MINORITIES - 2002 - Indian Social Institute

MINORITIES - 2002 

Compiled By 

K. SAMU 

Human Rights Documentation, 

Indian Social Institute, Lodi Road, New Delhi 

1st Jan 

Muslim outfits vow to stamp out terrorism (7) 

New Delhi: PATRIOTIC FEELINGS ran high as , members of the Muslim communi ty on Monday 

assembled at Rajghat, the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, and took a pledge to stamp out 

Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in the country. Organised under the aus pices of the All India Shia Sunni 

Front (AISSF) and the All India Muslim Unity Front (AIMUF), the Muslim assemblage lent its whole hearted 

support to the Government stand that Kashmir was non-ne gotiable and demanded stern action against 

those who were aiding and abetting terrorism in India. (Pioneer 1.1.02 

4 th Jan 

133 held in raids at Simi meet (7) 

Mumbai, Jan. 3 : A four-member team of the Intelligence Bureau (Mumbai Branch), in collaboration with 

the Gujarat police, arrested 133 youth at Sagrampura in Surat on Friday, who are alleged to have been 

involved with the Central government banned Students Islamic Movement of India. According to V.K 

Gupta, the commissioner of police, Surat, the Gujarat police had received infor mation from the Central IB 

branch that Simi was organising a private “meeting at Rajeshri Hall in Sagrampura to instigate communal 

feelings among Muslim youth. Acting on the tip off, the Gujarat police collaborated with the IB team and 

raided the hall on December 28 and arrested the “ansars” (members) before the conference could begin. 

(Asian Age 4.1.02) 

4 th Jan 

Rajasthan allows beards for Muslim policemen (7) 

JAIPUR: Muslim men in the state police force’ now be able to keep a beard, but they will have seek the 

permission of the police headquarters. The state government has decided to allow t Muslim policemen to 

keep a beard on the recommendation of the state minority commission. ,The British had disallowed beard 

in the police a armed forces. Only Sikhs were allowed to wear turbans and keep a beard. According to the 

chairman of the state minor commission, Nizam Mohammed, the commissi recommended to the state 

government that though there is no religious compulsion to kee beard, rules should be amended to allow 

policemem to keep a beard. (Times of India 4.1.02) 

5th Jan 

Five killed in Kerala communal riots (7) 

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 4: AT LEAST five persons were stabbed to death in communal clashes at 

Marad beach near Bey-pore (15 km south of Kozhikode). Several houses, boats and shops were torched 

in the clash es that started Thursday night. About 16 persons have been admitted in various hospitals with 

stab wounds. Of the injured, the condition of five is reported to be serious. Alarmed over the intensity of 

the clashes, the district adminis tration has clamped shoot-at-sight-orders in the areas. The RAF and 

CRPF men have been called to help the local police. Top officials, including DGP Dawson, have been 

camping in the area. (HT 5.1.02) 

7 th Jan 

RSS temples for tribals spell trouble for Digvijay (7) 

Bhopal: THE tribal belt of Jhabua and Dhar districts in Madhya Pradesh, which had been rocked by the 

rape of four nuns four years ago, is back in the news. What has become a ma jor headache for Digvijay 

Singh’s govern ment is the RSS plan to build devalayas (Hindu places of worship) in 3.5 lakh tribal homes 

in these two districts. What is quite apparently, an orches trated anti-Christian campaign will cul minate in a 

Hindu Sangam in Jhabua on January 16. RSS chief of Indore region Anila Daga claims that such

devalayas have already been set up in 60 per cent of the homes. “Our activists have stepped up their 

propaganda war to expose the real nature of Christian missionaries,” he asserts. (Indian Exp. 7.1.02) 

8 th Jan. 

Staines murder accused Dara Singh to contest polls (7) 

NOIDA: Dara Singh, the alleged murderer of Christian missionary Graham Staines and his two sons in 

Orissa, will contest the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly elections from both Ghaziabad and 

Muzaf-farnagar. Dara Singh; currently an under-trial lodged in jail in Orissa, will contest the February 14 

election on a Krantikari Manuvadi Morcha ticket. Announcing Dara’s candidature at a function here, 

Morcha presi dent R K Bhardwaj said Dara Singh “is not a criminal. He was merely driven to defend Hindu 

re ligion from Christian and Islamic terrorism.” He said the Sangh Parivar had left Dara put in the cold after 

the Staines’ killing. He, however, did not say Dara was guilty and added that the under-trial would contest 

the poll from jail. (Times of India 9.1.02) 

8 th Jan 

Kerala Council of Churches criticizes talks with RSS (7) 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Council of Churches, affiliated to the National Council of 

Churches of India (NCCI), has expressed reserva tions about the dialogue between the RSS and the NCCI 

and urged its parent body to reassess the process. The executive committee of the Kerala Council took 

the stand as back as in October last that the NCCI should have invited a cross-section of the Hindu 

Community for a dialogue instead of exclu sively talking to the RSS. The RSS, it said, did not represent the 

entire Hindu community and by talking to its leaders, the NCCI would be bestowing on them credibility that 

they did not deserve on any count. Intolerant of other religions, they had demolished the Babri Mas-jid, 

threatened to construct a temple in the place of the masjid and continued to propagate religious 

fundamentalism, communalism and cultural na tionalism, it said. (Hindu 8.1.02) 

10th Jan 

Communal tension in Rajasthan towns (7) 

SIKAR (Rajasthan), JAN. 9. Commu nal tension has gripped the Shekhawati region — comprising Sikar, 

Churu and Jhunjhunu dis tricts — in Rajasthan following a series of incidents involving the desecration of 

places of worship in the last one week. The adminis tration’s failure to handle the sit uation and a spate of 

rumours have made matters worse. The bandhs organised by the Sangh Parivar constituents in about two 

dozen towns in the three districts seem to have caused a feeling of insecurity among the minorities in the 

al ready surcharged atmosphere. The VHP, the Bajrang Dal and the BJP took out processions de manding 

action against “anti- na tional” elements. The trouble began when some anti-social elements barged into 

the Ramdarbar temple in Rolsab-sar village near Fatehpur in an inebriated state and damaged three idols. 

Though the timely in tervention by villagers — who identified the three culprits and handed them over to 

police — prevented the incident from turn ing into a flashpoint, the Sangh Parivar entered the scene. Hindu 

10.1.02) 

11 th Jan 

Dara Singh set Staines jeep on fire, says witness (7) 

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 10: A key witness in the Graham Stewart Staines murder case on Thursday said that 

he had seen Dara Singh set fire to the jeep in which Staines and his sons were sleeping. Joseph 

Marandi’s testimony marked a significant development in the Australian missionary’s murder trial. Joseph, 

deposing before Khurda district sessions judge Mahenr dranath Patnaik for three daysj, also identified two 

other accused — Renta Hembrum and Mahendra Hembrum. Renta and Mahendra were present when 

Dara and Raj at set the vehicle on fire, he said. On January 20, 1999, Staines and his sons, Phillip and 

Timothy, left for Manoharpur. On the night’ of January 22, they slept in a van in front of the Manoharpur 

church. Joseph, a resident of Manoharpur, told the court that he came out of his house on hearing sounds 

in the night. (Asian Age 11.1.02) 

13 th Jan 

Saffron controversy over a Muslim hostel (7) 

Ranchi: THE CONSTRUCTION of a 100-bed minority (Muslim) hostel has sparked off controversy and 

placed the Sangh Parivar and the BJP Government face-to-face over the issue. The Sangh Parivar, which 

is al ready unhappy with the functioninmg of the BJP-led Babulal Marandi Government, has publically 

criticised the State Government move to construct the minority hostel in the heart of the city in about three

acre land. Construction work has be gun and a three-feet boundary wall has already been con structed 

within a few days. What has raised eyebrows is the way constructiuon has been started, that too without 

the knowledge of Government officials. “We have started our agitation against the construction of hostel in 

a phased manner,” Pramod Mishra, assisant general-secretary of Jharkhand VHP told The Pioneer. 

(Pioneer 13.1.02) 

15 th Jan 

Babri committee rejects PMO offer on Ayodhya talks (7) 

Lucknow, Jan. 14: The All-India Babri Masjid Action Committee has spurned an offer of a negotiat ed 

settlement outside the court on the Ayodhya issue. The offer was informally made by an officer of the 

Ayodhya cell in the Prime Minister’s office. The AIBMAC leaders said that offers of talks on the eve of 

elec tions were aimed at misleading the minorities and extracting political mileage on the issue. According 

to sources, Mr Shatrughan Singh, officer incharge of the recently revived Ayodhya Cell in the PMO, held a 

dinner meeting with three AIBMAC leaders, Mr Zafaryab Jilani, Mr Abdul Mannan and Mr Mushtaq Ahmad 

Siddiqui, on Sat urday night. The secret conclave was held at the residence of a prominent journalist. 


17 th Jan. 

Government unveils loan schemes for Delhi minorities (7) 

New Delhi,: The Delhi govern ment on Wednesday announced two soft loan schemes exclusively meant 

for poor families belonging to the minority communities in the city. 

The schemes, open to the Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi communities, will come into effect 

from Thursday whereby applicants belonging to these communities can approach the Delhi Scheduled 

Castes Financial and Development Corporation for loans. Under the schemes, the eligible per sons will 

get a general loan for self employment. They can get financial assistance for any project costing upto Rs 

50,000 and also for projects whose cost would range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakhs. The interest would be 

four per cent on the first category while nine per cent interest would be charged for the second category 

that comes under Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakhs. (Asian Age 17.1.02) 

17th Jan 

Christian board slams saffronisation (7) 

Panaji, Jan. 16: The Christian Archdiocesan Board of Educa tion has taken strong exception to what it 

views as a systematic attempt to communalise educa tion in Goa since the advent of the BJP in power in 

the state. In a strongly-worded state ment, released here, the ABE has expressed worry over 

communalisation of education at the all-India level and similar attempts in Goa. The board, which runs a 

net work of 241 schools and six col leges in the state, has com plained that the education department has 

been trying to “impose surplus teachers” on Diocesan schools, and that the criteria for selecting teachers 

was not followed in making these appointments. The ABE has also suggested that the school education 

advi sory board be made into a “truly representative body” in proportion to the schools man aged by 

different societies. Members of all creeds should be included in the panel to pre pare textbooks, the 

statement said, citing specific instances of lack of representation. (Asian Age 17.1.02) 

18 th Jan 

RSS chief lashes out at conversions (7) 

Jhabua: RSS LEADER K S Sudarshan said religious conversions were responsible for “conflict in society”. 

He was addressing a gathering of tribals from Jhabua and Dhar s districts of Madhya Pradesh at the RSS 

Hindu Sangam, organ ised to mark the conclusion of its three-year-long campaign to check religious 

conversions. Sudarshan said Hindus had no problems with religious prac tices - be it Christianity or Islam. 

“But trouble begins when some one says if you worship my God, you will go to heaven and if not, you will 

suffer,” he said. Sudarshan recalled an instance when a Catholic repre sentative at a convention of religions 

in Delhi last November had admitted his religion was “plagued by the malaise of con version”. The 

representative had quoted five instances from the Bible exhorting co-existence, and apologised for the 

atrocities inflicted by his ancestors in the name of religion, he claimed. “If all churches and Christians 

adopt this attitude, there will be no problem. I request the church es and bishops that their conduct be in 

accordance with this to pre vent conflict.” (Hindustan Times 18.1.02)

22 nd Jan 

A.K. Antony exposes communal colour of secular parties (7) 

NEW DELHI 21 : KERALA chief minister A K Antony has made a sensa tional first-of-its-kind state ment, 

accusing 'secular' parties, including his very, own Congress and the CPI(M), of indulging in com munal 

violence in Kerala. Making a statement on the basis of findings of inquiries into recent communal violence 

in his state, Mr Antony said activists of the Congress and CPI(M) were involved in the violence along with 

"communal out fits like NDF, PDF and RSS." Kerala witnessed communal violence in December at 

Pathanamthitta and Marad beach in Kozhikode, in which five persons were killed. According to an agency 

report, the details released by the chief minis ter for arrests in connection with the Pathanamthitta violence 

break up like this: 84 of the NDF/ PDF, five of Congress, three of CPI(M) and one of Democratic Youth 

Federation of India, the youth wing of the CPI(M). (Economic Times 22.1.02) 

27 th Jan 

Concern over communal clashes in Kerala (7) 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JAN. 26. The Governor, Sukhdev Singh Kang, has expressed grave concern 

over "the disgraceful clashes on communal and 1 religious lines" witnessed in the State I recently, and 

warned Kerala against relapsing into a state of medieval intolerance. Addressing the Republic Day 

parade at the University Stadium here today, Mr. Kang said: "it is high time the Malayalis woke up, lest we 

would return to the abominable condition in which Swami Vivekananda found us decades ago." "We seem 

to have forgotten the fact that all religions pursue the same goals; cultivate goodness and bring happiness 

to all human beings. Have we failed to imbibe the spirit of compassion, tolerance and love for peace? 

Have we given up our values altogether?" he asked. (Hindu 27.1.02) 

29th Jan 

Hema Malini urged to quit NFDC post (7) 

NEW DELHI, JAN. 28. In view of film star Hema Malini's decision to campaign for the BJP in the 

forthcoming Assembly elections, the Delhi State Committee of the National Federation of Indian Women 

(NFIW) has demanded her resignation from the post of Chairperson of the National Film Development 

Corporation (NFDC). While stating that Hema Malini has the right to campaign for any political party, 

NFIW is of the view that she should step down from her official post before doing so. "This will help 

prevent NFDC from becoming a vehicle for promoting the BJP's communal agenda." According to a 

statement issued by the Federation, the survival of NFDC as a politically impartial body is vital for the 

development of cinema as an art form and to ensure that films which uphold sound cultural values have 

access to financing. "This is all the more essential in a situation where commercial cinema is fully 

dominated by big money and producers who are inclined to peddle obscurantist values." (Hindu 29.1.02) 

30 th Jan 

BMMCC protests appeasement of VHP (7) 

NEW DELHI, JAN. 29. The Babri Masjid Movement Coordination .Committee (BMMCC) and the All India 

Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawa-irat (AIMMM) today strongly protested the appeasement" of Vishwa Hindu 

Parishad (VHP) and demanded the Government 

to state whether it would stop the VHP or follow the example of P.V. 'Narasimha Rao and Kalyan Singh. In 

a statement issued here, the BMMCC convener, Syed Shaha-buddin, said that instead of prosecuting the 

VHP leaders who have been challenging the Constitu-ition, the Legislature, the Judiciary ând the 

Executive and threatening each day to break the law, the jPrime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, has 

"received them and given them respectability" through the meeting. (Hindu 30.1.02) 

30 th Jan 

Punjab parties woo Christians (7) 

GURDASPUR: New caste equations have emerged in the peripheral Majha region here with two major 

political parties, Congress and the ruling Akali Dal, deciding to field Christian candidates in Gurdaspur and 

Dhariwal Vidhan Sabha constituencies. It is for the first time that the two parties have embarked on a 

political ploy to garner votes of the increasingly important vote bank of Christians in an otherwise Sikh and 

Hindu-dominated belt. Congress took the lead this time to announce a Christian candidate Salmat Massih,

for the Dhariwal seat, while the ruling Akali Dal followed suit by declaring Munawar Massih, another 

Christian, who is also member of Punjab State Services Selection Board, from the Gurdaspur 

constituency. Both parties ignored the claims of candidates from the majority communities. (Times of India 

30.1.02) 

30 th Jan 

Temple at Ayodhya will end secularism: CPI (7) 

PALAKKAD, JAN. 29. The State secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Veliyam Bhargvan, has 

said that if the BJP Government at the Centre permits the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Sangh 

Parivar to construct the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, it will end secularism in the country. 

Addressing a press conference on the deliberations of the ongoing State conference of the party here 

today, the CPI veteran said the growth of fundamentalism in the country was threatening its very 

existence. The people of the country were greatly concerned about the threat to national security. He said 

that the RSS chief, who was using every opportunity to foment communal extremism in the country, was 

now demanding the review of the Constitution. When the NDA Government came to power, nobody 

suspected that it would create such serious problems that would threaten the secular and democratic 

foundations of the country. Now, the BJP was pursuing its own policies making the NDA ineffective. Its 

constituents were opposing some of the policies pursued by the Government to suit the interest of the BJP 

and the RSS. (Hindu 30.1.02) 

30 th Jan 

8 suspected SIMI activists arrested in Vadodara (7) 

VADODARA: The city police cracked down on suspected Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) 

activists here late on Sunday night and arrested eight persons. The raid followed the recovery of 

documents indicating that the eight persons were active SIMI members. According to sources in the city 

police, officers of the Olpad police station of the Surat police had recovered the documents in a nullah. 

