Uneasy calm at Joda Phatak

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar October 22

The rail traffic at Joda Phatak has been resumed. Trains have been passing through the tragedy site since Sunday. No incident of violence or stone pelting has been reported. Most of the shops in the area have been opened and residents have begun with their routine chores.

The police are keeping a vigil on the assembling of more than five persons in the area. No clash or agitation has been reported. A heavy police force has been deployed alongside the track. Cops block the movement of traffic near the track before the arrival of any train.

Most of the residents have expressed their anger at the organisers of event, political leaders, Railways and the administration besides criticising the violence after the incident. Karan Singh Pathania, a resident of Joda Phatak, said, “Politicians should not play politics in such a situation. The deployment of police force is irritating people. Things are back to normal. Instead of police deployment, officials and politicians should visit the residents and hear their grievances.”

The government should take action against the culprits, said Rani Kaur, another resident.

Kin demand govt jobs

Though the state government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of victims, most of them are not satisfied as they want government jobs. The administration has received 15 requests for government jobs.

“The government did not announce jobs, but the victim families are submitting applications. We are receiving their applications,” said SDM-2 Vikas Heera.