Dakshina Kannada District Congress has decided to stretch a helping hand to more than 5,521 Endosulfan victims from 92 villages of Sullia, Puttur, Belthangady and Bantwal taluks in the district.
Addressing a press conference in Mangalore on Thursday, Social Action Group for Empowerment (SAGE) Convenor and AICC Member P V Mohan said that Union Health Minister Gulam Nabi Azad has responded positively for the first hand report sent by district Congress about Endo victims through AICC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes and assured of taking immediate actions.
Meanwhile, Mohan came down heavily against the State government. “The State has neglected the issue. The government never sent a proposal to the Union government for the help of Endosulfan victims. Representing the district Congress, MP Oscar Fernandes has demanded Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram for a minimum of Rs one crore of interim compensation for the victims,” he said.
Hunger strike
To drag the attention of the government about the burning issues related to Endosulfan victims, a day-long hunger strike will be organised by the SAGE during next Assembly sessions. The protest will not be politicised and various organisations, students and like minded people would participate in the symbolic strike, he said.
Endosulfan Virodhi Horata Samiti President Peer Mohammed alleged that the State government has conducted an unscientific and improper survey of Endosulfan victims.
“The government has considered only those who are physically handicapped. The people who are suffering with mental disorders, cancer or some other kind of problems won’t get compensations,” he said.