Last month, 121 persons from various parts of the country had been arrested by the Surat police on the 

ground of attending a meeting organised by SIMI. The arrests had invited criticism for the BJP 

government that it was targeting Muslims. The documents were recovered in a trunk and a plastic bag. 

"Scrutiny of the documents revealed the list of SIMI members. This list included the names of those from 

Vadodara," said Vadodara commissioner of police D.D.Tuteja. (Times of India 30.1.02) 

31st Jan 

Muslim law board seeks ban on Ram temple activity (7) 

NEW DELHI, JAN. 30. The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board has demanded that the Central and Uttar 

Pradesh Governments ban all activity and meetings related to construction of a Ram temple at Ayodhya. 

The Board wanted them to take into their possession all construction material collected near the disputed 

site and the 67 acres of land acquired by the Government. The Board said that as per the order of the 

Supreme Court, not a square inch of the acquired land could be disposed of or given to anyone or 

anybody till the main suit in the case was settled. In its view, the Prime Minister's assurance to Vishwa 

Hindu Par-ishad leaders that he would try and resolve the issue by March 12 was an indirect pressure on 

the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court where the dispute is being heard. However, the Board 

said it would welcome an application for a daily hearing on the case and its quick disposal. (Hindu 31.1.02) 

1 ST Feb 

Buddhadeb’s madrasa tirade angers Muslims (7) 

Kolkata, Jan. 31: West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee's tirade against unaffiliated 

madrasas has sparked off a wave of resentment among the Muslims in the state, who traditionally support 

the Left Front. Ms Mamata Banerjee, who had admitted that one of the main reasons for the Trinamul 

Congress' defeat in the Assembly election was its failure to secure a sizeable Muslim vote is, however, 

unable to cash in on this anger. There are two reasons for this. One, she cannot defend the madrasas 

because it will upset the BJP and may block her return to the Union Cabinet. Two, even she is supportive, 

the Muslims will not be convinced given her alliance with the BJP. (Asian Age 1.2.02)

2 nd Feb 

Separatist Geelani quotes the Constitution in protest to PM (7) 

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 1 : PROTESTING against the Government's refusal to let him and his wife 

travel to Mecca for Haj, hardline Hurriyat leader Saved Ali Geelani has sent a letter to Prime Minister Atal 

Behari Vajpayee. However, more than the protest what has been noticed by Government circles here is 

the fact that Geelani, in his first personal communication with Vajpayee, refers to "constitutional 

sanctities," to say that his rights have been denied. Geelani, who has long claimed that he doesn't 

believe in the Indian Constitution, begins his letter with the salutation "may this find you in the best of 

health." (Indian Exp 2.2.02) 

2 nd Feb 

I started fire, Staines case accused tells Orissa Judge (7) 

Bhubaneswar, Feb. 1: One of the co-accused in the murder of Australian missionary Graham Staines and 

his two minor sons confessed in a dramatic in-court turnaround on Friday that he had set fire to the vehicle 

in which the missionary and his sons were sleeping on the night of January 22, 1999. Co-accused 

Mahendra Hembram, 22, made a "sudden and spontaneous confession" when the defence counsel was 

cross-examining a witness in the court of the Khurda district and sessions judge. The other accused in the 

case are Dara Singh and 12 others. "Judge, Sir, I have something to say before the court. It was me who 

set fire to the jeep in which Graham and his sons were sleeping. Please allow my confession to be 

recorded," Hembram shouted from the dock when defence counsel Shyamananda Mahapatra was 

cross-examining Joseph Marandi, one of the key witnesses. (Asian Age 2.2.02) 

6th Feb 

150 Christians return to Hinduism in Orissa (7) 

Bhubaneswar: At least 150 Christians have converted to Hinduism in a mass ceremony in a western 

Orissa district, according to a Indo-Asian News Service report, February 2. The conversion happened 

December 30 at Gurukul Ashram, 8 km from Nuapada here, but came to light over a month later, police 

said. "This incident has just come to my notice," said the District police chief, Mr. B.K.Mohanty. "I have not 

yet verified whether those who changed their religion have intimated the district administration," he 

reportedly said. "These villagers declared their change of religion at a function and a monk, Bratananda, 

declared their return to Hinduism," said Dharmananda, who claimed to be a coordinator for the ceremony 

that was attended by about 10,000 people. Nuapada district has a population of about 500,000 out of 

which 20,000 have converted to Christianity. On the same day, about 120 people of 38 Christian families 

returned to Hinduism in Orissa's Bolangir district. (SAR News 6.2.02) 

7 th Feb 

Report: Illegal madrassas along Bengal border (7) 

New Delhi, February 6: WEST BENGAL Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhat-tacharjee is drawing flak, 

from Muslim organisations for voicing his apprehension about madrassas being used for terrorist activities 

along the porous borders that the state shares with Bangladesh and Nepal. But Bhattacharjee's fears are 

not unfounded. A report prepared by the intelligence Bureau which has now been shared with the West 

Bengal government following the terrorist attack at the Kolkata American Information Centre, throws 

enough light on the mushrooming of mosques and madrassas within a 10-kilometre stretch of both the 

Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bangla borders. Although a fresh study on the identification of unregistered 

madrassas and mosques is currently on in several border states, the Left Front government has come into 

sharp focus since it appears to be sharing the Centre's stand on the threat that seminaries are causing to 

the country. (Hindustan Times 7.2.02) 

11 th Feb 

Print media debates ‘bias’ against minorities (7) 

New Delhi: DOES THE mainstream English media ignore the Muslims, or shows them in bad light or is 

trying to do its "best ? Nothing sums up the minds of the audience present at the discussion 'Print media 

and Minority Images' better. Mr Salman Khurshid specially came all the way from Rampur, to see the 

outcome of the discussion. The meet, a part of the ongoing International Conference on Urdu in the 21st 

Century in India targeted the issue of a bias in the media. In his presentation Siddarth Varadarajan,

journalist with The Times of India pointed out how the riots are covered by the media in a biased fashion. 

"Riots are not a clash between two communities. They are organised killing of one community by the state 

machineries. Various studies show that Muslims have been the victims of communal violence in the 

country," he said. He further added that sometimes the reporters are biased in filing their stories and on 

many occasions the news room journalists play up or play down a news report in tandem with their beliefs. 

(Pioneer 11.2.02) 

18 th Feb 

Church attacked near Mysore (7) 

MYSORE, FEB. 17. A mob stormed a church in Hinkal on the outskirts here and went on the rampage, 

injuring four persons, including a woman. According to police, a group of 70, sporting saffron 'bandanas' 

and wielding lathis, barged into the Holy Family Church after the Sunday mass at 9.30 a.m. Confronting 

the parish priest, Williams, the mob shouted slogans against the alleged attempts by the church 

authorities to convert the locals. The priest was abused and threatened, it was alleged. A few miscreants 

hurled bricks at the church and devotees as they ran helter-skelter. Several people, including women, 

were chased and assaulted, said Maxim, a seminarian. "The mob came armed with blades, knives, iron 

rods and other lethal weapons. Several people, including women and children, suffered bruises. Four 

persons were sent to the local hospital." The mob smashed the window panes of the church and 

ransacked the priest's room. It started disbursing after police arrived on the scene. However, Fr. Williams, 

speaking to The Hindu alleged that police constables watched the attackers hurl bricks at the church. 

(Hindu 18.2.02) 

19 th Feb 

Gujarat to crack down on madarsas (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat chief secretary G Subba Rao has, on the directives of chief minister Naren-dra 

Modi, requested the external affairs ministry to provide detailed information on the steps being taken by 

the Musharraf government to regulate the functioning of madarsas in Pakistan. Rao has also written to his 

West Bengal counterpart, asking him to apprise him of the information gathered by the West Bengal 

government about the madarsas in the state. The Modi government plans to finalise its action plan against 

the alleged illegal activities being carried out in these institutions. (TOI 19.2.02) 

19th Feb 

Sangh Parivar behind attack on church (7) 

NEW DELHI, FEB. 18. Major Christian organisations, including the All-India Christian Council, the All-India 

Catholic Union, and the Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind have accused the Sangh Parivar of being responsible for 

Sunday's attack on a church in Mysore. Condemning the attack fhc All-India Christian Council president, 

Joseph D'Souza, and the Secretary-General, John Dayal, said four attacks on Christian workers had taken 

place in U.P. and the Government had been apprised of it. "The Sangh Parivar has no inclination of 

shedding its communal agenda, as is clear from the developments in Uttar Pradesh. Its utter contempt for 

tne law of the land and for civil society is all too apparent," they said in a statement. The council leaders 

said the attack was a "naked aggression" by the Sangh Parivar. "They have learnt nothing from their 

so-called dialogue, some rounds of which were held in Karnataka, with leaders of the Christian 

community. (Hindu 19.2.02) 

20 th Feb 

Attack on church condemned (7) 

MYSORE: Christians from various parts of Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajnagar and Kodagu districts on 

Tuesday took out a protest march against the attack on the Holy Family Church at Hinkal village on the 

city's outskirts on Sunday/Four persons were injured in the attack reportedly carried out by Bajrang Dal 

activists. This was the first time that such a massive protest march was held by the Christians in which 

besides women and children, even the religious heads also participated. (TOI 20.2.02) 

21 st Feb 

Attack worry Bishops’ panel (7)

NEW DELHI: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) 'on Wednesday expressed "deep regret 

and distress" over recent attacks on Church institutions and its personnel in Port Blair, Bihar, 

Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. Vincent M Concessao, archbishop of Delhi, said the CBCI is planning to 

appeal to PM Vajpayee and home minister Advani to look into these matters as "we feel embarrassed 

when acts of intolerance such as these appear to raise its head again." Oswald Gracias, secretary general 

of the CBCI and archbishop of Agra, in a statement condemned the attacks such as one in Port Blair on a 

Christian cemetery on February 12, in Bihar a statue of Virgin Mary was broken in Bettiah on January 20, 

in Raipur a priest was attacked and in Hinkal, Karnataka a church was attacked. (TOI 21.2.02) 

24 th Feb 

SC sets aside Kerala HC verdict on minority institution (7) 

NEW DELHI, FEB. 23. The right of "minorities" to establish and administer an educational institution of 

their choice under Article 30 (1) of the Constitution "would include a case where a single philanthropic 

individual with his own means, founds the institution," the Supreme Court has reiterated. Delivering the 

judgment, Justice Ruma Pal, on the facts and circumstances of the case, set aside the verdict of the 

Kerala High Court which held that the appellant-school, was not a "minority Insitution" because the school 

was established by an individual (a Christian) by making use of his personal funds and there was no 

contribution from any member of the minority community for purchase of the property. Upholding the right 

of the management of the appellant-school (minority) in choosng the second appellant as the headmaster 

of the school and the State Government's approval of the same, the Bench, which included Justice S. 

Rajendra Babu, ordered that the second appellant's appointment as headmaster "would necessarily 

revive" and "there will be no question of the recovery of any amount from the second appellant". (Hindu 

24.2.02) 

25 th Feb 

One killed Gujarat as police fires at mob (7) 

Vadodara, Feb. 24: Situation came tense in Tankaria village of Bharuch district when a person belonging 

to minority community was killed in police firing after alashes between the mob and police, Fifteen people 

including some belonging to minority community were injured in the incident here on Saturday. According 

to available information the Gau Raksha Samiti (a wing of VHP) activists, led by its president Jatin Vyas, 

were video-shooting slaughter of a cow near village along with police when they were attacked by a mob 

belonging to a minority community with sharp weapons and stones. While the activists managed to 

escape the police officials reportedly took brunt of the attack. Seven rounds were fired from service rifles 

to control the situation in which one Ayub Musa Allalaria, 37, resident of Tankaria village was killed. (Asian 

Age 25.2.02) 

26th Feb 

Christian body objects to ICHR appointment (7) 

New Delhi, Feb. 25: The All-India Christian Council has sought the intervention of the National Human 

Rights Commission against the appointment of Mr N.S. Rajaram to the Indian Council of Historical 

Research. Alleging that Mr Rajaram is "an engineer-turned-Sangh Parivar pamphleteer," the council in a 

statement has called him "a bigoted minority baiter who has made a career of his sustained attack on 

Jesus Christ, the Pope and the Catholic and Protestant Churches in India." In a letter written to the NHRC 

chairperson, Justice J.S. Verma, council secretary-general John Dayal has written, "It would almost seem 

the HRD ministry is rewarding him for his blasphemous writings against Christ and his communal tirade 

against the minorities." ((Asian Age 26.2.02) 

28 th Feb 

VHP move a threat to Muslims (7) 

HYDERABAD, FEB. 27. The Darsgah Jihad-O-Shahadat (DJS) has said its activists will join lakhs of 

Muslims from all over the country to converge at Ayodhya before March 15 to "prevent" the Vishwa Hindu 

Parishad from constructing the Ram temple as threatened by it. 

"We do not believe that our sentiments would be respected and the rule of law would be upheld in 

Ayodhya after our experience on December 6, 1992. Therefore, we would thwart the VHP plan," said

Shaik Mahboob Ali and M.A. Majid, president and vice-president respectively of the DJS, at a press 

conference here on Wednesday. (Hindu 28.2.02) 

1 st March 

140 killed as Gujarat bandh turns violent (7) 

Ahmedabad: At least 140 people were killed, 60 of them burnt alive in two housing colonies here today as 

mob frenzy reached its crescedo during the Gujarat bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and 

supported by the ruling BJP in protest against Wednesday’s torching of the Sabarmati Express. At least 

30 others were killed in police firing stabbing and other incidents in different parts of the city while the 

casualty in other cities and towns in the State was put at over 50. Shops and business establishments 

belonging to Muslims were targeted by mobs. About 40 were feared killed when 15 houses in Gulmarg 

Society in Meghaninagar locality here were set afire. At least 20 people were feared trapped in abuilding 

set ablaze in Naroda industrial area. (Hindu 1.3.02) 

1st March 

Muslims’ property attacked and looted (7) 

Ahmedabad: We have burnt it and we will see to it that no shop belonging to a Muslim is spared, an 

arsonist said proudly after torching the Tasty restaurant near Judges Bungalow, on Thursday morning 

during the Gujarat bandh. Gas cylinders inside the restaurant were about to burst and there was no sign of 

the police. Ironically the Judges Bungalows police station is just opposite the restaurant. The city burnt as 

people of one community went berserk with vengeance against the minority community. No shop 

belonging to the Muslim community was spared and the emotionally charged mob did not even spare a 

cameraman of a news channel near the burning restaurant. (Asian Age 1.3.02) 

2 nd March 

3 die as violence spreads (7) 

New Delhi: Three persons were killed and many others were injured as the violence in Gujarat spilled over 

to other parts of the country on Friday. Incidences of arson, communal clashes, demolition of shrines and 

police firing marked the bandh called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Violence was reported from 

various parts of UP, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana. In the communally sensitive district of 

Aligarh two persons were killed. Rapid Action Force was deployed soon after and although no curfew was 

declared, security forces restricted the movement of traffic. Sporadic incidents of violence were also 

reported from Kanpur, Gorakhpur amd Etawah. (Times of India 2.3.02) 

2 nd March 

200-strong mob tries to set fire to police station (7) 

Hyderabad: Mob attacks on a police station and fire station, both in the old city, the opening of fire in the 

air to disperse rioting mobs and stone pelting after Friday prayers marked the nation-wide bandh call given 

by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the city on Friday. The police fired a few rounds in the air to save the 

Bhavani nagar police station from being burnt by miscreants. The miscreants most of them below the age 

of 25, divided themselves into groups and took different routes after they failed to create any major 

disturbance of Charminar after noon prayers. (Asian Age 2.3.02) 

2nd March 

After 250 die in Gujarat, Delhi stirs (7) 

Ahmedabad: Riots, arson, mob rule and mass murders, all targeted against the minority community, 

continued well into the day on Friday all over Gujarat. The toll after two days of lumpenism and 

governmental inaction – both Central and State – shot up to a nerve numbing 250, Shamefully, 

Ahmedabad the financial and political heart of the state, accounted for most of the dead as rioters, 

unchallenged by the police, continued their rampage into Friday afternoon. (Times of India 2.3.02) 

3 rd March 

29 burned to death in Mehsana massacre (7) 

Sardarpura (Gujarat), March 2: A MOB attacked a Muslim quarter in Sardarpur village in Mehsana district 

killing 29 villagers by setting them on fire and injuring 22 others. Sardarpur is just 15 km from Chief

Minister Narendra Modi's village, Vatnagar. Among those killed were 15 women and 6 children who were 

two to three-years-old. Twenty of the injured are in 

Mehsana Civil Hospital. Two have been taken to Ahmedabad. Two people were apprehended on the spot 

and 69 held later. Sardarpura had a population of 4,500 of which about 150 were Muslims. Hindus and 

Muslims had lived here in peace and no violent incident between the two communities had occurred here 

since 1975. Mehsana SP A.S. Gehlot said the interrogation of the accused had enabled them to de 

(Hindustan Times 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

Modi says tension down: Statistics tell another story (7) 

Ahmedabad March 2: THOUGH GUJARAT Chief Minister Narendra Modi claimed on Saturday that 

riot-torn Gujarat was returning to normalcy, official figures of death and destruction told a different story. A 

total of 289 deaths have been reported from over a dozen trouble spots, including Ahmedabad, Mehsana, 

Sabarkantha, Dahod, Vado-dara, Bhavnagar, Rajkot and Surat, after the Godhra massacre. Saturday 

added around 36 deaths to the toll. 

