by Santosh Digal

About 500 people demonstrate in front of the site of the old Union carbide plant to commemorate the victims of the 2 December 1984 gas leak that killed 20,000 people. No one has yet paid for the crime.

Bhopal (AsiaNews) – The people of Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) remembered today the victims of the toxic gas leak that, on 2 December 1984, killed more than 20,000 people and poisoned almost 600,000.  This morning more than 500 disabled by the toxic gas release demonstrated in front of the former plant owned by Union Carbide, the US multinational responsible for the disaster.

“Even after 26 years of struggle the victims are still looking at the government with their eyes full of hope that someday they shall receive justice. But, justice delayed is justice denied,” said Brother Michael Francis, from the St. Charles Major Seminary.

Warren Anderson, then CEO of Union Carbide Corporation, has still not been brought to justice. Eight people sentenced to two years in prison last 9 June are out on bail.

Only the Church and NGOs are caring for the victims, Brother Francis said, providing medical and legal assistance.

“In such trying circumstances the women of Bhopal continue to take the lead, fighting a relentless battle to rid the world of the dangers of chemical poisoning resulting from irresponsible corporate behaviour,” he added.

Caused by 40 tonnes of methyl iscocyanate (MIC) released at the Union Carbine pesticide plant, the Bhopal incident was one of the worst environmental disasters in history.

The total number of victims is still uncertain. More than 5,000 people were killed immediately and some 15,000 over the following weeks and months. More than 150,000 people were permanently disabled.

For the Government of Madhya Pradesh, the area is no longer a health hazard, but Bhopal hospital still treat every day some 6,000 people suffering from respiratory, motorial and cerebral problems related to the disaster.

• india
• bhopal
• gas
• leak
• toxic
• release