December 6, 2024 03:00 IST
First published: December 6, 2024 at 03:00 IST
As the death toll from the December 5 Bhopal gas leak tragedy has reached 1,600 and more bodies and victims are pouring into the city’s hospitals, the horrific effects of the deadly gas are coming to light. Cases of cerebral palsy and eye ulcers have been reported. According to hospital sources, the condition of nearly 1,000 patients is critical, and the death toll is expected to increase.
How the tragedy began
On December 3, Methyl Isocyanate gas leaked due to ‘blocking and chocking’ of the control valve of the gas tank at the Union Carbide pesticide manufacturing plant in Bhopal. On December 2, an employee on duty noticed an increase in the control valve reading and an increase in internal pressure. Tank construction had begun.
Attack on Sri Lanka
Hospital sources said at least 85 people were killed in a guerrilla attack in the northern district of Mannar on December 5. Residents of Mannar have alleged that the army attacked in retaliation for the death of a soldier on December 6. Six others were injured when their jeep hit a land mine.
Congress-I Promises
Promising a clean and stable government, the Congress(I) has assured the people that it will fight corruption in all spheres of public life and promote the “ethics” of austerity and simplicity. In its manifesto for the eighth Lok Sabha elections, the party has promised to stop the current “unhealthy politics” of government services. The manifesto promises to strengthen the procedures for detecting and punishing corruption.