The most disturbing development on Saturday was that violence spread from the cities to suburbs, smaller 

towns and the countryside. Modi said however, that vast areas of the state were "peaceful, with a 

aceeptible overall lowering of tension. This was in contrast to his request for another brigade of the army. 

Police reinforcements have also been sought from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Since 

last night, the police has fired 1,817 rounds and exploded 2,306 tear-gas shells, leaving 47 dead. Of 

these, 13 were in Ahmedabad, which remains the worst-hit city. (Hindustan Times 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

Gujarat inaction made Fernandes blow his top (7) 

New Delhi, March 2: GUJARAT CHIEF Min Modi's refusal to co-op army in bringing the ri under control 

has not ex him with Defence Minister George Fernandes. Fernandes tried to insist on adequate army 

deployment", but the state government’s s uncooperative attitude ensured that lives that could have been 

saved were, in fact, lost. The government failed logistical information, for instance, on areas around 

Ahmedabad – Narod, Bapunagar, etc. - and the police refused to help the army. As a result, the nine 

army columns made available to the state government were deployed only around noon on Friday. Flag 

marches began only in the evening. (Hindustan Times 3.3.02) 

3rd March 

Centre was asleep as Gujarat burnt (7) 

New Delhi, March 2: The Delhi Pradesh Congress on Saturday demanded the immediate resignation of 

the B JP-led government at the Centre for its failure to contain the communal clashes in Gujarat and 

protect innocent people. The party said that the Union government was sleeping for two days when 

Gujarat was burning. The leaders of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee led by its president Subhash 

Chopra charged the Union government with insensitivity and sought the resignation of both the Gujarat at 

the Centre and Gujarat at a dharna at Rajghat on Saturday. Addressing the gathering at Rajghat, the 

senior leaders and former MPs Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar said nothing better could be expected 

from the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, which is controlled by the VHP, as Prime 

Minister Atal Behari Vaj payee and his associates were not bothered about the lives of innocent people. 


3 rd March 

Women, students protest (7) 

New Delhi, March 2: To condemn the communal carnage in Gujarat, hundreds of women sat on dharna 

on Saturday. Protesting against the "culpability of the Gujarat government" in the mayhem that went on 

"unchecked for almost 48 hours," the participants vented their anger against the state for not taking 

preventive measure.; Apprehensions were also expressed at the way communal tension gripped the 

state, fanning through the entire country. The participants coming from all walks of life and university 

associations such as the Delhi University and JNU besides, expressed solidarity with the victims and their 

families, who had suffered in the nightmare. (Asian Age 3.3.02)

3 rd March 

Mosque in Bihar saved by Hindus (7) 

Patna, March 2: A group of Hindus in Bihar protected a mosque at the cost of their lives during the 

VHP-sponsored nationwide strike on Friday. The VHP had called the strike to protest the carnage at 

Godhra in Gujarat in which 58 people, including some of its activists, were burnt to death on Wednesday. 

"When a small group of VHP activists made an abortive attempt to enter the Company Bagh mosque and 

damage it, local Hindus in large numbers prevented them from doing any harm to mosque," a senior 

district administration official said. 

A police official present at the time of incident told IANS when VHP activists were trying to enter the 

mosque, about 100 Hindus from the nearby Goriasmath and Sarayiganj rushed to the spot and put a 

barricade around it to prevent the incident. (Asian Age 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

28 labourers burnt to death in Mehsana (7) 

Sardarpur (Mehsana), March 2 Smoke still emerges from the charred remains of a house on Sheikh Ne 

Wadi street of Sardarpur village where 28' farm labourers belonging to a minority community were torched 

to death around midnight on Friday. The labourers had taken shelter in a pucca house when a 500 strong 

mob attacked and set the house on fire. There is deadly silence on the street where 17 other shanties 

were also burnt in the attack. All that remains here is burnt debris, consisting of household items and 

weapons like dhariyas, knives and axes that were used in the attack. Fourteen hours after the incident, 

most of the 4,300 inhabitants of the village have fled. A few policemen maintain vigil. The 28 bodies 

recovered from the house on Saturday have been taken to Mehsana Civil Hospital for postmortem. Those 

killed included 16 women, eight men and three children. Forty people injured in the incident have been 

admitted to the district hospital and around ISO people who were rescued by the police have been taken 

to Savala village, 40 km away. (Asian Age 3.3.02) 

3rd March 

Religious leaders meet PM ask for Modi’s dismissal (7) 

New Delhi, March 2: A delegation of people of all faiths met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee over the 

Gujarat riots here on Saturday evening. The delegation, led by Maulana Asad Madani of the 

Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind, sought a ban on the VHP and Bajrang Dal. They also asked the Prime Minister 

to dismiss the state government, led by chief minister Narendra Modi, for its partisan attitude and impose 

President's Rule in the state. Those who comprised the delegation included Dr John Dayal from the 

All-India Catholic Council, Mr Shamim 

'aizi from the CPI, former law minister H.R. Bharadwaj, eminent human rights activist D.R. Goyal, former 

chairman of the National Commission for Minorities Tahir Mahmoud and Mr Niaz Ahmed Farooq, from the 

Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind. The delegation sought that the security of the state should be handed over to the 

Army and the victims of the riots should be given the same amount a compensation as has been given to 

those killed in the Sabarmati Express massacre. It was also pointed out that peace makers and relief 

workers should be allowed to go to Gujarat. (Asian Age 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

Muslim village attacked (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 2. At least six persons were killed, including two in police firing, when a mob 

attacked Nava Station village, near Deodar in Banaskantha district in north Gujarat, tonight. The village is 

populated by Muslims and surrounded by Hindu-dominated villages. A group of around 200 people 

attacked it and killed at least four persons before police dispersed the mob. The Home Secretary, K. 

Nityanandam, said the toll could go up as some villagers were feared to have been dragged away by the 

attackers and killed in nearby fields. In another incident, at least eight persons were burnt alive in a car 

outside Limbachiya town in the Panchamahals district. Further details are awaited. (Hindu 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

Two RSS youths hacked to death in Kerala (7) 

Kannur: MARCH 2. Two RSS workers were hacked to death by suspected CP1(M) activists at Melur, near 

Palayad under the Dharmadom police station limits, in the early hours of today following daylong incidents

of clashes and bomb attacks between workers of the two parties in the area yesterday. Police identified 

the deceased as C.K. Sujeesh (24), son of Punjayil Soman, and his cousin, P. Sunil (24), son of Punjayil 

Surendran. The deceased, relatives of . the Thalassery CPI(M) area committee secretary, Punjayil Nanu, 

were among the 26 CPI(M) workers in the area who had joined the RSS on the last Sree Krishna Jayanti 

day. The BJP-RSS leadership here said the two were murdered as part of a high-level CPI(M) conspiracy 

to target the youth who had left the CPI(M). (Hindu 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

Opp MPs not allowed to tour Ahmedabad (7) 

Ahmedabad: A TEAM of MPs comprising Sitaram Yechuri, Shabana Azmi, Raj Babbar and Amar Singh 

were today denied permission by police to visit the riot-affected areas of Ahmedabad. The team that 

returned to Delhi, criticised the Gujarat government for the way it is handling the situation. After waiting for 

over three hours at the Ahmedabad police commissioner's office last night, an outraged Shabana said city 

police gave the absurd excuse that their presence would incite more violence. Speaking to mediapersons 

in New Delhi today, Samajwadi leader Amar Singh said: "We tried to visit some of the worst-hit areas of 

the city but we were asked for permits. Then we were told that if we wanted to go to any of those areas we 

should do it at our own risk," he said. He has already shot off a letter to Narendra Modi charging him of 

having let loose a "jungle raj" in the city. 

"We have been getting repeated calls from people stuck in trouble-torn areasforhelp but police are not 

allowing us into the city. (Indian Exp 3.3.02) 

3 rd March 

Saffronised police show their colour (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 2. The communalisa-tion of the Gujarat police under the BJP administration in the 

State is complete and the uniformed men have given ample demonstration of it when Ahmedabad and 

most other parts of the State were burning in the cauldron of communal carnage in the aftermath of the 

gruesome Godhra train attack. 

In the score-sheet of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the police must have earned cent per cent marks for the 

way it acted as an extended arm of the communal elements indulging in looting and arson, selectively 

targeting the shops, houses and business establishments of the minority ' community. For 24 hours, the 

hooligans had a field day with the police looking the other way round and in some cases even actually 

aiding and abetting in their crime. And once the mob tasted blood, there was no stopping. True that the 

police were far outnumbered by the hooligans and anti-social elements joined by the local urchins fishing 

in the troubled water to take advantage of the VHP bandh call, but that could not be an excuse for the way 

the police behaved during the riots. In many places, shops were looted and set afire right under the nose 

of the policemen and they even collected a part of the booty. Even as the hooligans were breaking a small 

mausoleum in the middle of a road barely a few metres away from the police commissioner's office, the 

police vehicles passing by, not only did not bother to intervene, the police actually gestured to the 

hooligans to go ahead. There had been at least 15 incidents of damaging and destroying minority places 

of worship which were overnight converted into "temples" with the police remaining a mute spectator. 

(Hindu 3.3.02) 

4TH March 

Christians Provide Relief to Riot-hit Muslims (7) 

Ahmedabad: More than 5000 Muslims affected by the communal riots in Gujarat, took refuge in the 

compound of St. Mary's Nursing Home at Gomtipur here, where there is a sizable Muslim population. The 

Dominican Sisters (O.P.) who run the Nursing Home, guarded the main gate and the compound of the 

Home day and night, fearing attacks by 

riotous mobs. The Muslims entered the Nursing Home compound by making a hole in the side wall of the 

compound, as unruly communal elements prevented them from entering the Home through the main 

entrance. Thousands of Muslims were forced to flee their homes, following riots in Gujarat in the wake of 

the Godhra mayhem, February 27, and the 'Bharat 

Bundh' called by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, February 28. Communal riots continued unabated for several 

days in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot , and in many other towns and villages across Gujarat. 

Eyewitnesses said mobs went around the city targetting Muslim houses, shops, hotels, mosques, dargas 

and other establishments. Several Christian organisations like the St. Xavier's Social Service Society of

Gujarat Jesuit Province and the Behavioural Science Centre of St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad, and 

non-governmental bodies are visiting the affected Muslims in several camps and providing them with food 

and 

other relief materials. (SAR News 4.3.02) 

4 TH March 

Two Catholic Priests, Two Others Injured in Attack by RSS men (7) 

Indore: In the Gujarat backlash, even Christians were not spared. Two Catholic priests and two others of 

Khurda village here were attacked by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists, March 2, while they 

were on their way to nearby Manpur police station in a jeep to submit a report on an attack on a 

Church-run school in Khurda. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had called for a 'Bharat Bandh' (national 

strike) March 2, to protest the train-burning incident in Godhra, Gujarat, in which 58 Hindus were roasted 

to death. According to sources, Fr. Nicholas Martiz, the Novice Master of the Catholic Ashram, Khurda, Fr. 

George Bhuriya, Parish Priest, Mr. Francis, a parishioner, and Mr. Prakash, the driver of the Ashram, were 

attacked by an armed group of RSS supporters. Fr. Nicholas sustained head injuries, which required 

hospital isation, while Fr. Bhuriya, Mr. Prakash and Mr. Francis, sustained minor injuries. The RSS men 

also damaged the Church jeep, the sources added. (SAR News 4.3.02) 

5 TH march 

Catholic Mission Burned down (7) 

Gujarat: A mission station run by the Divine Word Society (SVD) in Sanjeli, Gujarat, was ransacked and 

set ablaze by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists, in the wake of the 

communal riots in the State. According to sources, on March 1 evening, a group of RSS-VHP activists, 

broke open the Sanjeli mission house, attacked the priest in charge of the mission, Fr. Chackochan, and 

his companion Br. Gnanrul, and set fire to the building after looting the valuables, the sources said.( SAR 

News: 5.3.03) 

4th March 

Gujarat toll crosses 400, villages burn (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 3: HOME MINISTER L.K. Advani spent about six hours on Sunday in Ahmedabad 

and Godhra, taking stock of the situation in the state where the toll is now 427. And though, barring 15 

killings, Ahmedabad was largely peaceful, rural areas in Gujarat witnessed retaliatory bloodshed. ,But the 

visit, all of six days after the Sabarmati Express killings, was a bit of a let-down. Advani skirted most 

sensitive areas, including Naroda, Chamanpura and Bapunagar, and at the press meeting, he looked like 

he had yet to come to grips with the situation. Though he rapped the state administration over the 

mounting death toll, he seemed to buy the official claims of "tapering tensions" and effective administrative 

action. He also accepted the official count of deaths in police firing, which, according to locals, is 

questionable. (HT 4.3.02) 

4 th March 

If Simi can be banned, then why not VHP ? (7) 

New Delhi, March 3: Academicians and intellectuals have blamed the Vishwa Hindu Parishad for the 

mayhem in Gujarat and demanded an immediate ban on the outfit. Most of them were of the view that the 

communal flare-up in Godhra and the rest of Gujarat was not a sudden incident, but was a part of the 

tension that is being built up in the country by some of the "fundamentalist outfits for last few years." Prof. 

Chandra Mohan Bahmbari of JNU said: "I have been against the ban and censorship, but it becomes 

essential whenever democracy is under a threat by fundamentalist forces." The VHP has taken, the 

country ransom in the name of religion.-The VHP workers not only believe in communal ideologies 

against the Muslims and Christians, but they practice them as seen in the past and also recently.; Earlier it 

was in Orissa and now it's in Gujarat, he said. (Asian Age 4.3.02) 

4 th March 

Tense calm in Gujarat, Ahmedabad still burns (7) 

Ahmedabad: DESPITE Army presence, Gujarat continued to burn for the fifth day today. The Army 

seemed to be away from the trouble-spots and arrived only when violence flared up. However, troops shot

dead two rioters in Shehra town of Pancnmahals district on Sunday. 

While central Gujarat and the rest of the state remained calm with sporadic incidents of violence, 

Ahmed-abad simmered again on Sunday as mobs were back on the streets, indulging in large-scale arson 

and killings. As bodies started arriving at hospitals across the state, the magnitude of the violence in the 

moffusil towns began to sink in. The state government promptly stopped releasing death figures. The toll 

went up to over 450 as police recovered more bodies and 77 more people were killed either in police or 

Army firing. However, Congress leader Kamal Nath put the toll at well over 800, with over 330 deaths in 

Panchmahals district, and 232 in Ahmedabad. (IE 4.3.02) 

4 th March 

Muslim IPS officers targeted, arrange for their own security (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 3: In the aftermath of the Godhra carnage, even IPS officers belonging to the minority 

community no longer feel safe in the city. Four IPS officers who live in a Muslim society in Navranpura 

here have had to arrange for six to eight policemen for the protection of their families. The society was , 

attacked by a mob on two occasions but the policemen on duty managed to disperse it. Another minority 

community fflcer, additional commissioner of police M.O. Khimani, who lives in a society in Paldi area, 

said, "Every time there is communal violence, the shops on the roadside of this society are attacked and 

looted." The shops in front of the society were attacked, looted and burnt this time as well. (Asian Age 

4.3.02) 

4 th March 

British citizen killed, 2 missing in mob attack (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 3: One British citizen was killed, two others went missing and one was injured when a 

mob attacked them on the highway near Prantij, just 55 km from Ahmedabad, on Thursday. The driver of 

their vehicle was also killed in the mob violence. The four of them were visiting their, ancestral home in 

Lajpur, 20 km south of Surat. They were travelling by a Tata Sumo when the incident occurred. All five 

belonged to Batley, Yorkshire, in northern England. They had left Britain for a holiday twq weeks ago and 

were to return this weekend. 

