Saturday marked 29 years since the Uphaar cinema fire tragedy that killed 59 on June 13, 1997. The Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) gathered in Green Park,across from where cinema stood. They held a havan and shanti paath to remember victims and injured from one of India's worst cinema disasters.
AVUT president Neelam Krishnamoorthy voiced deep concern over lack of accountability in negligence cases leading to deaths. She cited recent Delhi fires,like one at a Malviyanagar facility killing 23, as proof safety measures fall short. "These incidents reveal a disturbing pattern where safety violations are overlooked," she said, stressing need for stricter fire safety enforcement.
The group slammed current regulations,arguing negligence,corruption,and weak enforcement endanger public safety . They called for new law targeting man-made disasters from safety violations. Proposed legislation would push for faster investigations,special courts,and harsher penalties for those whose negligence costs lives.
"The existing legal framework has not proved adequate to deter those who place profits above human lives," AVUT declared. Nearly three decades later,families still seek justice. Krishnamoorthy reaffirmed their fight for transparency and safety: "As we honor the memory of 59 victims who lost their lives,we renew our commitment to fight for transparency,accountability, and public safety."
Uphaar cinema fire led to huge loss of life and long legal battles for victims' families. Raised big questions on fire safety and emergency readiness in India's public venues. Though some regulations improved,AVUT's concerns show ongoing lapses in enforcement…
