The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : `Politicisation of relief must stop'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 07, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

`Politicisation of relief must stop'

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, JAN. 6. The All-India Catholic Union has urged the State Government to constitute a steering committee consisting of representatives of all religions and non-governmental organisations to oversee relief operations in tsunami-hit areas.

"People's participation is essential in any relief measure. Politicisation of relief administration should stop," said John Dayal, union president, after a three-day tour of the affected areas in Nagapattinam, Cuddalore and Chennai districts.

Aid was not adequate and available immediately. Those who needed relief were yet to get any help while middlemen were taking advantage of the situation. Citing the example of Velankanni, a coastal town in Nagapattinam district, he said the Government machinery was "cornering" all the aid coming for victims at the church, saying it would distribute the relief materials on its own. "It seems the State Government wants to take all the credit," he said.

Dr. Dayal said several Dalits found it difficult to register themselves at relief camps. So, the Government should take urgent steps to ensure that they were given relief and rehabilitation. Besides, it should defuse tension that was growing between fisherfolk and Dalits over the administration of relief.

Sunil Sardar, president, Truth-Seekers International, said the authorities should not close down the relief camps at schools on the ground that schools had to be reopened.

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