal gas tragedy site where they offered prayer for the victims.

The youths interacted with the affected, participated in the struggle of the activists and expressed church's solidarity as they analyzed the tragedy and rued over the living conditions of the people.

The catastrophic tragedy in Bhopal took place at a Union Carbide pesticide plant when it accidentally released toxic gases into the air killing thousands instantly. It killed an estimated 20,000 people and left over 5.69 lakhs with a range of injuries and disabilities.

"The Ecumenical Movement and Churches in India have a great responsibility to work for the people of Bhopal in restoring justice and affirming the dignity of life," said Vineeth Koshy, Secretary of the Commission on Youth, NCCI.

Two months ago, former Union Carbide India Chairman Keshub Mahindra and six others were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment in a judgment that came under severe criticism from the country's rights activists and lawyers.

The verdict came early 26 years after the disaster. "It has not delivered justice to the victims. The perpetrators of the catastrophe as well was let off with light punishment," said Vineeth.

He said the Union Carbide Corporation must be charged criminally with 'culpable homicide'. NCCI demanded the extradition of Warren Anderson and other authorized representatives of the Corporation.

It also called for the setting up of a Special Commission with the participation of non-government doctors and scientists and representatives of survivors for long term health monitoring, research, care and rehabilitation of the survivors and their children for the next thirty years.

It further said alternate livelihood opportunities must be made to victims who cannot pursue their usual trade because of their exposure-induced illness.

On August 3, the Government sought the Parliament's nod for providing Rs 669-crore ex-gratia to victims of the gas tragedy.

The ex-gratia would benefit 45,000 affected persons, and the amount would be paid after adjusting it against the compensation already paid.

The government also announced various packages for remediation, rehabilitation and other measures.