I never wanted to voice my opinions on this issue but recent developments made me to rethink my decision. I’m writing this not as a Politician or Indian or American but only on the humanitarian grounds and on compassion I have towards my fellow human beings.
Everything takes time in India and 25 years of waiting for justice is no exception to it.
Leak of Methyl Iso-cynate gas from the Union Carbide plant has not just succumbed 25,000 people to death but has caused generations of ill effects on the health of people living in Bhopal. Off Springs are born with birth ailment, Permanent damage has been caused to the flora & fauna, people around the factory inhale air that’s poisonous even today.
I would like to voice over my opinions on different sections of this society.
Politicians
We are hearing a no. of stories on the way the issue has been handled. People who never opened their mouth all these days are letting out sensational news that causes a great concern. Pilot, Taxi driver, Home secretary and District Collector are coming out and saying on record that they were ordered to pave way for Anderson’s escape.
Infact I was dumbstuck to see a footage showing policemen opening the gate and saluting Warren Anderson, 3 days after he was released on bail. For sure many Government departments have tirelessly worked & lobbied to ensure Warren Anderson’s exit from India.
All I would like to ask these politicians is how on earth you can protect the interest of a billion people if you cannot account responsibility for the death of masses? You guys have pledged 25,000 lives who died and 50,000 people who still live with permanent ailments and many generations to come to protect your own interests. These Sufferers are the Aam Aadmi’s who feature in your election manifestation. How is the pain caused to them justified?
Media
All news channels carry some message on this tragedy ever since the verdict came. While it is good for media to bring out issues to catch audience attention, the same media are also responsible for infinite pain. “GROUND ZERO – BHOPAL”, “24 HOURS in BHOPAL” and other stories which cover the victims of the gas tragedy will only make things worse. Questions like How did you feel after the gas leak? How much compensation you received? How many people in your family died in the gas leak?, will only rekindle the trouble, tragedy & trauma they have gone through and cause endless pain to them. Asking such questions is like asking a father who lost his son “How do you feel now?” Oh Please for all the Bakra’s, Rajdeep’s, have some mercy on the people of Bhopal.
When will you guys stop making sensation out of other’s sufferings?
People of Bhopal
While I salute your perseverance and patience for justice, I believe it’s high time we give new dimension to our way of fighting for justice. I may be a fool who is influenced by some radical thinking but I think extreme measures like boycotting the elections and letting the governance know that our fundamental rights/needs are not taken care off will send strong signals to people who govern us. Time has come where these Pandits of Politics cannot take us for granted. Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see” and I believe if things have to change we need to take drastic steps.
Justice Department
25,000 Lives = 2 Years of Jail (or) Rs 1 Lakh Fine.
How is this justified?
All said and done, it’s just a matter of time before the attention shifts from this tragedy to some other news. It may be FIFA World Cup, Elections, Oil Price, Food Inflation or Aishwarya Rai. Who Knows?. We people have to blame ourselves for this short term memory loss that we suffer from.
3 comments:
Dear Rajesh,
I have read through your blog and would like to congratulate you on at least speaking on this topic. However, I could not help making certain observations.
You say that you are surprised by people who have kept their mouth shut (like me and many others, by the way) for so many years and are now suddenly talking about the Bhopal injustice. But by your own admission "I never wanted to voice my opinions on this issue but recent developments made me to rethink my decision." you too fall into this category, isn't it?
As far as your criticism of the media is concerned, though I am also not an ardent fan of the manner of questioning the media indulges in, sometimes uncomfortable questions are necessary to bring out the truth. Sensationalize or not is a very tight rope to walk, and in this case which by itself is a sensation, I do not know to what extend we can blame the media.
Your appeal to the victims of BGL appalls me the most, I am sorry to say. I think that 25 years of fighting the establishment, police, interpol, media, politicians while having lost near and dear ones or being permanently maimed themselves,is tougher than you imagine. I think now its time for the nation to stand up for Bhopal.
Dear Mr. Rajesh,
Gone through your views on BGL. I could see my thoughts in several points. For the last few days, I have also been thinking like this but did not do anything about it. It is our duty as a human being to help our brothers and sisters who has lost everything and still denied justice all these years. My father visited Bhopal in 1990 and he could not sleep for many days after seeing the victims. He even tells us with tears the scene he has seen there.
This is high time we all have to do something. Sincerely, I admit that I don't know what to do. Many people fall in this catagory. They want to raise their hands for the good cause, but they dont know what to do.
What is the best thing to do for the victims who have suffered these years.
Will it be helpful if we collect some money and give them? I am sorry to ask like this, because I dont know what will help them.
Shall we do a signature campaign condemning the justice and the acts of our politicians?
What do you mean by new dimensions? could you please explain this?
the dictum is very clear all-AS LONG AS A CALAMITY IS HAPPENING TO SOMEONE ELSE WE ARE JUST NOT BOTHERED ME INCLUDED.SO LETS NOT BLAME OUR POLITICIANS OR THE PRESS.THEY ACTUALLY SELL THESE TO MAKE MONEY. THERE ARE MANY MORE BHOPAL LIKE HAPPENINGS WAITING TO HAPPEN.SO BUCKLE UP BOYS TO FACE REALITY.THIS IS INDIA MERE JHAAN.LAND OF SPINELESS.CHEERS
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