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Kin of Meerut fire victims remember the tragedy

Meerut: Relatives of those killed in a deadly fire in Meerut last year, organised a prayer on Tuesday.

Thirty-five people, including several children, had perished in the blaze that engulfed an aircraft hanger-shaped temporary hall covered with plastic sheets. Nearly 2,000 people had gathered to see an exhibition there.

Tuesday's prayer meeting, which was attended by few survivors, witnessed emotional scenes and remembrance at the memorial erected for the dead.

Many survivors, who still are suffering from severe burn injuries, said the State Government had failed to rehabilitate them in a satisfactory manner. ``The government did come forward when it happened last year. But the help came eight days after the incident took place. One year has passed and nothing has been done. For the burn victims, the rehabilitation has not been taken care of. Rehabilitation costs a lot of money,'' said Amrinder Singh, who received 75 percent burns in the fire.

Ali Akbar, who lost his 18-year-old school-going son, said: ``I am very proud of my son who died saving 35 people from fire. I am saddened by the fact that he is not here with us. I miss him a lot.''

The State Government had last year registered a case of unintentional murder against three officials of the company that organized the trade fair.

The special shopping centre with about 100 stalls had on display air-conditioners, computers, televisions and other home appliances. - ANI

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