Self-immolation bid in Pithampur as people protest against Union Carbide waste disposal
Two men, who were part of a protest organised by 'Pithampur Bachao Samiti', poured flammable liquid on themselves and tried to ignite it, but their actions were swiftly thwarted by fellow protesters
Dhar (MP): Two persons attempted self-immolation, flaring tensions in Pithampur in Madhya Pradesh on Friday as protests against the planned disposal of 337 tonnes of hazardous waste from Union Carbide continued.
According to eyewitnesses, the two men, who were part of a demonstration organised by ‘Pithampur Bachao Samiti’, poured flammable liquid on themselves and tried to ignite it, but their actions were swiftly thwarted by fellow protesters who intervened to extinguish the flames.
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The quick response of the crowd likely prevented a tragedy, and the men were subsequently shifted to a local hospital by public and police officers present at the scene.
The protests stem from concerns by people regarding the safety and environmental implications of relocating hazardous materials to the township, located approximately 30 kilometres from Indore.The situation is under control but tense, Dhar Superintendent of Police Manoj Singh told PTI over the phone from a protest site near Pithampur bus stand.
The two men who attempted self-immolation were shifted from a local hospital to a private facility in Indore, where doctors confirmed they are out of danger, the SP informed. Protests continued in several parts of the town through the day amid a bandh call given by Pithampur Bachao Samiti, with a mob marching to the industrial unit in which the waste is set to be incinerated, and another agitation that saw the participation of children.
In view of the tense situation in the town, District Collector Priyank Mishra and SP Singh released two separate videos asking people to maintain calm and to not take law in their hands, adding that the administration was ready to listen to their demands. Both the top officials said health of the people was paramount for the state government, but asserted those trying to disturb peace would be dealt with strictly.
Shops and markets remained closed as part of the bandh call given by Pithampur Bachao Samiti, which claimed the planned incineration of the waste linked to the Bhopal gas tragedy would harm local residents and the environment of the region. Dhar Additional Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Singh Bakarwal confirmed the presence of children in the prtests.
