Delhi Development Authority demolished the home of WAKEEL HASSAN, a rat-hole miner who along with his team played a heroic role in evacuating 41 workers who were trapped in Uttarkashi’s Silkyara tunnel in November last. Protesting on the pavement, he has demanded a permanent solution. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, he questioned the meaning of NDTV Year Hero Award when his house was bulldozed.
You along with your team have been awarded NDTV Hero of the Year Award. What’s the meaning of this award when your house has been bulldozed and you are spending life on the street?
On receiving the award, I was not happy at all. Where will I keep this award when I don’t have a house? To me this ward has no value, not even equal to one rupee. If I am living with my wife and children on the streets, this award cannot ease my pain. Film actor Sunny Deol was in tears after hearing our story. He talked to me and assured us of help.
After the demolition of your house, has anybody approached you? Are you satisfied with their offer?
When it was brought to notice by media nationally and internationally, I was offered an EVS flat, 25 sq. yards, by DDA in Narela. I came to know that nobody lives in those flats. It is so unhygienic that even animals don’t prefer to go there. I rejected that offer, demanding accommodation wherein my family, children, brother, uncle, and all can live. I want a permanent accommodation. Our MP Manoj Tiwari came to meet us and assured us to solve our problem but to date, nothing has happened.
How painful was it to know that your house had been demolished?
When we were able to rescue 41 laborers from the tunnel, we cried out of joy and happiness. They were not our relatives. We saved them by putting our lives in danger. I also cried when my house was bulldozed. This was the award we received for saving lives of 41 labourers. Tragically, a person who was hailed as hero of the country a couple of months back has to spend nights with his family and children on the streets.
What’s your demand now? What next if your demand is not fulfilled?
I got an offer – a two-room set at Dilshad Garden – from the Lieutenant Governor. I was told to visit doctor of Red Cross and they will let me know how to shift there. In the paper they provided, my name was not mentioned and it appeared to me as a temporary arrangement just to diffuse the crisis. I politely turned down that offer, saying that I would only go to the place where I have lived for years and not if the arrangement is temporary. I want permanent accommodation because I can’t see the hardship faced by my family and children. If I don’t get permanent accommodation, I will start hunger strike along with my family.
What finally have you to say to the people who made you a hero?
I am thankful to the people in media who called, talked to me, and reported the demolition and our suffering and pains. I can see there are still lots of people who are concerned. I believe that people will continue to raise their voices and support me to live with dignity and pride.
