Oppumaram' returning for 4th time

KOZHIKODE: ‘Oppumaram’ of endosulfan victims was the much talked about protest mode in recent times, and it is returning for the fourth time in Kasargod.  The ‘Oppumaram’ collects signatures pledging support to victims on a white canvas wrapped on a tree, to be presented to authorities. The campaign will be held near new bus stand from July 19 to 22 under the banner of ‘Envisag’ (Endosulfan Victims Support Aid Group) and joint forum of endosulfan victims and tribunal rights (JFEVTR). 

The first such protest was in 2011.  “We raise three major demands which are not met for long,” says Dr Mohanan Pulikodan of Envisag.  “Complete disbursal of '200 crore to the victims as stipulated by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2010, setting up of a tribunal to look into the compensation aspects and setting up of a hospital with palliative care facility.” As per the NHRC directive, the financial aid in the form of monthly pension is being distributed, but many are left out. 

“We learn that '57 crore has come into the account. But the beneficiaries didn’t get that as they demand various certificates,” he said.  Meanwhile, another mainstream organisation, Endosulfan Peeditha Janakeeya Munnani (EPJM) is not with the protest. “Tribunal is one of our demands and the state government’s red signal to it is a major setback. But the medical needs of the victims deserve more attention,” reasons EPJM secretary Ambalathara Kunhikrishnan.  Rumblings are common within the anti-endosulfan campaigners.  A section alleges political leanings towards the left government tweak the cause.