Of the four, Mohammed Aswat and Yusuf Pargar, the driver, were killed in the attack while Shakil Dawood 

and Saeed Dawood are missing since the incident. Meanwhile, injured Imran Dawood was admitted to the 

M.C. Desai Hospital in Prantij. He was reported to be serious but expected to survive. (IE 4.3.02) 

4th March 

Migrant workers flee Gujarat towns (7) 

ADALAJ (GANDHINAGAR), MARCH 3: TRAVELLING three hundred kilometres is a daunting prospect 

when all you have is a bicycle. But when you have death on your heels and Godhra on your mind, you just 

pedal harder and fester. For the last three days, the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar and Naroda-Chiloda highways 

have been crowded with people on their way home. They've left their jobs as masons, peons, assistants, 

and drivers and their cheap accommodation in areas like Vejalpur, Vasna, Gheekanta, Odhav, Vatva 

behind as they 

C? have been hit by the Godhra riots. Says the 20-something Natha Rawat, who came from Rajasthan's 

Banswada district six months ago to support his family, and is now on his way back, "I used to live with 

four others near Sai-jpur in Naroda. But I am afraid of the arson and riots. Life to me is more precious than 

the money I earn." (IE 4.3.02) 

4 th March 

Congress lashes out at Modi, Police inaction (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 3: Congress for the first time alleged that the state government had completely failed 

to check the communal riots in the state. The violence and deaths were escalating because of "shoddy 

deployment of armed forces," alleged Gujarat in-charge and secretary of All India Congress 

Committee, Mr Kamal Nath. Addressing the media on Sunday, Mr Kamal Nath, who is on a visit to the 

state with a delegation of senior Congress leaders, including Balram Jakhar, informed that the death toll in 

the state has gone up to 806 since the Godhra massacre because the government had failed to assess 

the sensitivity of the situation and deploy the Army accordingly. Mr Kamal Nath remarked that home 

minister L.K. Advani should have visited the state and handled the situation on the day of the Godhra

incident. "Mr Advani simply kept repeating that the situation is under control and that the Army would be 

kept as a stand-by. Now that Army has been moved in, it is wrongly deployed," he said. (IE 4.3.02) 

4 th March 

One killed in Aligarh, curfew is imposed (7) 

Aligarh, March 3: One person was stabbed to death in Aligarh on Sunday where curfew was clamped on 

parts of the Old City after the police fired in the air to disperse an unruly mob protesting the alleged killing 

of a vendor belonging -to a minority community. Deepak Raizada, a special. police officer, was going to 

Kotwali police station to attend a meeting of the peace committee when he was stabbed, the police said. 

The police also said that curfew was imposed on three areas of the Old City — Delhi Gate, Sasni Gate 

and Kotwali — following an eruption of violence over reports that a vendor who went missing from a 

cinema on Saturday evening had been killed. When the vendor's parents and relatives failed to trace him, 

protesters pelted the police with stones demanding that the vendor's body be handed over to them. (PTI) 


4 th March 

Are VHP, BJP workers the culprits? (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Workers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the BJP have been booked for murder in FIRs 

filed in the Naroda-Patia carnage of Friday which claimed nearly 65 lives. 

Interestingly, the FIRs filed at the Meghaninagar police station names shopkeepers of the area as being 

the culprits responsible for the burning alive of at least 38 persons. But the accused's political leanings 

have not been elaborated. The five 'active' BJP and VHP workers named in the Naroda-Patia incident are 

Kishan Korani, P.J. Rajput, Harish Rohera, Babu Bajrangi and Raju Chaubal apart from 10-15,000 people, 

in the complaint filed by sub-inspector A.K.Solanki. At Chamanpura, the persons have been vaguely 

identified in the FIR as small-time traders in the area mostly operating around a temple in this area, that 

has always been in a state of communal frenzy. (TOI 4.3.02) 

4th March 

Children spared, only to watch parents burn (7) 

Mehsana, March 3 (Reuters): The only thing five-year-old Karisma Rahman remembers of the mob that 

burned her parents 'alive is their shouts of "leave the children alone!"."I don't know what happened," she 

says, staring vacantly as she sits in a relative's home at Vijayapur. 

The mob left Karisma and her brother, Mohsin, 12, in their tenement of remote Ladoo village yesterday, 

but dragged their parents out and forced them to lie on the ground. Mohsin watched them pour kerosene 

on his mother and set her on fire. When he rushed out, he was beaten with a stick and pushed back into 

the house. "I recognise who did it," he says, reeling off names. (Telegraph 4.3.02) 

5 th March 

March 

Modi puts state money where biased mouth is (7) 

GANDHINAGAR. MARCH 4 :THAT the government of Chief Minister Narendra Modi sees the Godhra 

carnage through different lenses than the revenge attacks which have left over 500 dead across the state 

was reinforced by another decision today: compensation for the victims. 

The government has decided that families of those killed in the Godhra attack on the Sabarmati Express 

will be paid Rs 2 lakh while relatives of those killed in the violence following Godhra will get Rs 1 lakh per 

victim. When asked about the discrepancy, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) C K Koshi told The 

Indian Express: "We are only following a precedent. Since 1992, the government has been paying Rs 2 

lakh to any victim linked to the Ayodhya movement. Those on board the Sabarmati Express qualify under 

this precedent and, therefore, the amount." (IE 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

MP police claim VHP’s hand in explosion at AIR (7) 

BHOPAL, MARCH 4: THE Madhya Pradesh police claim to have unearthed a VHP plot to set the AIR 

premises in Indore afire and put the blame on SIMI. "We have evidence suggesting that the men who 

hurled two petrol bombs on February 28 were VHP activists," said IGP (Indore) VM. Kanwar. Since the

premises are close to a locality of the minority community, the activists thought they could put the blame 

on Muslim organisations, he claimed. He said a mobile phone recovered from the site led the police to one 

Ajay Gupta, a VHP activist. "We are checking the calls made from this phone to prove our theory," SSP 

B.B.S. Thakur said. (IE 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

Minorities commission to meet PM today (7) 

NEW DELHI, MARCH 4. After its plans to visit Gujarat this past weekend were "nipped in the bud" by the 

State administration on grounds of security, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is scheduled to 

meet the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, tomorrow to discuss the situation in the country. The 

Deputy Chairman of the Commission, Tarlochan Singh, said that all the members would attend the 

interaction. A similar appointment had been sought with the Union Home Minister, L.K. Advani. Mr. Singh 

said the NCM members had wanted to visit Gujarat on Saturday and had informed the State Government 

of their plan. 

The Gujarat Chief Secretary, however, told the commission to postpone the visit on the premise that the 

State would not be in a position to provide them security in view of the curfew imposed on many of the 

towns and the prevailing situation. (Hindu 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

Bajrang Dal hand in Naroda killings: Cops (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 4: FIVE Bajrang Dal activists, including Babu Bajrangi alias Babu Patel, who has 

a long criminal record, have been identified by the police as the leaders of the mob which burnt 53 people 

in Naroda Patia slums last Thursday. His involvement is also suspected in the arson in Gulbarg Society, 

where former MP Ehsan Jafri and 41 others were burnt alive the same day. Ten people have been named 

in the FIR, including Dipak Patel alias Pradeep, a local BJP leader. Among the nine others is Girish, who 

police officers say could be Babu Bajrangi. However, VHP joint secretary Jaydeep Patel claimed that Babu 

Bajrangi was not in town on tl day of the incidents. He said tl police had falsely implicated the Bajrang Dal. 

(IE 5.3.02) 

5th March 

Minorities flee homes to safer places (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 4: Gujarat’s minority communities are abandoning their homes out of the fear of 

violence that has plagued the state since the Godhra incident. Not only residents of slums and chawk, but 

also those residing in posh bungalows have left their homes and shifted to comparatively safer localities. A 

society in the posh Paldi area, the Corner Flats Society, is one such place. About 10 families residing here 

have fled leaving all their belongings, as an irate mob attacked them after the bandh on Thursday. 

According to a resident of Ahmedabad's Faiz Mohammed Society, which is adjacent to the Corner Flats 

Society, "A mob of about 500 people attacked house of one Dr Bhavnagri, who opeTied fire to protect his 

family. (Asian Age 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

Muslim body may move court to stop VHP (7) 

New Delhi, March 4: The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board's committee on Babri Masjid has said that 

as a last resort it might move the Supreme Court to restrain the VHP from going ahead with its plan to 

shift carved stones to the disputed site in Ayodhya on March 15. 

Favouring the re-construction of the mosque at the disputed site, the board said that it will adopt all 

constitutional and democratic means to thwart the VHP's plan to start construction of the temple. An 

executive member of the board, Mr Yusuf Hatim Mucchala, said in a media interaction here, "No emissary 

of the Prime Minister contacted the board and the government never invited us to present our case and, 

therefore, it is not correct to say that talks failed as there were no talks between the board and the 

government." He added that the VHP's demand for return of so-called undisputed land is illegal and the 

government has no power to concede the same. (Asian Age 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

35 powerloom units set afire (7)

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 4. About 35 powerloom units in the curfew-bound Limbayat locality in the 

southern outskirts of Surat city, were set afire late tonight. The uidustrial-cum-residential area heavily 

inhabitated by the migrant labourers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa and Andhra Pra-desh, has a history 

of communal disturbances. The police, however, claimed that only four units were set on fire but 

eyewitness accounts said at least 38 units were burning. The police had earlier during the day raided 

some of the houses in the locality on information of a plan to burn alive some people. Though curfew was 

relaxed in most other parts of Surat for a few hours today, no relaxation was given in Limbayat because of 

the prevailing tension. Elsewhere in the state, atleast seven persons were killed in stabbing incidents and 

group clashes, even as the official toll in the five days of violence went up to 523. (Hindu 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

Muslims face boycott in Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, March 4: Gujarat is witnessing perpetration of a systematic economic agenda against Muslims. 

Pamphlets are being circulated amongst the masses calling for an economic boycott of Muslims, their 

business establishments and even the eating joints owned by them. 

So much so, the public is being asked to boycott even those films in which Muslim actors and actresses 

figure. People are being told that even those producers who choose to hire Muslim starcast should be 

thrown out of India. Talking to The Asian Age, veteran Gandhi-an Nirmala Deshpande related that peace 

activists working in the troubled state of Gujarat have faxed her such pamphlets. (Asian Age 5.3.02) 

5 th March 

Christians face communal wrath missions attacked (7) 

New Delhi, March 4: It is not only Muslims who are being attacked in Gujarat, but Christians too are being 

targeted. In recent days, several cases of violence against Christians have been reported in Gujarat, 

which has been witnessing communal riots for the last one week. The secretary-general of the All-India 

Christian Council, Dr John Dayal, said that a mission being run at Sanjeli by the Divine Word Society was 

completely ransacked and burned by the RSS and VHP activists on March 2. Father Chachkochan and 

his companion Brother Gnanarul were attacked with stones. A mob came at around 2 pm and destroyed 

everything. It returned again at around 6 pm and broke open the house. The attackers looted the house 

and set fire to the building. (Asian Age 5.3.02) 

6th March 

Self employed youth in crisis (7) 

Ahmedabad/Vadodara, The communal frenzy that gripped the state after the gruesome Godhra incident 

has not only claimed over 500 lives but has also had an adverse impact on self-employed people and 

many small-scale manufacturing units all over the state. With attacking mobs reducing many such units in 

the industrial ' estates to ashes, the serious question of how people of the minority community who have 

been victimised are to make a living requires an immediate answer. Nearly 500 shops were set ablaze in 

Ahmedabad, along with small-scale units engaged mainly in fabrication, welding, printing and diamond 

cutting. In Vadodara, lakhs of labourers have been left jobless. In Ahmedabad, more than large-scale 

industries, it is the shopkeepers, garage owners, rickshaw drivers, petty roadside dhaba owners and 

vendors who have been most affected by the riots. (Asian Age 6.3.02) 

6 th March 

Riots cast ugly shadows in Andhra (7) 

Hyderabad: THE COMMUNAL riots of Gujarat are casting their long and dark shadows on the communal 

peace in Hyderabad and with a series of untoward incidents and localised communal clashes, the fear of 

outbreak of communal violence in old city is on the rise. Once again tension prevailed in many sensitive 

areas of old city of Hyderabad last night after the members of two communities complained of stone 

pelting. Senior police officials swung in to action and deployed additional police pickets and rapid action 

force personnel and increased the police patrolling in the sensitive areas. (Pioneer 6.3. 02) 

7 th March 

Teachers unite to fight communalism (7) 

New Delhi, March 6: Hundreds of teachers from all over the country on Wednesday marched in protest

against the communal carnage in Gujarat and the "negative policies" of the government on education. 

Under the common banner of All-India Federation of University and College Teachers' Organisations and 

Federation of Central Universities Teachers' Associations, hundreds of teachers from various central 

universities gathered at the University Grants Commission office and marched to Parliament. The 

teachers from Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Bihar, 

Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Tripura and Assam 

participated. The teachers condemned the Godhra massacre and the heinous acts of violence in Gujarat. 


7 th March 

Mob attacks convoy of families (7) 

AHMEDABAD: In a shocking incident which showed that the communal passions in Gujarat were still 

running high, a convoy of five vehicles carrying families from Chota Udepur to Vadodara under police 

escort was attacked by a mob. All the vehicles were set on fire. At least three persons received serious 

burn injuries and a policeman, who was attacked with sharp weapons, was reported to be grievously 

injured. The families were being shifted to Vadodara by the police in three trucks, a tempo and a rickshaw. 

Police officers said the mob intercepted the convoy and attacked the occupants of the vehicles, most of 

whom managed 

to escape. Elsewhere in Gujarat, where the toll in the post-Godhra train massacre has now risen to nearly 

525, there was considerable scaling down of the violence even as stray incidents were reported overnight 

and on Tuesday. (Times of India 6.3.02) 

7 th March 

10 die in violence near Godhra (7) 

Godhra, March 6 : A GROUP of 250 Hindus attacked and terrorised Aajanvah village in Panchmahal 

district, 95 km from Godhra, on Tuesday evening and killed 6 Muslims (another four died attempting 

escape), while about 120 other Muslims spent several hours hiding in the fields. The group attacked a 

school where some Muslims were hiding, burnt alive two people and hacked dead four who were hiding in 

the fields, two of who were 70 and 75. Trying to escape, two women and three children — aged one, 

one-and-half and two — jumped into a well. But only one woman survived. Late at night, the police found 

105 Muslims cowering in the fields and another 12 elsewhere in the village the next morning. (Hindustan 

Times 7.3.02) 

7th March 

In Modi’s state even media is not spared the mob madness (7) 

GANDHINAQAR, MARCH 6: GUJARAT Chief Minister Narendra Modi may have the reputation of being a 

media-savvy politician but that is no guarantee that journalists are safe under his rule. If innocents are 

paying the price for Godhra, the media is being targetted for doing its job. Rajul Chiniwala, photographer 

with local daily Sandesh in Surat, thanks God he's alive. A mob poured kerosene and petrol over him and 

was about to set him on fire when a police van came. He and three others, including Dharmesh Joshi of 

The Indian Express, were covering the carnage. While Dharmesh, Jitendra Jadia of Nav Gujarat Times 

and Suresh Mistry of Gujarat Mitra were dragged away from the scene, Chiniwala was held back to be 

burnt alive. Dharmesh says: "I was pushed around but the mob could not do much to me as I had parked 

my scooter and started pelting stones at them." Chiniwala could not be reached for comment. (Indian 

Express 7.3.02) 

7 th March 

Godhra: Cops say they didn’t know sevaks were returning (7) 

VADODARA, MARCH 6: ALTHOUGH police had known of tension between kar sevaks and residents of 

Singal Falia in Godhra, the crucial intelligence failure was in not knowing that kar sevaks were returning on 

February 27 on the Sabarmati Express. Police had already received warning signs of tension. But the 

leads were not followed seriously to gather information on the kar sevaks' return. "We had no information 

of kar sevaks returning that day," Panchmahals SP Raju Bhargava said. "Had we known, we would have 

deployed more police at the station:" Adds J.K. Bhatt, superintendent of Gujarat Railway Police, "In fact, 

my men knew that the kar sevaks would be returning from March 1 onwards. How this batch returned

without us being forewarned is strange." (Indian Exp 7.3.02) 

7 th March 

Godhra can’t wait, burnt Gujarat can (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 5: Over 3,500 people have taken shelter in Sahibaug Saraswati School. In the six 

days since riots broke out in Ahmedabad, no one from BJP chief minister Narendra Modi's government or 

party has visited them to see how they were getting by "No one has come here, neither government 

officials nor local ML A," said M. Khan Raza who set up the camp for riot victims. About 17 such relief 

camps have sprouted in the city. Neither the chief minister nor any of the six ministers who represent 

constituencies in Ahmedabad has visited even a single relief camp. They have not visited their 

constituencies either. Facing charges of inaction—even allowing rioters free play—Modi's government is 

showing little sign that it intends to restore people's faith in the rule of law or of even being interested in 

shepherding people displaced by the violence back to their pre-violence way of life. (Telegraph 6.3.02) 

