People's Democracy

Take Steps To Prevent Fire Accidents

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued the following statement on July 17, 2004.

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep grief at the death of 87 children in the fire which engulfed a primary school at Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu.  The shocking tragedy has highlighted the lack of safety and regulatory measures to prevent fire accidents.   In January this year, a fire in Srirangam in Tamilnadu killed 59 people in a marriage hall. 

It is imperative that the Tamilnadu government take immediate steps to strengthen fire safety measures and strict regulation and enforcement in public buildings and schools.   The tragic event in Kumbakonam should also impel the Central government to review existing fire safety rules in the country and to work for an effective enforcement machinery. 

The Polit Bureau conveys its deep sympathy and condolences to all the families who have been affected by this tragedy.