Flogging a dead horse

Bikash Choudhury



On avoidable recent controversy about Bhopal gas tragedy. In my opinion, it is sad that our politician and media to an extent can’t distinguish between National interest and professional interest. At this point of time, it is most important that the victim of Bhopal gas tragedy, all Indian citizens get justice with honor; and, not who let go Union Carbide Chief, Mr. Anderson over twenty five years a go. It is, also, quite unnecessary to drag the name of former Indian Prime Minister, Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi without concrete evidence to that effect; precisely because, it reflects Indian polity as a divided house; which does not augur well for an emerging global power like India in its external relations. India did not have the economic standing in the world at the time of Bhopal gas tragedy; however, at least now India has international stature to stand up to any global power in case any injustice is meted out to its citizen. Therefore, all political forces & media instead of gunning for Mr. Anderson must use their fire power against the Company and US administration to give justice to all the victims of gas tragedy; which is otherwise, one of the greatest ‘human rights violation’ in recent times. Human rights issues are very close to the heart of US policy makers; and they have given Indian security forces a bad name, those have to fight extremist from across the borders in very adverse circumstances. Now, we just have to remind US administration stoically that double standards on human rights won’t do. UPA Govt. and principal opposition must agree to bring a suitable ordinance that would arm our investigating agency and judiciary with enough powers to review the Bhopal gas tragedy case afresh to be able to offer suitable and just compensation to all the victims without any further delay under Indian laws. None the less, investigation must be carried out forth with to unravel the mystery behind the release of Mr. Anderson, who did it and why? And, law should be allowed to take its course. Tail piece being ‘A National tragedy of Bhopal gas leak proportion' must not be used to generate political capital by any party or politician.