8 th March 

Gujarat carnage cripples House (7) 

New Delhi: THE GOVERNMENT and the Opposition have agreed to cancel the unscheduled leave on 

Monday and discuss the Gujarat carnage in the Lok Sabha. A decision to this effect was taken at the 

Business Advisory Committee meeting called by Deputy Speaker P M Sayeed. Senior Opposition leaders 

who attended the meeting said the mode of discussion had not been decided but they would like to move 

adjournment motion on the issue. The BAC also decided to discuss the President's Address on March 13 

and 14, and the Union Budget on the 15th. The House, however, may witness on Friday the same kind of 

uproar that was raised on Thursday as the Opposition would press for the resignations of Gujarat Chief 

Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister L K Advani. (Pioneer 8.3.02) 

8th March 

Gujarat toll touches 616 (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Forty-one more bodies were pulled out from under the debris of burnt houses and a 

woman belonging to the minority community was stabbed to death here on Thursday pushing the death 

toll to 616. Police said as many as 30 bodies, mostly burnt, were recovered from the houses in the city on 

Wednesday which were set afire by a mob on February 28. Three bodies were found in Surat city and 

another five recovered from houses in Sabarkantha district. Two persons of a minority group were 

stabbed on Relief Road in the Walled City of Ahmedabad on Thursday evening, leading to the death of 

one person. (Pioneer 8.3.02) 

8 th March 

Gujarat riots: AIR man paid the price too (7) 

NEW DELHI, MARCH 8 SUNDAY, March 3: All India Radio (AIR) broadcasts a discussion critical of the 

Gujarat government’s and the Centre’s handling of the communal riots. Wednesday, March 6, The 

programme’s assistant news editor Rajinder Paul, is transferred to the general news pool, another AIR 

unit. An inquiry is ordered by Director General News Harish Awasthi reportedly on pressure from the PMO 

to look into how the programme was cleared for broadcast. And you thought this wasn’t a government 

that believed in swift decision making. (Indian Exp 9.3.02) 

8 th March 

Godhra: for clues to attack, you can start visiting Signal Fadia (7) 

GODHRA, MARCH 8: THE popular theory of what caused the violence at Godhra is that the attack was 

premeditated. That's the only way, the theory goes, it would be possible — in the few minutes after the 

train's chain was pulled — for a crowd of 2-3,000 to gather, armed with incendiary material, and carry out 

the attack. It seems a plausible theory. Until you come to Signal Fadia. Everywhere, in this rabbit's warren 

of alleyways and shanties, overrun by pigs and other stray animals, lie signs of how a mob can assemble, 

arm itself and actually carry out such an attack in a matter of minutes. There's no proof yet that it actually 

did act spontaneously but investigators are increasingly coming across bits of evidence — including the 

fact that the chain was pulled twice, indicating that there may not have been a large enough crowd the first

time. (Indian Exp 9.3.02) 

9 th March 

Muslim leaders see President over riots (7) 

New Delhi, March. 8: A delegation of prominent Muslim leaders from 15 Muslim organisations met 

President K.R. Narayanan on Friday and strongly condemned the Godhra train incident and the following 

carnage of innocent Muslims in Gujarat. The delegation included Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Ahmed 

Bukhari, Maulana Syed Asad Madani, Maulana Sirajul Hasan, the president of Jamat-e-Islami Hind and 

the president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. The delegation apprised the President about the continuing 

violence against Muslims in different parts of Gujarat, the indifferent behaviour of the state machinery in 

extending relief to the victims of the riot and also the biased and discriminatory measures, particularly the 

announcement of the different set of grants for Godhra incident. (Asianm Age 9.3.02) 

9 th March 

Modi main culprit, has to go, feel visiting MPs (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 8: Shocked at the "brazen, manner" in which the Gujarat government and 

administration handled the communal riots in the state, an all-party delegation said that chief minister 

Narendra Modi has to go "if Gujarat has to be saved." The delegation will submit its report in New Delhi. 

"We will go back to Delhi and demand the immediate resignation of chief minister Narendra Modi. The 

Centre has to intervene more actively," RJD MP Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said. (Asian Age 9.3.02) 

10TH March 

Another first: Tribals joined riots, looting (7) 

VADODARA, MARCH 9: BESIDES being the bloodiest and perhaps most widespread riots of Gujarat, 

there was another first to the communal frenzy that swept the state last week. It marked the first time that 

(tribal belts of Gujarat got caught up in the violence, and investigating agencies are now analysing why 

that happened. Terming it the most disturbing aspect of the 2002 riots, security officials say that the 

extremity of violence in the tribal areas was such that in several villages, even the majority community 

members who tried -to save their neighbours were attacked. To make matters worse, there was 

largescale looting, irrespective of the religious identities of owners. "In the last few days, there were no 

systematic attacks and miscreants tried to plunder all that came in their way irrespective of whose 

property it was," says Superintendent of Police Keshav Kumar. (IE 10.3.02) 

10 th March 

Intelligence reports blame Gujarat Govt for carnage (7) 

NEWDELHI: Intelligence reports squarely blame the Gujarat government for failing to contain violence in 

the state following the attack on the Sabarmati Express in Godhra. Over a week after the carnage in the 

state, the home ministry has been receiving reports from intelligence agencies, the defence ministry and 

Governor S.S. Bhandari on the ground situation, which point clearly at the total failure of the government 

machinery in the state to prevent and control the violence that spread after the Godhra incident. What is 

more, the actual death toll is much higher than the official figure, intelligence reports say. (Times of India 

10.3.02) 

11 th march 

120 hotels burnt in city that loves food (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 10: THIS was a city where it would be impossible to find a seat in any restaurant 

on a Sunday vening. Now these favourite haunts are black holes, burnt by rampaging mobs. Nearly 120 

hotels and restaurants were set on fire in the violence that followed the Godhra carnage, including the 

popular ones like Topaz and Abilasha at Panjrapol, Tulsi Restaurant on University Road and Treat in 

Navrangpura. Their owners were mostly Muslims. "Many of our regular customers have called up to say 

they regret the destruction of our restaurants," says an owner of one such restaurant in Navrangpura. ( IE 

11.3.02) 

11th March 

Rs 20,000 to 2 lakh, riot relief has only mirrored the govt bias (7)

NEW DELHI, MARCH 10: "The state cannot escape the liability to pay adequate compensation to the 

family of the person killed during riots as his or her life has been extinguished in clear violation of Article 

21 of the Constitution which mandates that life cannot be taken away except according to the procedure 

established by law. A 1996 Delhi High Court judgement on the quantum of compensation to be paid to riot 

victims. THIS verdict by Justice Anil Dev Singh ensured that the compensation paid to 2,700 victims of 

the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in New Delhi was increased from a paltry Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakh. (Indian Exp 

11.3.02) 

12 th March 

Rioting continues in Vadodara’s tribal belt (7) 

VADODARA: The situation in the tribal belt of Vadodara district worsened on Monday morning with 

another concerted attack by rioters on Panvad village for the second successive day. The police had to lob 

teargas shells to disperse the mob which also attacked the securitymen. Meanwhile, one of the rioters 

injured in police firing on Sunday died at the hospital here on Monday morning. With this, the toll in the 

police firing on rioters in Panvad went up to two. Three persons injured in the firing are still in hospital. 

According to police sources, two other persons were injured in firing by the mob in the area. The police 

have recovered two 12 bore rifles from the rioters. As many as 21 policemen were also injured in the 

rioting. (Times of India 12.3.02) 

12 th March 

Cops accused of disrupting church meet (7) 

A LOCAL Protestant church has accused the local police of disrupting its religious meeting under pressure 

from B JP and VHP leaders. The Zionic Church of Barabanki made this allegation a day after it had to 

cancel a "spiritual music programme" when a small contingent of police led by a circle officer went to the 

church, located at Deva Road and allegedly "shooed" the devotees away and detained three persons for 

interrogation. (HT 12.3.02) 

12th March 

Advani gives clean chit to Modi, but TDP tears it apart (7) 

NEW DELHI, MARCH 11: EVEN as Home Minister L K Advani gave Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi 

a clean chit in the Rajya Sabha, the BJP suffered an embarrassing ordeal in the Lok Sabha when the 

TOP, one of its key allies at the Centre, ripped apart the Gujarat government's handling of the riots. TDP's 

Yerran Naidu told the Lok Sabha that when he visited the riot-affected areas, as part of the Parliamentary 

delegation, he asked whether the state government had rounded up anti-social elements after the 

February 27 bandh call. "This was an important thing to have done because these elements go on a 

looting, killing and robbing spree. I posed this question to the Gujarat chief secretary, home secretary and 

the director-general of police but there was no answer." (Indian Express 12.3.02) 

13 th March 

After riots, it is epidemics now (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 12. Though packed like sardines, they are unfortunate violence victims who 

cannot blame anyone but their fate for the ordeal. After escaping death, the 5,500-odd violence victims of 

Chamanpura, Meghaninagar and Na-roda areas who are put up at a municipal corporation school at 

Dariakhan Gumbat in Shahibaug, are now fighting a battle with pestilence. "Already 35 violence-affected 

people in the relief camp have fallen sick," said Dr Akhil Ansari, who is giving free service at the camp 

here. "The hygienic condition at the camp is very bad. People would be lucky if they escape falling - prey 

to malaria, gastroenteritis and other water-borne diseases," he said. (Hindu 13.3.02) 

13 th March 

Pamphlet calls for boycott of Muslims (7) 

AHMEDABAD: A pamphlet calling for economic boycott of the Muslims has shocked members of both 

communities here. The pamphlet, issued in Gujarati in the name of "Ranip VHP Office", dictates not to 

employ Muslims or work, buy or sell anything from or to them. 

Appeals were made to the people in the name of "Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman" to refrain from seeing 

films featuring Muslim heroes and heroines. Accusations were made against the members of the minority

community of violating the dignity and modesty of Hindu women and of working against the interests of the 

country. It further said that they were into arms smuggling. (Times of India 13.3.02) 

14 th March 

Muslims flee Aydhya (7) 

Ayodhya, 13 MARCH: A T least 700 Muslim families have fled their homes following the developments the 

VHP build-up. Muslims constitute about 5 per cent of Ayodhya 's 1 lakh-odd population. The exodus has 

been triggered by a fear psychosis generated by the threat of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to conduct 

rituals on March 15. "We have no problems with our Hindu brethren with whom we share a truly healthy 

social relationship. Our troubles start when there is build-up of outsiders," observed Mohammad Saghir, 

an elderly resident of the Sudhatiya neighbourhood that has about 60 Muslim households. His reference 

was to the presence of VHP cadres at a makeshift camp at Karsevakapuram where the pillars to be used 

in the construction of the temple have been stacked. (Economic Times 14.3.02) 

14 th March 

Prove church militant nexus, say NE priests (7) 

Guwahati, March 13 : CHURCH LEADERS in the North-east have asked the Government to come out 

with evidence of the so-called "nexus" between militants and missionaries. The allegations were baseless, 

they felt — especially since churches in the region had been receiving extortion demands from extremists. 

The church leaders have also condemned the tendency of militant outfits in Nagaland to use the name of 

Christ to describe their political goals. Slogans like 'Nagaland for Christ' fuel notions that the church and 

militancy are inseparable hi the North-east, they said. According to Thomas Menamparampil, Archbishop 

of Guwahati, extortion notices were affecting social and educational services run by church organisations 

in the region. "Our priests were victimised for refusing to heed to demands, and some of them have also 

been killed," he said. (HT 14.3.02) 

14th March 

Mob used bulldozer to raze heritage mosque (7) 

Ahmedabad: Not so long ago, near the Jethabhai stepwell in Isanpur area in Ahmedabad, there was a 

historic mosque. One riotous night, many hands bull-siwea BS GWct-duty cranes dismembered the 16 th 

century mosque. But the faces behind the hands are a mistery: though an Archaeological Survey of India 

official confirmed that, like with another mosque at another time this was not random act but a 

meticulously planned operation neither policemen nor municipal corporation officials saw or heard 

anything. (IE 14.3.02) 

14 th March 

Mob violence in Godhra, Baroda; police opens fire (7) 

March 13: In fresh communal flare-ups, a minority mob on Wednesday went on the rampage in Godhra 

town of Gujarat, using* firearms and stones and prompting the police to open fire. Three persons from the 

minority community were stabbed in Visnagar town and a vehicle set on fire in Baroda. Other parts of 

Gujarat remained calm. The police opened fire to disperse a 500-strong minority community mob that 

attacked people in Jahurpura area using firearms and stones. No one was killed in the police firing, police 

sources said. There were unconfirmed reports of a few stabbing incidents. Twelve people, including two 

women of the minority community, were arrested from a nearby place of worship, the police said. (Asian 

Age 14.3.02) 

16th March 

Gujarat VHP chief justifies violence (7) 

AHMEDABAD: His frail body is bent over but he dismisses any polite inquiry about his health by saying: "I 

have never felt so fit." At 97, Keshavram Kashiram Shastri looks quite a vulnerable old man, slouched in a 

chair in the verandah of his house near Mithakali. But looks are deceptive and once he starts speaking, he 

comes across as a confident man with clear thought. After all, he founded the Vishwa Hindu Parishad 

(VHP) in Gujarat in 1964 and still continues as its president. Among his many titles and the 110 books he 

has penned, he is happy to point out that he received the Padma Shri, during Indira Gandhi's regime.

(Times of India 16.3.02) 

16 th March 

Demand to shift riot victims to safer site (7) 

AHMEDABAD: National Commission for Minorities (NCM)chairman Justice Moham-mad Shamim (retd) 

has asked the state government to shift the riot-hit victims from the relief camps to a site where they could 

feel collectively safe. Speaking to victims at the Shah-e- Alam camp here on Thursday evening, he said: "I 

have recommended to the state government to give land to these victims so that they can create a new 

settlement and get a sense of security." Justice Shamim's recommendation comes at a time when most 

people living in the various camps in the city have refused to go back to their original homes. They 

gathered around the NCM chairman and asked him to urge the government into allocating the land as 

soon as possible (Times of India 16.3.02) 

17 th March 

Five die in Gujarat riots (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 16: FIVE PEOPLE were killed in fresh violence in Gujarat overnight, hours after the 

Vishwa Hindu Parishad's' shila daan ceremony at Ayodhya. At-least 13 people were injured. Curfew has 

been clamped on several towns across the state. . A man was stabbed to death on Saturday afternoon in 

Johapura, a Muslim-dominated suburb of the city. Another was killed allegedly in police firing some time 

after midnight in Dudheswar. Police said the man had been shot by a group of people riding a large 

vehicle after rival groups pelted each other with stones. A 65-year-old died in police custody, apparently 

after a heart attack. He had been handed over to police by the army after being picked up for defying 

prohibitory orders. (Hindustan Times 17.3.02) 

18th March 

Hindu goodwill key to Muslims’ safety: RSS (7) 

Cheennenahalli: THE RSS on Sunday passed a resolution that warns Muslims their safety lay in the 

goodwill of the majority. It also justifies the post-Godhra violence as "natural and spontaneous". The 

resolution called 'Godhra and After', passed at Chennenahalli by the all-India general council of the 

RSS after a three-day meeting, says, "Let the Muslims understand their real safety lies in the goodwill of 

the majority." Discussing the statement, RSS joint general secretary Madan Das Devi said, "Hindus^ 

live and let live. This does not mean Hindus can tolerate insults. They (Muslims) are safe if they win our 

goodwill... Respect • us and we will respect you." Pressed to explain what that really implied, Devi said, 

"Any killing is unjustifiable but at the same time there will be reaction to any action." The resolution 

condemns the Godhra massacre but justifies the violence that followed as "natural and spontaneous". "It 

is unfortunate that a number of people died in the violence that erupted. (HT 18.3.02) 

18 th March 

Vadodara simmers, 4 killed in violence (7) 

VADODARA, MARCH 17: TWO persons were stabbed to death in Vadodara and two killed in police firing 

as violence erupted afresh in parts of Gujarat today. Police opened fire and burst several teargas shells to 

disperse a mob indulging in stabbing, arson and stone throwing in Danflimda police station area of the 

walled city of Ahmedabad. Three persons, including a Home Guaid received stab injuries and some shops 

were set on fire by mob. Curfew was imposed in the area. (Indian Exp 18.3.02) 

18 th March 

Mob destroys 2 mosques in Haryana (7) 

Chandigarh, March 17: In Haryana, a violent mob of Hindu hard liners destroyed two mosques and set 

fire to a number of shops and houses in the town of Loharu early on Sunday morning. According to state 

officials, the trouble started early in the day when local Hindus began collecting in response to rumours 

that a cow had been slaughtered by a Muslim family. 

