Blame game in full swing

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 21

Just like political parties, which are trying to gain mileage out of the horrific train mishap, city residents, too, are actively playing the blame game in accordance with their notions and political affiliations.

Some of them blame Navjot Kaur Sidhu and Mituh Madan for poor arrangements, others accuse the Railways as well as the victims, who were standing on the track. Majority of residents of Mithu Madan’s ward are not blaming Sidhu, but the Railways. Residents of Krishan Nagar, a migrant dominated area, are blaming Navjot Kaur Sidhu for coming late. Those of Golden Avenue and New Golden Avenue say that the politics being played on the bodies is more tragic than the incident.

Those affiliated with the BJP and the SAD are demanding action against Mithu and Sidhu, while Congress supporters seek action against the train driver and the gate man at Joda Phatak. Others blame the police and the administration for no check on the mass violation and lapses.

The event was organised under the banner of Dussehra Committee East. Mithu Madan was the sole in-charge of the committee.

This correspondent approached several people, who are said to be associated with the committee, but no one admitted his participation.

The house of Mithu Madan is being protected by more than 50 cops. The supporters of Mithu say the attackers, who pelted stones on his house, were organised under rival party leaders.

Shailinder Singh Shally, Councillor, Ward No. 46, who is from the camp of Navjot Sidhu and also present on the occasion as guest, said, “The BJP and the SAD are working on their propaganda against Sidhu. They have changed the viewpoint of residents with this propaganda. We were taking care of victims so did not respond. Now, we will make it clear that who is responsible.”

Punjabi singer Boota Mohammad, who performed at event, said, “It’s very tragic. Politics on the tragedy is not commendable. The stage secretary requested the public to leave the rail tracks several times, but when Navjot Kaur Sidhu turned up, he started talking nonsense that 5,000 people were standing on the track to face trains.”