Leaders play politics, people angry

PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service 
Amritsar, October 19 

The train accident, leading to the death of 57 persons — including children and women — has angered people. They criticised politicians for playing politics over the tragedy.

Their grouse was that instead of extending a helping hand to the victims, the politicians were busy issuing statements against their rivals, especially the Sidhus. 

Former Congress leader Mandeep Manna spoke on a loudspeaker, asking the police to register a case against Navjot Kaur Sidhu, the chief guest at the Dashera celebrations, and Mithu Madan, the organiser of the programme.

Union Minister Vijay Sampla, BJP vice-president Avinash Rai Khanna, former minister Manoranjan Kalia and CM's former media adviser Vineet Joshi expressed shock over the incident.

People are angry Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who beat a hasty retreat after the accident. They questioned the "callous" working of the district administration. 

They are questioning the administration and police for the lapse. Did organisers take permission from the district administration? If yes, did the administration deploy sufficient number of police personnel to prevent people from standing or squatting on the railway track? And, did the police fail in their duty from preventing people from standing on the railway track?

Helpline numbers 

The administration has issued a helpline number, 0183-2421050, to enquire about mishap victims. Those who want to donate blood have been called at the Civil Hospital and Guru Nanak Dev Hospital. The helpline numbers for donating blood are 0183-2223171 and 2564485.  

Free medical aid

The SGPC swung into action and sent its team to assist in the rescue operation at Jaura Phatak near Golden Avenue. SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal announced that the injured would get free medical aid at Sri Guru Ram Dass Charitable Hospital in Vallah.