By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 01, 2023
Agartala, Jul 01 (FD) In the wake of the devastating incident during the 'Ulta Rath Yatra' in Kumarghat, Unakoti district, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], the second-largest opposition party in Tripura, has called upon the state government to establish standardised operating procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with relevant departments for organising religious festivals.
CPI (M) politburo member and former Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Sarkar, emphasised the need for SOPs to prevent similar tragedies and ensure the safety of the public, organisers, and administrative authorities involved in such events. He suggested that the Public Works Department (PWD), Electricity Department, and Police Department work together to develop comprehensive guidelines.
Additionally, Sarkar demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident and advocated for government jobs for the families of the deceased. He stressed the importance of supporting the children who lost their parents in the tragedy, ensuring their education up to the higher secondary level, and providing proper care and medical attention to the injured.
While avoiding political blame, Sarkar shared observations made during his visit to Kumarghat, stating that necessary permissions were not obtained and certain safety aspects were not adhered to during the festival. He mentioned that ISKCON (the International Society for Krishna Consciousness) authorities had expressed their intention to formulate universal specifications for the construction of vehicle-mounted chariots after the national body's approval.
According to Sarkar, no permission was obtained from the PWD department for the return Rath Yatra, and last-minute changes to the chariot's route were made without heeding police advice. He also noted certain irregularities, such as the unusual height of the high-tension power supply line and the metal rod used to hoist the flag at the temple.
Sarkar mentioned that the ISKCON authorities at Kumarghat informed him of their plans to develop universal specifications for constructing vehicle-mounted chariots following the incident.
The CPI (M) leader also urged ISKCON to extend financial aid to the bereaved families, considering its international stature and association with the festival. FD JK