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NATIONAL MINORITY Commission member Harcharan Singh Josh held talks with government officials here on Friday on disbursement of ex-gratia to victims of 1984 communal riots and it was decided to let the Tehsildar identify rightful claimants of the victim, instead of stressing on having his or her legal successor. The decision to relax the provision for a legal successor has been taken in view of the fact that in several cases there is dispute among legal successors to take the relief money.

In addition, it was decided that district administration would draw up a list of people whose names were missing in the official list, but with documentary evidence that they were affected in terms of injuries, death or damage to their property. The documentary evidence can include FIRs lodged at police stations, medico-legal cases proving injury during riots and hospital certificates etc.

On preparing this list after verification of the claimants, district administration will hand it over to the Commission, which will place it before the Prime Minister through Union Home Ministry.

“We have asked for a list of victims whose names are missing in the official list from all the riot affected parts of the country. We will put it up before Prime Minister and request him that these victims should also be given financial assistance. It will be up to PM to accept or reject our proposal,” Josh told Hindustan Times.