Though subsequent police investigations failed to confirm the rumours, the enraged mob is said to have 

gone on a virtual rampage destroying two mosques near the railway station and the Purana Bazaar area. 

They also set fire to several homes and shops owned by local Muslims. (Asian Age 18.3.02)

18 th March 

Police fires on Ahmedabad mob, 2 dead (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 17T~Stray incidents of communal violence in Baroda and Ahmedabad disrupted the 

peace process in the state as at least three persons of a minority community were reportedly killed in a 

mob attack in Baroda on Sunday morning. Two people were killed in the police firing in Ahmedabad on 

Sunday. The police opened fire and burst several teargas shells to disperse a mob indulging in stabbing, 

arson and stone-throwing at Danilimda police station area of the walled city of Ahmedabad. Three 

persons, including a home guard, received stab injuries and some shops were set on fire by mob. Curfew 

was imposed in the area. In other parts of the state, curfew was relaxed in all cities and towns including 

Godhra, Dahod, Patan and the Panchmahals. Two persons were killed and 22 injured when a mob 

attacked two tempos in Baroda. (Asian Age 18.3.02) 

18 th March 

Five killed in grenade attack on church in Islamabad (7) 

ISLAMABAD, MARCH 17. In a clear challenge to the authority of the Pakistan President, Pervez 

Musharraf, since his much-publicised January 12 address, terrorists struck inside a church here, killing 

five persons, including three for-'eigners, and injuring 45. In a daring daylight attack, two persons , barged 

into a church in the diplomatic enclave and hurled grenades at those who had gathered for service. 

Among the dead included the wife of an American diplomat and his daughter. The impact of the explosion 

was so devastating that the church resembled a battlefield with bloodstains and broken pieces of wood all 

over. 

According to police, 10 Americans, 12 Pakistanis, five Iranians, an Iraqi, an Ethiopian and a German were 

among the injured. Seven of the injured, admitted to a local hospital, were stated to be in a serious 

condition. (Hindu 18.3.02) 

18th March 

ISI behind Godhra carnage (7) 

JAMAAT-E-ULEMA-E-HIND president Syed Asad Madani has ruled out a Muslim hand in the Godhra 

violence and said that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) could be responsible for the incident 

aimed at fomenting communal trouble in the country. The string of arrests of local Godhra politicians does 

not seem to have impressed Mr Madani as he felt that the Godhra attack had not been carried out by 

"true" Muslims as it was against Islam. "We do not believe that the carnage had been carried out by any 

true Muslim as it is un-Islamie to burn living beings." "It was, perhaps, a handiwork of insane elements. 

The ISI could also have done it to create communal rifts in the country " he said. (Pioneer 18.3.02) 

19 th March 

Bandh in Loharu over arrests made for attack on mosques (7) 

Bhiwani, March 18: A COMPLETE bandh was observed in Loharu village in protest against the arrests 

made on Sunday in connection with the attack on three mosques and some adjoining shops. All markets 

and other establishments in the town remained closed and the district administration suspended bus 

services from the town. The police have arrested 22 persons and described the situation as tense but 

under control.The administration began repair work on the damaged mosque in the old city amid heavy 

police arrangements. (HT 19.3.02 

19 th March 

Modi politcising bodies of innocent victims (7) 

Gandhinagar, Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president Amarsinh Chaudhary on Monday accused 

chief minister Narendra Modi of attempting to score political points over the 1,000 to 1,500 dead bodies of 

innocent victims of the communal violence in the state. 

Mr Chaudhary alleged that Mr Modi had on Sunday sent 32 teams comprising Cabinet colleagues and 

party workers across the state to assess how the party would fare in case of an impromptu mid-term poll 

after the communal violence. Mr Chaudhary said the state government has jeopardised the future of 

students as it has gone ahead with the board examinations in the state despite the still raging communal 

violence. "The state government has postponed taluka panchayat and other elections in the state citing 

the law and order situation, but has gone ahead with the board examinations at all centres except

Ahmedabad and Baroda despite the violence," he said. (Asian Age 19.3.02) 

19 th March 

Baroda police puts post Godhra death toll at 37 (7) 

Baroda, March 18: The Baroda police on Monday furnished statistics of deaths which took place in Baroda 

during the communal riots following the Sabar-mati Express incident at Godhra. Baroda commissioner of 

police D.D. Tuteja said a total 37 persons were killed in the riots. The maximum number of people were 

burnt alive according to Mr Tuteja. He said: "A total of 17 persons were burnt alive by the mob, including 

two who died on Sunday in the Makarpura incident, while total 10 died of stabbing injuries. Seven persons 

died in firing out of which six were killed in police firing in different areas and one died in a private firing. 

One also died due to stone pelting injuries. (Asian Age 19.3.02) 

19 th March 

Christians criticize RSS resolution (7) 

New Delhi, March 18: Strongly criticising the resolution adopted at the end of the three-day session of the 

RSS supreme body, Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, at Bangalore on Sunday, Christian leaders today 

demanded that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee condemn it immediately. They said the resolution has 

the "seeds of great future tragedy". The' RSS resolution had said the minority community should 

"understand that their real safety lies1 to the goodwill of the majority they are safe, provided they win the 

goodwill of the majority community. The Muslims should respect the sentiments of the majority community 

and cooperate with it". The resolution also reflected chief minister Narendra Modi's controversial allusion 

to Newton's third law — there is an equal and opposite reaction to every action— to justify the Gujarat 

riots. (Telegraph 19.3.02) 

20th March 

Four fall prey to fresh violence (7) 

AHMEDABAD: At least four persons were killed in fresh communal violence in Bharuch and Modasa 

towns of Gujarat on Tuesday. Rioting and the subsequent police firing in the A' division police station area 

of Bharuch left two persons dead and five injured. Trouble began when mobs gathered at the Dandia 

Bazar and other old city areas and indulged in rioting around 1.30 p.m. The police opened fire to disperse 

the mob. "Four persons were killed and five injured in the incident. Curfew has been imposed in the 'A' 

division police station area," Bharuch collector Anju Sharma said. Bharuch 'B' division police station area 

is already under curfew. (Times of India 20.3.02) 

20 th March 

Violence persists in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad: At least four persons were killed in police firing and stabbing in the communally-sensitive 

Broach and Modasa towns today as violence continued to rock several parts of Gujarat. An indefinite 

curfew has been clamped on both Broach and Modasa following the violence which,also forced the 

authorities to postpone the on-going secondary and higher secondary examinations in these towns in 

addition to Ahmedabad and' Baroda where they were postponed earlier in view of the disturbed conditions. 

Two persons were killed when police opened fire to disperse two clashing groups in Broach town following 

rumours of large-scale stabbing. Curfew/which was in force only in the areas under 'B' Division police 

station for the last three days, was extended to the entire town for an indefinite period following today's 

incident. (Hindu 20.3.02) 

20 th March 

Relief sought for Gujarat victims (7) 

CHENNAI, MARCH 19. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has met the Prime Minister, Atal 

Behari Vajpayee, and impressed upon him the need to provide early compensation and relief to Gujarat 

victims. The Commission vice-chairman, Tarlochan Singh, said the NCM told Mr. Vajpayee recently that 

there were 90,000 victims in relief camps. It sought the Prime Minister's intervention for offering financial 

relief to the victims whose business houses were destroyed in. the riots. It also sought the RBI's 

assistance to soften the load of interest and repayment on the trading community and for extending soft 

loans to re-establish themselves. A similar relief exercise was offered during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

(Hindu 20.3.02) 

21 st March 

Two killed in Ahmedabad (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Two persons were killed and three injured as police opened fire to disperse arsonists here 

even as arson and rioting rocked Himmatnagar town of Sabarkantha district, prompting authorities to 

clamp indefinite curfew there. TWo persons were killed when police fired to disperse mobs setting afire 

shops in the Vatva labour area-of Ahmedabad city, the police said. In Ahmedabad, curfew was lifted from 

five police station areas — Kalupur, Shahpur, Karanj, Dariapur and Madhupura—on Wednesday and was 

relaxed in the Danilimda police station area. Curfew was imposed in Himmatnagar town after a hotel and 

religious place were ransacked and set on fire by a mob. Police burst tear-gas shells to scare away mobs. 


21 st March 

Opp sees red in Gujarat’ssaffron bias (7) 

New Delhi, March 20: Reacting to a report published in the Indian Express today on how the Gujarat 

gobvernment had used POTO to book Muslims but was not invoking it in the case of Hindu rioters, angry 

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha demanded that Chief Minister Narendra Modi be sacked. The 

Express report said that while 62 Muslims had been booked under POTO, not one among the 800 alleged 

to have been involved in the post-Godhra violence had been hauled up under the new law. (Indian Exp 

21.3.02) 

22nd March 

Seven killed in Ahmedabad (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 21. At least seven persons were killed, five "in police firing and two in stabbing 

incidents, as violence erupted once again in Ahmedabad since this afternoon even as most parts ' of 

Gujarat remained peaceful today. An indefinite curfew was re-clamped in Kalupur, Dariapur, Shahpur 

and Karanj police ^ station areas in the evening after at least six incidents of stabbing, large-scale arson 

and stone throwing were reported from various areas affected in , renewed violence. Curfew was 

withdrawn from these areas only yesterday. Night curfew , would also remain in force in . Dani Limda 

police station areas. (Hindu 22.3.02) 

22 nd March 

Christians willing to broker peace (7) 

BANGALORE: The Christian community is toying with the idea of facilitating a meeting between Hindu 

and Muslim leaders to resolve the communal tension between the two. On the eve of a Christian-RSS 

meeting here on Thursday, National Minorities Commission member John Joseph told Times News 

Network that top Christian spiritual leadership had expressed an interest to sort out the issues between 

the other two communities. The idea had come following the efficacy of the series of talks between 

Christians and the RSS over the last six months, of which the Bangalore meeting on Friday is the sixth. 

"The results are visible. Just compare the number of atrocities against Christians over the last two years 

with those in the last six months. Our spiritual leadership is of the opinion that a similar meeting should be 

held with Muslim and Hindu spiritual leaders. If the two sides are agreeable, we would be willing to 

facilitate this," Joseph said. (Times of India 22.3.02) 

22 nd March 

Stuck in Ahmedabad’s camps of no-return (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 21: For nearly three weeks since riots ravaged Ahmedabad, officials of the B JP's 

Narendra Modi administration barely recognised the existence of the relief camp at , Sha-e-Alam dargah, 

the city's biggest. Then, on Tuesday night, I things got moving. A cheque for ; Rs 2.25 lakh arrived, two 

large tents were put up on the dargah premises where around 9,000 riot victims, many from Naroda where 

67 people were burnt to death in a minority-dominated slum, have taken shelter. This is home minister 

L.K. Advani's constituency, which is home -now to six relief camps sheltering over 20,000 riot victims. 

What stirred the administration into action was the impending visit of a team from the National Human 

Rights Commission that came yesterday The rights panel has rejected a Gujarat government report on the

iots as "perfunctory" and sought a more comprehensive one in the next few days. (Telegraph 22.3.02) 

23 rd March 

Four die in fresh Gujarat violence (7) 

AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: At least four persons were killed, three of them in Vadodara, as violence 

flared up in the central Gujarat city where curfew was again imposed in six police station areas on Friday. 

In Ahmedabad one person was killed and three were hi-jured in stabbing incidents in the Kagdapith and 

Gomtipur areas while incidents of violence and arson wfcre reported from some areas of north Gujarat. 

The body of a 35-year-old male was found near the Lal Akhada in the Fatehpura area of Vadodara, The 

body had a slit throat. It is learnt that the deceased was a tailor by profession. The second case of 

stabbing was reported in the Dandia Bazar area of the city.The person used to run an English learning 

class in the Ap-sara Apartments and was attacked in his office in the afternoon. (Times of India 23.3.02) 

23 rd March 

Imam blames the Centre (7) 

New Delhi, March 22: Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari on Friday blamed the Centre 

for handling riots in Gujarat and said the country is sitting on a volcano of cominunalism. Delivering his 

Friday sermon, Imam said if the peace loving people of the country did not activate themselves, the 

situation would further aggravate and would lead to anarchy in the country. He alleged that "The genocide 

of Muslims in Gujarat seemed to be part of the government's agenda and despite the worsening situation, 

the Prime Minister, Union horn minister and Gujarat chief minister claim that the situation in the state is 

under control." "The RSS's recent statement on Muslims is a challenge to the tenets of the constitution," 

he said. He alleged that the minorities are being discriminated in India. 

"For the deceased of the victims of the Godhra violence, Rs 2 lakhs has been announced but for the 

victims of the Gujarat carnage Rs 1 lakh has been announced. (Asian Age 23.3.02) 

23rd March 

Muslim MLA led riot mob(7) 

Ahmedabad, March 22: In a glaring example of what appears to be police connivance with the ruling BJP 

government in Gujarat, the Ahmedabad police put the name of a Muslim MLA in a FIR for instigating 

mobs to burn Hindu establishments, when he was actually in the Gujarat Assembly attending the session 

discussing the law and order situation in the state. Mr Faroukh Sheikh, a Congress MLA representing the 

communally-sensitive Dariapur area, was in the state Assembly on Thursday. He has been named in a 

FIR charging him with leading a mob to assault Hindu-owned business establishments in Sindh Bazaar 

and Revdi Bazaar areas. Five Muslims were killed in police firing in this area on Thursday and, according 

to the police complaint, over 90 Hindu shops were burnt down here. (Asian Age 23.3.02) 

23 rd March 

Christians meet, rift unbridged (7) 

Bangalore, March 22: THE RSS met Christian representatives on Friday and stood by a recent resolution, 

which had stated that the real safety of minorities depended on the goodwill of the majority. The RSS had 

made the statement in the resolution it recently adopted at a meeting of its all-India general council. A 

spokesman for the Christians described the meeting as an attempt to "bridge the gap" between the 

Hindus and Christians. The meeting concluded with the understanding that Christians and Hindus should 

earn each other's confidence and remove mutual suspicion. There were heated arguments during the 

meeting. RSS Sarsanghchalak K.S. Sudarshan suggested a national church be set up, which would 

separate Indian Christians from the Vatican. Christian representatives reacted with anger. (Hindustan 

Times 23.3.02) 

24 th March 

RSS addresses Christian fears (7) 

BANGALORE 22 MARCH: THOUGH it was supposed to be a dialogue between RSS and Christian 

leaders, sixth hi the series of similar exercises in different cities starting from Delhi, the Bangalore meeting 

turned out to be an opportunity for RSS chief K S Sudarshan to address Christian leaders for nearly 90 

minutes after hearing about a dozen of them for brief spells of two to three minutes each. It was not dear

whether the meeting, arranged at the instance of National Minorities Commission member John Joseph, 

helped in removing misgivings among Christians over the Hindutva agenda of RSS or in fostering an 

understanding between Christian leaders belonging to various institutions and denominations and the 

14-member RSS team. Sudarshan, however, utilised the occasion to reiterate the RSS-line against 

conversions, Indianisation of the Church and that minorities must earn the goodwill of majority for their 

safety. (Economic Times 24.3.02) 

24 th March 

Police disgusted with Modi (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 23: The involvement of the VHP and the Bajrang Dal in the ongoing communal 

violence in Gujarat became clear when a few of Gujarat’s top police officers pleaded with Gujarat chief 

minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to "let them take stern action against these saffron forces. 

Ahmedabad police commissioner P.C. Pandey pleaded with chief minister Narendra Modi, a former RSS 

pracharak, in the presence of 30 senior police officers that if law and-order has to be restored in 

Guijarat, it is imperative to take stern steps against the VHP and Bajrang Dal. The sources confirmed to 

the Asian Age here on Saturday that the state government’s review meeting bordered on the ridiculous 

with the ministers acting like champions of Hindutva and the majority of the top police officers currying 

favour with their political bosses. (Asian Age 24.3.002) 

24 th March 

Poicemen scared to wear name tags in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 23: The intense insecurity felt by Muslims in Gujarat is borne out by the fact that even 

Muslim policemen are afraid to put on name tags on their uniforms and have sought special permission to 

be on duty without their name tags. Suddenly, it is imperative in Gujarat to be either a Sarvaiya or a 

Saiyed. Sarvaiyas could mean Hindus and Saiyed simply translates into a Muslim. Police officials, 

including the IPS, have suddenly realised that their name tags could make them the targets of mob fury 

just because their surnames give away their religion. Special IG A I Saiyed, with over 25 years of police 

experience, was asked to help a group on his way to Karai. He stopped and tried to help out the hapless 

people. But he was assaulted when they saw his name. "Many policemen don't put their name tags. It 

. could be because they fear that their tags can be damaged during riots, but it could also be the fear of 

being identified," DCP Zone II D.J. Patel evasively told this newspaper. (Asian Age 24.3.02) 

25th March 

Woman stripped, Fresh violence in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad: March 24: A 30-year-old woman was stripped in public and stabbed to death in Vejalpur area 

of Ahmedabad on Sunday as violence continued unabated in Gujarat. Fresh violence has erupted in 

Bhavnagar, Jambusar (Bharuch district) and Prantij (Sabarkantha district) towns and indefinite curfew has 

been imposed there. 30-year-old Mumtazbano, whos'e maiden name was Geeta before she married a 

Muslim, was stopped by miscreants at Vejalpur when she was going out with her husband on a scooter. 

