Bhopal:
Activists fighting for the victims of the Bhopal gas disaster have written to the ministers' panel asking it to address specific issues.
They have asked the panel to set up a Special Prosecution Cell in the Central bureau of Investigation (CBI) for securing the extradition of the absconding Warren Anderson and immediate action against crimes of Dow Chemical Company, USA.
The activists also want the panel to ensure that the Central government files a curative petition in the Supreme Court for a revision of the 1996 order that diluted the criminal charges against Indians accused and address issues of justice and the opportunities for a life of dignity for the survivors.
They also want an Empowered Commission to be set up to implement medical care, employment and monthly pensions.
The letter says the government must ensure supply of clean drinking water and clean the soil in and around the abandoned Carbide factory.
Activists also demand that the government makes good the shortfall in compensation in accordance with the directions of 1991 revised order on settlement of the Supreme Court.
"We have demanded from the GoM on Bhopal that they ensure that the people in Bhopal get justice and the opportunities of a life of dignity. We have asked the GoM to speedily set up an Empowered Commission on Bhopal that was promised by the PM two years back and a special prosecution cell to take care of the extradition of the foreign accused and enhancement of sentences against Indian accused. In particular, we've asked the GoM to pay attention to the fact that people are still being forced to drink contaminated water," said Satinath Sarangi, the convenor of the Group for Information & Action, speaking to NDTV in Bhopal.