New Delhi (dpa) - Former U.S. president Bill Clinton Wednesday assured victims of the earthquake disaster in the western Indian state of Gujarat maximum assistance from Americans ''within a short time'', the United News of India reported.
Arriving in Anjar, a town in the Kutch region, Clinton laid a wreath in tribute to 200 children who were buried alive in a narrow lane while participating in a republic day function on January 26.
Thousands of people who had waited to get a glimpse of the former U.S. president for over two hours in scorching heat greeted Clinton with cheers.
Clinton waved and shook hands with members of the crowd, posing for photographs with children.
According to media reports people were unhappy with Clinton in Anjar because he did not speak to them to find out their problems directly. They were reportedly complaining that he will get an official version from the administration with which they were already unhappy for not providing proper help.
People were of the view that aid should come directly instead of being routed through the local administration.
Speaking to reporters at the end of his visit to Anjar, Clinton paid tribute to the courage of the quake-affected people of the Kutch region. He appeared moved to see the plight of the affected people.
Clinton said he would help to raise more funds from the American people and discuss with the American India Foundation (AIF) how best the funds could be used.
The AIF, on whose behalf Clinton is in Gujarat, is hopeful of raising 50 million dollars for aid to the victims, reports said. ''I will also discuss the matter with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee,'' Clinton said.
Earlier Clinton was accorded the traditional welcome by women in Ratnal town. He visited some of the destroyed houses and talked to the affected people through a translator. Situated 20 kilometres from Bhuj town, Ratnal has a population of 6,000 of which 167 died in the quake.
Addressing a public meeting, Clinton said, ''Seeing the devastation, a jumbo task of rehabilitation lies ahead.'' The earthquake left between 50,000 and 100,000 people dead.
Clinton visited the civil hospital which is functioning in makeshift tents. Anjar, Ratnal and Bhuj were the worst affected towns in the earthquake.
Clinton left for Ahmedabad city where he will spend the night and meet the state's chief minister before leaving for Bombay Thursday.
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Received by NewsEdge Insight: 04/04/2001 09:28:44
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