She was stripped and stabbed to death. Her husband has been admitted to the V.S. Hospital with .serious 

stab, injuries. (Asian Age 25.3.02) 

25 th March 

Modi: Riots will end when Parliament session ends (7) 

RAJKOT: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi has said that the violence in Gujarat would end once the 

Lok Sabha session ends.' "The irresponsible statements being made by the Opposition in the Lok Sabha 

are one of the reasons why the Gujarat violence is not abating." 

Stating this during the opening of his party office here on Saturday evening, Modi said, "The Opposition is 

keen on keeping the fire burning in Gujarat." He said the violence would abate when the MPs disperse 

from Delhi and return to their respective constituencies. "The petrol was being sprinkled from Delhi to 

stoke the Gujarat fire. Every morning, one former Prime Minister is making a statement, which is igniting 

the violence here," he claimed. (Times of India 25.3.02) 

25 th March 

Gujarat used as Hindutva laboratory (7)

Ahmedabad, March 24: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi had confidently declared on March 1 

that he would control the "riots resulting from the natural and justified anger of the people" within 72 hours. 

More than five hundred hours later, Gujarat continues to burn. Intensified bouts of. violence have led to a 

complete breakdown of law and order machinery in the state. Even if the Godhra train massacre was an 

act of terrorism and its aftermath was state-sponsored violence, the present bout of violence is not 

retaliation or backlash. The situation in Gujarat has deteriorated so much that most of the gory violence 

signifies a complete collapse of the law and order situation. The Modi government has completely failed in 

controlling the situation. The police, which was earlier restrained from taking action against Sangh 

loyalists, is completely clueless and confused. (Asian Age 25.3.02) 

25 th March 

Pro-VHP officer to probe worst massacres (7) 

Ahmedanacl, March 24: The VHP has prevailed upon the Narendra Modi government to appoint an officer 

of its choice to probe two heinous violence cases in Ahmedabad — former Congress MP Ehsaan Jaffrey's 

murder and butchering of 59 labourers at Naroda. The Gujarat police is distressed with the VHP 

functioning as a parallel authority and deciding which officers its wants for probe fnto violence. Despite a 

strong representation from a section of the Gujarat police that the Gulbarg Society killings and the Naroda 

massacre need a proper investigation, the Narcndra Modi government has appointed an officer of the 

VHP's choice to conduct the probe. Top government sources told The Asian Age on Sunday that the VHP 

managed to get assistant commissioner of police P.N. Barot appointed for the probe. Incidentally, both the 

cases do not fall under the jurisdiction of Mr Barot, who is well known for his VHP connection. (Asian Age 

25.3.02) 

25 th March 

People are still insecure in Gujarat: NHRC (7) 

NEW DELHI, MARCH 24. The Chair -person of the National Human Rights Commission, J.S. Verma, 

today deplored the pathetic conditions in the riot-hit areas of Gujarat and said "people are still insecure" 

and the fear psychosis continued to prevail. Giving his impressions of the three-day visit to Gujarat at a 

press conference, 4Mr. Justice Verma was critical of the State administration for its failure to anticipate 

and control things, whether it was the Godhra train tragedy or the incidents that followed it. Although he 

declined to say whether there was any collusion between the State administration and the perpetrators of 

violence in these incidents, Mr. Justice Verma said, "things could have been better and all that happened 

could have been averted". He further said, "If some unusual things happen, it must be because of 

certain failure". (Hindu 25.3.02) 

25th March 

Speculation over Poto’s withdrawal in Godhra case (7) 

GANDHINAGAR: Who was responsible for application of Poto in cases pertaining to the accused in the 

Godhra train massacre? While the government on Friday decided to defer the application of Poto in the 

case of the 62 persons arrested in Godhra for the attack on Sabarmati Express, questions persist about 

whose idea it was to impose Poto in the first place and why did the government subsequently backtrack. 

Interestingly, when asked for his comments, chief minister Naren-dra Modi said "maybe some local 

policeman could have thought of it". He had earlier described the Godhra incident as an act of terrorism 

.There are various theories floating around on why Poto was withdrawn from the Godhra case. While the 

government has stated it was done following legal opinion by the advocate general, others believe that it 

was done at the instance of the Prime Minister's office following pressure from the NDA allies. (Times of 

India 25.3.02) 

26 th March 

Agnivesh to sit on relay fast (7) 

NEW DELHI: Social activW Swami Agnivesh will sit on a daylong fast near Jantar Man-tar on TUesday 

to protest against the communal riots in Gujarat and to express solidarity with the victims of violence. The 

fast is a part of the protests organised by Aman Ekta Manch, an association of several women's and 

secular grqups of the city. "This is an effort to highlight the Gujarat government's failure to prevent 

riots. We demand dismissal of the state government," Swami Agnivesh said. He will be the third person

to volunteer for the relay-fast which started on March 23. The fast will end on March 29. "Each day, a 

social activist or religious leader will go on fast," Swami Agnivesh said. (Times of India 26.3.02) 

26 th March 

Congress slams Modi for contempt of Parliament (7) 

NEW DELHI: The Congress has called for "appropriate action" against Gujarat chief minister Narendra 

Modi for "committing contempt and breach of privilege of Parliament" for his remark that communal 

incidents are continuing in the state because of statements made in Parliament. "It is incredible that Modi 

could be so irresponsible and insensitive so as to state that communal incidents are continuing on account 

of statements in Parliament ", CWC members Pranab Mukherjee and Arjun Singh and Congress deputy 

leader Shivraj Patil said here on Monday in a joint statement. Stating that Modi, who would like to be 

perceived as a model BJP chief minister, has not hesitated to cast aspersions on Parliament, the three 

leaders said he has clearly committed contempt and breach of privilege of Parliament. (TOI 26.3.02) 

26 th March 

Police not naming names in FIRs (7) 

HIMMATNAGAR: The police in the urban Gujarat have drawn their share of flak. But in the countryside, 

where they seem to deserve it more, has gone unnoticed. Not only scores of people have been killed in 

rural Gujarat due to police failure, but, victims say, the police is now putting obstacles in the ensuing legal 

process. Only cases that refer to a mob attack are being registered. Police turn a deaf ear to others, 

where the perpetrators have been identified. 

The role of the Sabarkantha police has become a subject of debate, and the Congress MP from 

Sabarkantha, Madhusudhan Mistry, who raised the issue in Lok Sabha, confirmed the allegation. Nearly 

137 petitioners from the district have moved High Court. The police, they claim, have not recorded their 

FIRs. (TOI 26.3.02) 

26th March 

Modi’s remark against Parliament flayed (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MARCH 26. The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee president, Amarsinh Chaud-hary, 

today accused the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, of having "cheated" even the Prime Minister, Atal Behari 

Vajpayee, in forming the all-party committee for communal riot victims. Talking to mediapersons here 

today, Mr. Ohaudhary said that while the Prime Minister had specifically promised to organise an all-party 

committee under the chairmanship of the Governor, Sunder Singh Bhandari, for the "rehabilitation" of the 

riot victims, the notification issued by the State Government last night after a delay of more than a week 

had referred only to the "relief camps". (Hindu 26.3.02) 

26 th March 

Rights group blames Modi for inaction (7) 

Baroda, March 25: Member of South Asian Human Rights committee and leading columnist Kuldip Nayar 

along with members of Movement for Empowerment of Indian Muslims Zaffar Saifullah and Arif 

Mohammed Khan visited Godhra for preparing a public report. The members held the Narendra Modi 

government responsible for the Godhra incident and post-Godhra riots and demanded a Central Bureau of 

Investigation inquiry into the entire episode. 

Mr Nayar said, "There are no words to explain what we have seen in Godhra.The polarisation of two 

communities is even worrisome. "We have met the victims, government officials, local administration and 

the non-governmental organisations working for the riot-affected persons so as to find out 1 the reasons 

that led the state to this situation,." Mr Nayar said. (Asian Age 26.3.02) 

26 th March 

Violence claims 3 in Rajasthan (7) 

JAIPUR, March 25.—Three people died and 12 others were injured when police opened fire on a violent 

crowd, which had blocked a road to stop the Muharram procession in Ganga Pur city of Sawai Madhopur 

district. Later an indefinite curfew was imposed in the town. 

The Rajasthan chief minister, Mr Ashok Gehlot, is holding a special meeting tonight to review the law and 

order situation in the state. Mr Gehlot also gave instructions to all the senior police officers to prevent any

communal tension in the state. The incident took place this afternoon when some local people blocked a 

road outside a temple in the town to stop the Muharram procession. The 1,000-strong crowd were 

chanting mantras when the local police urged them to give way for the procession. (Statesman 26.3.02) 

26 th March 

Modi punishes good officers (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 25: All IPS officers with "anti-VHP and anti-BJP" stances are being quietly removed 

from sensitive postings. The Gujarat government's covert threat to police officers in the state is clear — 

either fall in line or get sidelined. While Gujarat burns and the police force has been complaining of not 

having a free hand, the Modi government has rewarded all pro-saffron officers and has surreptitiously 

punished all those who have "dared" to go against them. In a decision made without taking the police top 

brass into confidence 27 IPS officers in Gujarat have been reshuffled. State home department sources 

confirmed to The Asian Age that "this is the worst ever case of a politically-motivated administrative 

decision taken by any government in Gujarat so far." (Asian Age 26.3.02) 

27 th March 

Video footage on Gujarat violence throws up vital evidence (7) 

NEW DELHI, MARCH 26.: Appalling video footage from amateur film-makers, private individuals and 

even from surveillance cameras in the shops providing an uncanny report of the gruesome incidents in 

Gujarat has generated a chunk of valuable evidence on the violence. An NGO — Concerned Citizen's 

Initiative — has some 22 hours of footage from various sources, which also contains interviews with 

around 30 eyewitnesses and survivors of the riots. This video footage will become vital in any further 

debate on the subject. But, it also throws up important questions on the kind of dangers involved in 

making films from such trouble spots as also their market value. "We have got at least three live coverage 

of the riots by eyewitnesses, and it will be admissible evidence in any further litigation on the subject," 

according to Ashim Roy of the Concerned Citizen's Initiative. (Hindu 27.3.02) 

27th March 

Non-Gujarati Muslim officers await an exit (7) 

AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: Zafar Masani (name changed), a Central government official in Ahmedabad, 

has seen his world go topsy-turvy in recent weeks. He said he got a shock of his life when a subordinate 

employee told him to pray to Allah to allow a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. "The entire atmosphere in my office 

is vitiated, I can see people huddled together discussing the riots but they all fall silent and give me 

side-glances if I happen to pass by." 

Masani's compulsions to stay in Ahmedabad at least for two more years, to give time to his son to finish 

his studies, may not be true for a large number of Muslim officials of other Central government 

organisations. A senior official of ONGC said three Muslim officials had already formally sought transfers. 

ONGC had in fact flown its Muslim officials out of Gujarat for their safety and some of them have come 

back, only to seek transfers. Another official belonging to Varanasi who works for a Central PSU here 

says: "I have already moved my application for a transfer. I don't want to bring up my children in this 

atmosphere of hostility." (Times of India 27.3.02) 

27 th March 

Twenty Six days later, Modi gets the summons (7) 

NEW DELHI, MARCH 26: PRIME Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has summoned Gujarat Chief Minister 

Narendra Modi to the capital on Wednesday morning and to apprise him of the steps he is taking to bring 

normalcy and peace in the violence-torn state. Modi is slated to meet Vajpayee at 12.30 pm. The idea of 

summoning the Chief Minister is to keep the pressure on him. Though Vajpayee has sent some tough 

messages to Modi in recent days, it does not appear to have made an impression on Modi (IE 27.3.02) 

27 th March 

One killed in Ahmedabad, firing is on (7) 

AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: One person was killed in police firing and two others were seriously injured 

as violence escalated in the Astodia Chakla area of the Walled City on Tuesday. Police fired at least 70 

rounds and lobbed teargas shells when mobs emerged from the Ma-joorgam area near Gita Mandir and

attacked shops of a particular community in the morning. As the police tried to disperse them, a section of 

residents from the Kazi Na Dhaba area attacked the police. (TOI (27.3.02) 

27 th March 

Woman burnt alive; PM summons Gujarat CM (7) 

Ahmedabad: IN UNABATED communal violence in Gujarat, a woman was burnt alive and a 19-year-old 

youth perished in police firing as Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee summoned Chief Minister Narendra 

Modi to Delhi to discuss the situation in the State. A 70-year-old woman was burnt alive in her house in 

Viramgam town of Ahmedabad rural district early Tuesday, police said. A dozen shops and houses were 

set afire by mobs forcing the authorities to impose curfew in the town from 3 pm. Police opened fire to 

disperse stone-pelting mobs in Viramgam town on Tuesday afternoon. While two were injured in police 

firing, the others were wounded in violence. (Pioneer 27.3.02) 

28 th March 

Modi meets Vajpayee, says all are satisfied (7) 

New Delhi: THE CENTRE has asked Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi to "bring in appropriate 

changes in his style of governance" and to speed up rehabilitation of people displaced by the riots in the 

State. However, the BJP leadership gave no sign that it was interested in removing Mr Modi. Rather, a 

senior party leader told The Pioneer: "The question does not arise." Mr Modi was summoned here by 

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Prime Minister, along with Home Minister L K Advani, spoke to 

Mr Modi at length on Wednesday. They clearly told Mr Modi that he needed to take more effective steps to 

give the message that Gujarat was returning to normal. The immediate requirement for this was to ensure 

that the uprooted people return back to their homes. Mr Modi told Mr Vajpayee and Mr Advani that 97,000 

people, including those who lost their houses in the riots that followed the Godhra carnage, were living in 

camps. Most of these people did not want to return to their homes as fear still lurked in their minds. , 

(Pioneer 28.3.02) 

28th March 

RSS AGENDA FOR MINORITIES (7) 

NEW DELHI, March 27. — The RSS today re-emphasised its position that the welfare of the minorities is 

dependent on the discretion of the majority. At a press conference that was supposed to.clarify the 

organisation's Bangalore statement — that minorities should earn the goodwill of Hindus — the RSS gave 

out a long list of do's and don'ts for,minorities, and also espoused its version of What it called Hindu 

"grievances". The RSS spokesperson, Mr MG Vaidya, said irritants in the majority-minority relationship 

must be removed for social harmony. He also clarified that the RSS version of "minority" included Indian 

Christians, and that they (Christians) must accept that,Salvation can be achieved even without the Church. 

He also asserted that most conversions were due to reasons of allurement rather than a genuine desire to 

change faith. (statesman 28.3.02) 

28 th March 

Pages missing in Gujarat Govt’s report, says NHRC (7) 

NEW DELHI: The much-awaited report of the Gujarat government on the continuing communal violence 

came to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday with a large number of pages 

missing. According to sources in the commission, the three-volume 'comprehensive report', with the main 

report in 135 pages and annexures running into another 265 pages, was found to be inadequate soon 

after its arrival. As a result, the report could not be taken up by the commission on Wednesday. "There is 

no po'int in going through the report when so many pages are missing," the source said. "We have spoken 

to the Gujarat government and they have promised to replace the report with a new set on Thursday," he 

said. Sources said individual members will go through the complete report when it comes. (Times of India 

28.3.02) 

28 th March 

Parivar pat for Modi (7) 

NEW DELHI: Even as he received a dressing-down from the Prime Minister, Gujarat CM Narendra Modi 

received some support from his'family'. M G Vaidya said he was satisfied by Modi's handling of the

situation, "no government could have done more than this". He also reiterated that the violence in Gujarat 

was "a reaction" —though not justified—to the Godhra killings. (Indian Exp 28.3.02) 

29 th March 

Sack Modi to save Gujarat, say activists (7) 

NEW DELHI: A day after Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi met the Prime Minister to claim all was 

under control in his state, a group of civil liberties activists from Bar-oda came to Delhi to "tell the country 

that if Modi is not removed, nobody can save Gujarat".Journalist and human rights activist Kirit Bhatt — a 

co-accused with defence minister George Fer-nandes in the Emergency-era Bar-oda Dynamite case — 

told Times News Network that "Modi being called to Delhi is just a show, to ask for the score". Contrary to 

government claims, the activists from Gujarat say that now mobs are committing "low-intensity, 

high-precision violence" against Muslim property. (TOI 29.3.02) 

31 st March 

Curfew imposed in Khandwa (7) 

MARCH 29. Curfew was imposed in three areas of Khandwa town here today following clashes between 

two communities over a Holi festival related issue In which 12 police and four civilians sustained injuries, 

Khandwa Collector Praveen Garg told PTI that curfew has been imposed in Ghaspura, Ka-harwadi and 

Bhagatsingh areas following the arson and stone-throwing and six people have been nabbed in this 

connection. (Hindu 30.3.02) 

30th March 

Modi plays perfect policeman (7) 

Ahmedabad, March 29: If Narendra Modi wants, Narendra Modi can. Throttle the threat of violence, that 

is. Today was the Gujarat chief minister's first big test since his failure to prevent the riots after Godhra. 

