No politics please, request van fire victims’ families

Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service
Sangrur, February 21

The parents of all four children, who were burnt alive in their school van in Longowal last week, has requested politicians and members of social organisations to stop playing politics over the matter.

They say they are not supporting any agitation related to the incident, expressing satisfaction at the monetary relief and action taken by the state government.

“Neither me nor any member of my family supports any agitation. We are not asking for compensation. We have lost our children. Money cannot bring them back. We are thankful to Congress leader Daman Thind Bajwa, who ensured quick action,” said Jagsir Singh, father of deceased Navjot Kaur and Kamalpreet Kaur.

On Friday, members of Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, BKU (Ugrahan), Tarksheel Society, Kirti Kisan Union and Punjab Radical Students Union protested in Longowal and demanded Rs50-lakh compensation and a government job for the families of the deceased. They also demanded registration of a murder case against senior officers of the education and transport authorities.

Lakhvir Longowal, a leader of the Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union, said: “The state government has only arrested the school owner and a teacher, who was driving the bus, but it has not taken action against any officer. We will intensify our agitation. The families of the deceased are under pressure and not coming openly with us,” said Lakhvir Longowal of the Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union.

On February 15, a ramshackle mini-school van ferrying 12 students of Simran Public School, Longowal, caught fire on Saturday last week, killing four children and injuring eight.

Kuldeep Singh, uncle of three deceased cousins, said: “We are not under any pressure. Since the accident, we have not demanded money even once. With folded hands, we request all to leave us alone as we are not in a position to protest or even talk about it.”

Balwant Singh, SHO, Longowal police station, said: “During investigation, it has been confirmed the van was purchased from Patran.”