‘Give compensation for endosulfan victim’s kin’

Samiti threatens to stage a demonstration before the Health Minister’s residence

Endosulfan victims and activists on Tuesday staged a protest in Belthangady demanding compensation for the family members of 40-year-old victim Kusuma, who died of cancer a few days ago.

Endo Virodhi Horata Samiti president Sridhar Gowda said the State government had not announced compensation for Kusuma so far.

The district in-charge Minister B. Ramanath Rai and Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader did not meet Kusuma’s family members and console them.

Anguish

Mr. Gowda expressed his anguish over the reported statement of N. Sivasailam, Principal Secretary, Health, which belittled the dependents of endosulfan victims. Mr. Gowda said the official did not visit houses of endosulfan victims and see their condition.

Puttur Taluk Endo Virodi Horata Samiti member Navin Kulal said the State government should announce payment of Rs. 15 lakh as compensation to Kusuma’s family members in the next 15 days, failing which activists would stage a protest at the Puttur bus-stand.

Demonstration

They would also stage demonstration before the house of Mr. Khader, Mr. Navin said. Around 200 endosulfan victims and their family members attended the meet in Belthangady.

Traffic blocked

The victims and endosulfan activists blocked traffic on the road leading to Dharmasthala. They also broke coconuts on the road as a mark of protest against the government.