JOIN USEndosulfan victims have launched a mega protest and an indefinite fast unto death under the banner of Endo Virodhi Horata Samithi at Kokkada on Saturday.
Lifetime victims of endosulfan who are struggling to lead a normal life were part of the protest. The endosulfan have been seeking fulfilment of demands like a pension of Rs 5,000 per month, a compensation of Rs 10 lakh and a permanent rehabilitation centre in each taluk.
Noting that the schemes introduced for the endo victims have not been implemented properly, the protesters said that despite staging a stir at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, the chief minister has not set aside funds for the compensation in the budget.
Kamala Kanyadi said, “I don’t have any working male member in my family. I cannot leave my endosulfan affected children and go for work. The government has failed to give us the facilities that are due to us.”
When the Kerala government can give benefits to the victims, why can’t the Karnataka government, she sought to know and added that she has fed up by the promises made by people’s representatives.
Dakshina Kannada BJP Yuva Morcha president Harish Poonja said the government is silent on the struggle of the endosulfan victims. The society should unitedly fight for the cause of endosulfan victims and wake up the state government, he said.
MLC Kota Srinivas Poojary said that if the Health Minister K R Ramesh had known the sufferings of the endosulfan victims, he would have definitely responded. He said he will to speak to the minister and invite him to visit Kokkada once. The MLC also promised to raise the issue in the legislature session.
Puttur AC Raghunanda Murthy, DHO Dr Ramakrishna Rao and Belthangady tahsildar Thippeswamy visited the protesters. The protesters said the ministers should visit the spot and refused to hold any talks with the officials.
Kokkada Endo Virodhi Horata Samithi convener Sridhar Gowda demanded the government to provide compensation to the victims on the model of Kerala. In the past, the government had promised of Karnataka model of relief.
However, no relief has been given. “Till the chief minister gives in writing that the demands will be fulfilled, the hunger strike will be continued,” he added.