People's Democracy

THE Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) expresses its deep shock at the death of 42 persons in a stampede at a flood relief camp in Chennai. A number of people have also been injured at the camp in K K Nagar. This tragedy could have been averted if only the authorities had learnt the lessons from an earlier stampede in November at a relief camp in the city when six people were killed. This second successive stampede and loss of lives shows the callous attitude of the administration towards the people suffering due to the floods. The state government is responsible for dereliction of duty.

The Polit Bureau conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have died.

It is the elementary responsibility of the state government to ensure orderly supply of relief material without poor people having to risk their lives and injuries to themselves.