Jassi skips event to mark Maur blast anniversary

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, January 31

A bhog ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the Maur blast, which claimed six lives, was held here today. The blast had taken place near the rally venue of then Congress candidate Harminder Singh Jassi, days ahead of the 2017 Assembly polls. However, Jassi was conspicuous by his absence from today’s event. The bereaved families said the Congress leader should have stood by them.

Dr Balbir Singh, grandfather of Japsimran Singh who died in the blast, said, “Our wounds are still fresh even a year after the tragedy as the culprits behind the dastardly act are yet to be arrested. The police probe seems to have hit a dead end. Besides, the state government has failed to keep the promises made to the affected families.”

“I myself have been a witness to the indifferent approach of the government while knocking the doors of the Deputy Commissioner, Finance Minister and even Chief Minister,” he added.

AAP MLA from Maur Jagdev Singh Kamalu said it was unfortunate that the families were still waiting for closure.

Representatives of the Maur Blast Sangharsh Committee also hit out at the government for its “failure” to bring the guilty to book and on providing government jobs to the members of the affected families.

Jassi could not be contacted despite repeated attempts. He also did not respond to the text message sent on his mobile phone.