Date:26/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/26/stories/2007102659020400.htm

New Delhi

Delhi blasts hero returns award

Staff Reporter

“Disappointed at slow pace of rehabilitation promised to him and others”

“I cannot support my family”

Photo: PTI

No, thanks: Blasts hero Kuldeep Singh with All India Anti-Terrorist Front chairman M.S. Bitta at a press conference in New Delhi on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: The Capital’s poster boy of courage Kuldeep Singh -- the DTC bus driver whose presence of mind saved the lives of many Delhiites during the pre-Diwali bomb blasts two years ago -- returned the bravery award presented to him by the Delhi Government on Thursday, saying he was “disappointed at the slow pace of rehabilitation promised to him and other blast victims”.

Kuldeep, who lost his eyesight, injured his right hand badly and became hard of hearing after the blast, claims that though the Government did provide him with some monetary help, the medical assistance assured to him was yet to materialise.

“We are remembered only when some politician wants to make a public statement. I am now working as a vehicle examiner and my salary is not enough to support my family and the medical expense that I incur every month. After doctors at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences said they would not be able to help me, I have been taking treatment in Hyderabad. What will I do with an award when I am unable to give my child a decent life? It is with great sorrow that I am returning the award today,” said Kuldeep handing over his bravery medal to All-India Anti-Terrorist Front chairman M. S. Bitta at a function organised here to pay homage to the victims of the Delhi bomb blasts.

Also present on the occasion were a handful of other victims who had come together to complain about the Government’s alleged high-handedness.

Relatives’ woes

Relatives of children whose parents died in the blasts said they were struggling to get the children’s guardian certificates. “For the past two years we have knocked at every possible door requesting them to issue guardian certificates. The Government’s inaction and lack of commitment in ensuring that we are adequately compensated has made the road to recovery after the blasts a difficult one,” said P.S. Sant, uncle of four-year-old Ishika Sant who lost her parents in the blast. Demanding immediate action to help the victims, Mr. Bitta said: “We demand that the Government set up a coordination committee to keep a tab on the requirements of the victims of terrorism.”