Compensation still eludes victims

HUBLI: The government, which is celebrating three years in office, has subtly turned a blind eye towards the plight of victims of the infamous Haveri firing incident.
It is yet to go through the K Jagannatha Shetty Commission's inquiry report submitted more than a year ago. The commission's recommendations include compensation to the injured.
Meanwhile for the injured, only the wounds have healed, while the pain still persists.The injuries have rendered some victims jobless, and made the others depend on their wives and children.
Mallappa Banakar, who had a bullet injury in his right elbow, said he is at the mercy of his wife and two brothers. Painkiller tablets cost him nearly Rs 100 every week. With little money, Banakar often goes without medicine. His wife toils in their cotton fields to take care of her husband and two school-going children. "Chief minister has no mercy on us in spite of us meeting him four times to explain our plight. He had promised compensation as per the commission's recommendations," says a dejected Banakar.
Tambuli Yallappa and Shivappa Kallapur, who were past 60 when they faced the bullets, have now restricted their movements because of pain. Puttappa Kalyal, who was hit in his head by a lathi, is unable to work in fields. "I get severe headache if I get exposed to sun for long. One of my eyes also gets moist in the sun," he said.
The situation is no different for the family of Abdul Razzak of Aladakatti village. He has suffered a bullet injury in his right shoulder. His family of five is dependent on his wife Mehboobi, who works in the fields. Mahalingappa Badiger, who was among the injured, had to stop educating his son following the firing.
Haveri district minister C M Udasi said the government is yet to go through the report. "The law minister has to study the report before placing it in the cabinet and tabling in the legislature," he added. When asked about the delay, he said: "It happens. It is not the only issue... there are several issues which are still pending."