Dasehra nightmare haunts victims’ relatives on Diwali

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 6

“I am sure Dalbir would have made his daughter’s first Diwali a special affair. His enthusiasm made all occasions memorable,” said Sawaran Kaur, mother of Dalbir Singh, who lost his life in the train accident on Dasehra.

Many like Sawaran Kaur are only left with the memories of their loved this Diwali. She has sent her daughter-in-law, Navpreet Kaur, and her eight-month-old granddaughter Pari away for a few days.

“I have asked Navpreet to stay with her parents for a few days. A change of place might help her in coming to terms with her loss,” she added.

Kaur, who runs a small confectionary shop, wants a government job for his son Balbir so that the family manages to make both ends meet.

As many as 59 persons were killed and several injured when a train ran over them at Joda Phatak during Dasehra festivities.

“My only child is no more. She had come to stay with us for a few days and had gone to see Dasehra for the first time here. There is no Diwali for me,” said Kimti Lal, who lost his daughter and granddaughter in the mishap.

Some of the residents of Krishna Nagar, near Joda Phatak, have resolved not to celebrate the festival. “I am not celebrating Diwali this time. I had also gone there, but am lucky to be alive,” said Shiv Prasad, a local.

“A lot of people came to our place, met us and left. Now, I am alone with my family in this time of grief,” said Goldy, who lost his father.