Bhopal, Dec 2 (IANS) As the sun went down on Bhopal Wednesday, victims of the gas tragedy were set for a torch rally from one landmark, Bhopal Talkies, to another unfortunate landmark - the now defunct Union Carbide factory.
The procession is being taken out by the Bhopal Group of Information and Action (BGIA) - working for victims of the gas disaster that occurred at the factory exactly 25 years ago - and groups affiliated to it.

“People living next to the Union Carbide factory - where the ground water is contaminated by poison from the hazardous chemical waste of the factory - will also join the march while the children who were poisoned by contaminated ground water form a prominent part of the rally,” said Rachna Dhingra of the BGIA.

The survivors have been demanding immediate setting up of an Empowered Commission on Bhopal gas tragedy for long term medical care, economic and social rehabilitation and supply of safe drinking water, besides cleaning up of the hazardous waste.

Thousands of tonnes of methyl isocyanate (MIC) spewed out of the Union Carbide factory on the night of Dec 2-3, 1984 killing over 3,500 people instantly and maiming several thousands for life.

The torch rally would be followed by a commemoration ceremony and movie screening.