Many victims are fighting for their lives at different hospitals in Saharanpur and Meerut.
So far, more than 62 persons have lost their lives in over a dozen villages of Saharanpur district. (Photo: IANS)
Following the hooch tragedy, the Bheem Army, on Monday, sat on a dharna at the office of the district magistrate in Saharanpur.
They are demanding an ex gratia of Rs 25 lakh and a government job to one family member of each of the deceased.
“We have given an ultimatum of six days to the district administration to expedite our demands which mainly include relief of Rs 25 lakh to each family of the deceased and a government job to one member of the family,” said Kamal Walia, District President of Bheem Army, Saharanpur. He said that a protest will be launched if the authorities fail to accept their demands in a given time period.
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They have also demanded a ban on the sale of liquor in the district on the birth anniversary celebrations of Dalit saint Ravidas, which is on February 19.
Bheem Army Chief, Chandrasekhar alias Ravan, had also raised the same demands when he visited the families of the deceased.
Bheem Army, which originated from Saharanpur, has a strong base among, and support of Dalits.
Most of the victims of the hooch tragedy were Dalits and the Bheem Army chief and his supporters were the first to visit Nangal and Gagalheri, the villages where a large number of deaths occurred.
The Bheem Army has also demanded that the surviving victims should be provided with proper treatment.
“We will not let sale on any wine shop on February 19,” said Walia, adding that after six days, a massive movement will be launched in the district if their demands are not considered by the administration.
So far, more than 62 persons have lost their lives in over a dozen villages of Saharanpur district while many are fighting for their lives at different hospitals in Saharanpur and Meerut.
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