Firhad, Arup hand over compensation cheque to kin of Pahalgam victims

Two West Bengal state ministers, Firhad Hakim and Arup Biswas, on Tuesday visited the homes of Sameer Guha, a resident of Behala, and Bitan Adhikari, a resident of Vaishnavghata Lane in Kolkata, both of whom tragically lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The ministers were there to personally hand over financial assistance to the bereaved families, fulfilling the promise made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The visit followed an announcement by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday, April 26, from Nabanna. She had declared that the families of three Bengali workers killed in the terrorist attack – Sameer Guha, Bitan Adhikari, and Manisharanjan – would each receive one-time financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh from the state government.

Recognizing the particularly difficult financial situation of Bitan Adhikari's parents, the Chief Minister had also announced a special provision for them. She stated that the government would set up a pension fund in the name of Bitan's father, ensuring he receives Rs 10,000 per month to support the family.

As per this commitment, ministers Firhad Hakim and Arup Biswas visited the grieving families today. They first met Sameer Guha's wife in Behala, offering condolences and handing over the state's financial assistance. Later, they visited Bitan Adhikari's parents at their Vaishnavghata Lane residence, where they also handed over the promised financial aid. During these visits, members of both families were overcome with emotion and broke down in tears in front of the ministers.

For Bitan Adhikari's family, arrangements for his father's pension have also been put in place. Additionally, the administration is in the process of issuing a 'Health Companion' card in the name of Bitan's mother to facilitate their healthcare needs.

Emerging from one of the residences, Minister Firhad Hakim expressed his solidarity, saying, "I am with the bereaved family. I hope the central government will give a befitting reply to this attack." The ministers' visit aimed to provide not just financial relief but also moral support to the families devastated by the terror attack.