Washington: Two women survivors of the Bhopal gas tragedy and long-time activists have ended their 12-day hunger strike by sipping juice at the Gandhi Statue in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington amid a demonstration by NRIs and American activists demanding justice.

Rashida Bee, President of the Bhopal Gas-affected Women Stationery Workers Association, a trade union that is a member of the Global Day of Action against Corporate Crime, on May 12 said, "justice delayed is justice denied".

Her colleague, Champa Devi, described graphically how she and her family were affected by the disaster. Joining them in the hunger strike was Satinath Sarangi, representing the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal.

They said that while they had ended their fast, it was being carried on by relay through volunteers in different countries. More than 200 people from 19 countries have already joined in the global fast, they said.

The protesters were received at the Indian Embassy by Anil Chowdhry, Minister for Community Affairs, who promised to convey their demands to New Delhi.

The demands include trial of the prime accused, Warren Anderson, former chairman of the Union Carbide and the authorised representative of the company (Dow-Union Carbide) in the Bhopal criminal court, and long-term health care facilities for the victims.

Speakers participating in the demonstration said the Indian government, in its anxiety to woo multinational firms, was not championing the cause of the victims.

American organisations, which joined the demonstrators included activists from Code Pink and Atomic, Chemical and Energy Workers Union and Green Peace.

PTI