Press
statement issued by
SHRI L.K. ADVANI
Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha)
Mumbai - June 9, 2007
Govt. of Maharashtra and Ministry of Railways must fulfill all their relief and rehabilitation commitments to the surviving victims of 7/11 within the next one month
The serial bomb blasts in Mumbai’s local trains on July 11 last year were one of the most warlike acts of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism that India has witnessed. As many as 187 innocent people lost their lives in blasts inside running trains at seven different locations and all within a span of about 10 minutes. It was the second instance of a terrorist attack on Mumbai in the form of serial bomb explosions, the first having taken place on 12 March 1993.
I had come to Mumbai on July 12 last year, visited some of the sites of the bomb blasts and met the injured people in some of the city hospitals. In my interaction with the media, I had stated that this attack was carried out, with military precision, by enemies of the nation outside India with the collusion of anti-national elements within India. It is a matter of considerable concern that the UPA Government at the Centre, and the Congress-NCP Government in Maharashtra, have shown extreme lethargy and casualness, bordering on callousness, in investigating into this crime against the nation.
The people of Mumbai – indeed, the entire country – have a right to know who were the culprits behind 7/11, and expect deterrent punishment to them. I therefore demand expeditious conclusion of the investigation and speedy justice to the guilty. There should not be a repeat of the experience of the March 1993 serial blasts; punishments for the guilty in the first serial bomb blasts are currently still being pronounced, after a gap of 14 long years.
Today I visited two victims of 7/11 who are still in coma. They are – Shri Parag Sawant, who is at Hinduja Hospital and Shri Amit Singh at Jaslok Hospital. I pray for their speedy recovery.
My party, the BJP, had demanded expeditious relief and rehabilitation to all the victims of the terrorist attack on 7/11. I myself wrote a letter to the Prime Minister in this regard on 30 August 2006, when it was brought to my attention that the various governmental agencies were slow and bureaucratic in fulfilling their promises to the surviving victims of 7/11. He had given detailed and specific assurances for prompt action in this regard.
I am deeply distressed to learn that the work of relief and rehabilitation has still not been completed, although 11 months have elapsed since the terrorist attack that invited worldwide outrage and condemnation. A detailed study of the subject conducted by Dr. Kirit Somaiya, a former MP of my party and a senior leader of the BJP in Mumbai, reveals that:
• Out of 1077 victims, only 174 have so far got compensation through the Railway Claims Tribunal (RCT). This, in spite of the RCT having set up a Special Bench in Mumbai. I am told that the Bench has so far held only four sittings.
• The State Government and the Ministry of Railways had announced provision of employment to the kin of the dead and severely handicapped. Out of 235 eligible cases, I am told that employment has been given in only 15 cases so far.
• More than 100 victims are suffering from severe hearing loss and need hearing aids and treatment. The State Government has not provided any financial assistance for their medical treatment.
• Very little help has come from the Railways or the State Government for providing artificial limbs to the victims. I was shocked when I learnt of the following incident exemplifying the apathy of the governmental system. Respected Rashtrapati and all the employees of Rashtrapati Bhavan sent a donation of Rs.25 lakhs for the medical treatment of the blast victims. The State Government returned the cheque to Rashtrapati Bhavan saying, “There is no need of such help.”
• For a long time, the State Government and the Ministry of Railways wrangled over the number of victims eligible for relief and rehabilitation.
In contrast to the apathy of the governmental machinery, I am deeply touched by the instances of humanitarian help rendered by various NGOs and private donor agencies.
• Shri Rajgor, a poor street vendor, had lost both his legs in the blast. He was given two electronic legs by a donor agency and has now restarted leading a normal life -- selling golgappa and paani puri.
• Shri Samir Gujarathi had lost his leg. Thanks to the artificial leg provided by a donor agency, he is now able to ride his motor cycle.
• Shri Chirag Chavan, a young CA student, had suffered paralysis of the lower half of his body. He has been given an electronic chair. He is now going to appear for his C.A. exam.
I heartily commend the godly work of these, and all other, NGOs and philanthropic organizations who have toiled to bring succour to the victims of 7/11. I believe that the governmental system should learn some lessons in seva from these non-governmental organizations.
* * *
In
conclusion, I wish to state that I shall visit Mumbai again on 11 July
2007, to participate in a programme to mark the first anniversary of
7/11. Articulating the expectation of the people of this country, I
demand that the State Government and the Ministry of Railways shed their
bureaucratic approach and fulfill, within the next one month, all the
commitments in respect of relief and rehabilitation for the all the
eligible victims of last year’s terrorist attack.