Today was also Modi's first big test since he returned from Delhi after being handed a single-point agenda 

by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee: restore normality. Gujarat did not erupt in a festival of colours— 

Holi celebrations were muted—but it did not erupt in violence either, as had been feared after incendiary 

leaflets appeared in Ahmedab-ad's streets a couple of days ago. (Telegraph 30.3.02) 

31 st March 

Escalated violence leaves 6 dead, curfew imposed in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA: March 30: Gujarat continued to burn with violence escalating in Anand, 

Kadi, Borsad and Viramgam, leaving six dead and over 20 injured.- Fresh curfew has been imposed at 

Kadi and Viramgam apart from Ahmedabad, Baroda and other cities 'where curfew has continued for 

more than a week. 50 persons were arrested in Kadi for mob violence, while 1,000 arrested in Baroda for 

pillion riding. 162 arrested in Ahmedabad violations. More than hundred persons have already been 

arrested in the last two days in Ahmedabad as a precautionary measure. Violence escalated in Anand 

district on Friday night and continued on Saturday. Several incidents of mob violence were reported from 

Baroda, Kadi, Mehsana, Borsad and Viraitigam. Ahmedabad remained calm barring one stabbing incident 

on Saturday afternoon. (Asian Age 31.3.02) 

31 st March 

Modi over-enthusiastic in invoking Poto against Muslims (7) 

New Delhi, March 30: The Gujarat government went ahead and invoked the Prevention of Terrorism 

Ordinance against 62 Muslims who were allegedly involved in the Godhra carnage with out even taking 

the prerequisite action ' to enforce Poto, said Union law and justice minister Arun Jaitley. In an exclusive 

interview with The Asian Age, Mr Jaitley also dismissed any possibility of Opposition governed states not 

enforcing Pota. In response to a question on the efficacy of the newly passed Prevention of Terrorism Act, 

which was first enforced through an ordinance called Poto and particularly in respect of Gujarat which 

invoked POTO exclusively against the Muslims, the law minister said, "As far as several state 

governments are concerned, they have yet to take action for putting Poto into force even when the 

ordinance was there." (Asian Age 31.3.02) 

31st March

Communal violence in Bahraich, district tense (7) 

Lucknow, March 30: Tension and panic gripped Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday 

after an irate mob went on the rampage and threw stones at two places of worship, allegedly in 

retaliation to the desecration of a mazar. According to the police sources, a mazar Was found 

desecrated in the district on Saturday morning. Rumours of the pages of the Quran having been 

torn also spread around Ihe town following which an irate mob went on therampage and attempted to 

damage the Shiva temple and the Laleshwar temple in the Idgah locality. The mob also pelted stones at 

the police that tried to control the mob. The police had to resort to baton charge to disperse the 

crowds. (Asian Age 31.3.02) 

31 st March 

23 injured in Hazaribagh clash (7) 

HAZARTBAGH: Twenty-three people were injured, five of them seriously in a clash between Holi revellers 

and a group emerging from a local mosque after Friday namaaz. The trouble took place in Madanpur 

village of the Ichak police station, nearly 35 km away. Hazaribagh SP Deepka Verma told the Times News 

Network that the situation had been brought under control. (TOI 31.3.02) 

1st April 

Curfew to continue in Akola (7) 

Mumbai: CURFEW REMAINED in force in the entire city of Akola in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, as 

the toll in Saturday's Holi-related communal disturbances and the subsequent police firing rose to five on 

Sunday. Though unofficial sources put the riot toll at 7. the Akola Police maintained that the toll had not 

crossed five. In all, 20 people, including 12 police personnel, were injured in the disturbances. The curfew 

was imposed in the old parts of Akola immediately after trouble broke out on Saturday afternoon and it 

was extended to 

other parts of the city later in the night as a precautionary measure. "The curfew will continue indefinitely in 

the old city. However, in other parts of the city, we intend to relax the curfew on Monday morning," Special 

Inspector General of Police (Amaravati Range) Pankaj Gupta told The Pioneer over phone on Sunday 

evening. (Pioneer 1.4.02) 

1 st April 

Christian council demands disbanding of minority panel (7) 

JAIPUR, MARCH 31. The All India Christian Council today denounced the National Minorities Commission 

for its indifference to the State-sponsored violence against Muslims in Gujarat while working assiduously 

to legitimise the RSS by organising a fresh round of dialogue between some Christian groups and the 

RSS supremo, K. Sudershan. The Council's secretary general, John Dayal — who was here today to 

participate in a convention on communal harmony — accused the Minorities Commission of speaking with 

a forked tongue" and shedding crocodile tears" for the minorities who were victims of the Sangh Parivar 

while giving credibility to RSS by organising the dialogue. He regretted that the Commission had taken its 

own time taking cognizance of the violence against Muslims. It meekly accepted the rnortiflcation" of the 

Gujarat Government refusing it security when it sought to visit the affected areas. (Hindu 1.4.02) 

1 st April 

Gujarat burns again, 8 killed (7) 

March 31: Communal violence continued unabated throughout Saturday night and Sunday in several parts 

of Gujarat, claiming at least eight lives. Three persons were killed in the police firing and mob attacks at 

Gomtipur in Ahmedabad where at least 40 houses and shops were set ablaze. Chief minister Narendra 

Modi, meanwhile, said in Mumbai that Gujarat does not need do "mujra" in any Delhi Durbar but would 

progress "respectfully" on the strength of its five crore population. "Gujarat will progress on the strength of 

its 5 crore Gujaratis. Its willl not do mujra in any Delhi durbar. Those days are over," he said. Ironically, the 

chief minister's office released this statement on Sunday night, stressing that Gujarat's progress would not 

be hindered by any "difficulties or calamities." (Asian Age 1.4.02) 

1st April 

Modi spares relief camps (7)

Ahmedabad, March 31: Riot victims sheltered in the relief camps of Gujarat can breathe easy, at least for 

the moment. The state government has shelved its plan to close down the camps under pressure from the 

Relief Committee headed by Governor S.S.Bhandari. No camp will be dismantled or relocated before the 

victims are adequately compensated, chief minister Narendra Modi said at the first meeting of the 

14-member committee since its formation on March 25. "There is no move to wind up any relief camp or 

ask the riot victims to go home," said health minister Ashok Bhatt, a panel member. Modi had recently told 

the men in charge of five of the biggest camps in the city that he wanted some of the riot victims { to return 

home. Those living in the camps out of fear should go home, Modi had said and added that he would see 

to it that they get police protection. (Telegraph 1.4.02) 

1 st April 

Tension continues in Ahmedabad (7) 

Ahmedabad: Two persons succumbed to injuries on Sunday, taking the toll in violent incidents in Gujarat 

in the past 48 hours to nine, while two others including a BSF jawan were injured in fresh violence in 

Vejalpur Sunday night police said on Monday. Violence continued in parts of Ahmedabad and other parts 

of the state with reports of arson and attacks from souther, central and northern regions, police said. 


2 nd April 

Gujarat riots are an answer to Jihad: VHP (7) 

New Delhi, April 1: The VHP on Monday sought to justify the continuing violence in Gujarat describing it as 

a popular upsurge and people's answer to jihadi terrorism. "The Indian state and (pseudo) secularism has 

failed to protect Hindus and control jihadi terrorism and hence people are fast making up their mind to 

defend themselves. What is happening in Gujarat is not communal riots but people's answer to Islamic 

jihad," VHP international general secretary Praveenbhai Togadiya said. He alleged that Indian polity, 

including NDA, has been practising one-way secularism and acting as a defendent of jihadi terrorism. 

While asserting that VHP was not justifying the violence in Gujarat, he said: "But what is happening in 

Gujarat is an upsurge, a rebellion." Citing an instance of one way secularism, he said, "Thousands of 

terrorists have been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir over the past several years but not even one has 

been punished so far. When they are not punished, the Hindu loses faith in the system." Asian Age 

2.4.02) 

2nd April 

Modi faces PM’s grilling on April 4 (7) 

New Delhi: ON HIS Gujarat visit on Thursday, Atal Bihari Vajpayee will ask Narendra Modi the answers to 

questions he put to him at their March 27 meeting in New Delhi. 

• Why is the violence continuing? 

• What has been done to restore order and minority confidence? 

• What is the government's relief and rehabilitation plan? 

The Prime Minister will expect the chief minister to respond in clear, unambiguous language, sources 

said. Vajpayee is scheduled to address a press conference later in the day 

On his daylong tour, the Prime Minister will meet a cross-section of people and visit relief camps where 

more than 100,000 Muslims have been staying since the violence erupted on February^. (Hindustan 

Times 2.4.02) 

3 rd April 

SC hearing on minority institutions rights starts (7) 

NEW DEDHI: In a bid to clear the long-standing confusion over the rights of minority-run institutions and 

also the meaning of "minority" under the secular Constitution, a 11-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on 

Tuesday started hearing a batch of petitions awaiting its indulgence for nine years. The Bench comprises 

of Justice B N Kirpal, Justice V N Khare, Justice S Rajendra Babu, Justice Syed Shah Mohammed 

Quadri, Justice Ruma Pal, Justice S N Variava, Justice K G Balakrishnan, Justice P Venkatarama Reddi, 

Justice Ashok Bhan and Justice Arijit Passayat. The long-awaited hearing has a chequered past. In 

October 1993, t five-judge Bench referred the matter to a seven-judge Bench framing three questions,

including "what is the meaning and content of the ex pression 'minority' in Article 30 of the Constitution?" 

(TOI 3.4.02) 

3 rd April 

Riots spread to Kutch, too (7) 

AHMEDABAD/ANJAR: Two days ahead of the Prime Minister's visit to riot-hit areas of Gujarat, sporadic 

incidents of violence continued in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Anand and Ankleshwar on Tuesday. Communal 

violence also erupted in Kutch, which had been relatively calm during the past one month when riots 

scarred the rest of the state. Indefinite curfew was clamped in Anjar town on Tuesday after damage to 

three places of worship. Idols in two temples, besides a dargah and 25 shops were damaged. The police 

fired five rounds to disperse the mobs. Kutch collector H.N. Chibber said the situation worsened after 

reports of damage to the idols spread in the town. Two temples and a dargah were damaged around 9.30 

a.m. As many as 55 persons from both the communities have been arrested. (TOI 3.4.02) 

3 rd April 

Gujarat officials work overtime to present clean image to PM (7) 

AHMEDABAD: The deadline is Thursday. List of things to be done include: Cash doles for riot victims, a 

dictat to ensure there is no fresh rioting in urban areas and, of course, sparkling clean relief camps. Effort 

to give a clean image to Ahmedabad has begun in earnest with the bureaucracy in Ahmedabad and 

Gandhinagar working like a well-oiled machine. Holding high-level meetings, issuing stringent orders to 

keep matters shipshape— especially at the 48 relief camps in and around Ahmedabad — the top-brass of 

Gujarat was hard at work till late on Tuesday. Their agenda is one-point — a city at its primmest when 

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee comes visiting on Thursday. After all the Gujarat chief minister's fate 

might be hanging in balance. (Times of India 3.4.02) 

3rd April 

BJP edits NHRC report (7) 

NEW DELHI: Upset at the criticism of the Narendra Modi government by the National Human Rights 

Commission (NHRC), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday accused the media of "one-sided 

coverage of the NHRC report". Worse, in a one-page note made from extremely selective pickings from 

the rather damning 17-page NHRC report, the party actually tried to establish that the panel had in fact 

"appreciated" the role of the Modi government. 

But a reading of these excerpts, along with the original report, indicates that it is the BJP which is guilty of 

a "one-sided reading" of the report. The party has blatantly excised critical observations from the midst of 

paragraphs quoted, without providing even the customary ellipsis. For instance, it quotes the NHRC as 

saying,"The Commission has taken good note of the 'Relief, Rescue and Rehabilitation Measures' 

undertaken by the state government. In many instances, strenuous efforts have been made by collectors 

and other district officers, often acting on their own initiative." (TOI 3.4.02) 

3 rd April 

RSS guards Modifrom PM (7) 

New Delhi, April 2: Prime' Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's hands have been effectively tied by the RSS 

which is opposed to any action against its new protege, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Riding high 

on RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad support, Mr Modi has refused to follow Mr Vajpayee's directive to 

begin large-scale rehabilitation of the victims, ensuring instead that the remaining houses are gutted by 

arsonists in Ahmedabad. Mr Modi has been severely indicted by the National Commission for Human 

Rights but the report has elicited no response from the government at the Centre. (Asian Age 3.4.02) 

3 rd April 

Violence now spreads to Anjar, acid attack on police (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 2: Mobs targeted policepersonnel in different parts of Gujarat on Tuesday as violence 

continued to spread to new areas. Baroda police commissioner D.D. Tuteja escaped an acid attack in 

Nawabvada Patni area as he tried to quell two stone-pelting mobs. Police personnel were attacked by 

mobs at Anjar in Kutch and Ankleshwar in south Gujarat, compelling the police to o'pen fire in which three 

persons were injured. In Ahme4abad, four people were stabbed in different localities and the Army had to

e summoned in Khanpur area after mobs went berserk late on Monday night. One person died in police 

firing at Umreth and 12 have been admitted to hospital with serious injuries. (Asian Age 3.4.02) 

3 rd April 

Ahmedabad may see a Bhopal rerun (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 2: IF THE recent trend of attacks on industrial estates here continues, Ahmedabad 

could see the kind of tragedy that hit Bhopal in 1984. About half-a-dozen industrial units in the city have 

been attacked in the last 10 days and many of them are chemical factories, which, if attacked, could send 

out toxic fumes on a large scale. 

Since Gujarat produces one-fifth of chemicals and ancillary products — including paints, plastics and 

pharmaceuticals -there are thousands of storage and processing facilities dealing with hazardous 

chemicals, especially around Ahmedabad. "We shudder to think of the consequences if any of the 

godowns or units are set on fire by miscreants," said the owner of a chemical unit. (Hindustan Times 

3.4.02) 

4 th April 

Violence erupts again on eve of PM’s Gujarat visit (7) 

AHMEDABAD, APRIL 3. On the eve of the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to the riot-hit areas 

in Gujarat tomorrow, at least nine persons were killed in violent incidents. Six of them were burnt alive in 

Abasana village in Ahmedabad district. Some of the walled city areas in Ahmedabad were brought I 

under an indefinite curfew today after the city witnessed pitched battles between two groups in 

Gomtipur where two persons were killed and nine injured in police firing. One person was killed in the 

police firing in Umreth in central Gujarat. Police beat up people in Gomtipur and Vejalpur, severely injuring 

at least 80 persons. The continued disturbances figured in the Assembly and the House was adjourned 

sine die after it completed:the, remaining business of the current budget session in the absence of the 

Opposition members who were suspended earlier for disrupting the proceedings. (Hindu 4.4.02) 

4th April 

Gujarat family of five burnt alive (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 5: Gujarat continued to burn on Wednesday, the eve of Prime Minister Atal Behari 

Vajpayee's visit, shattering Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's claims of normalcy and the state 

government's facade of law and order. Five members of a family, the only 

Muslims in ,a populatioift of 2000 at Abasan village, about 70 km from Ahmedabad, were burnt alive by 

mobs from a neighbouring village on Wednesday, the 34th consecutive day of violence. Ironically, 

the-entire village had participated to the wedding of a girl of this Muslim family just six weeks ago.Prime 

Minister Vajpayee will be visiting Gujarat on Thursday for the first time after the riots. During his one-day 

visit, he will go to Godhra and then fly to Ahmedabad where he will visit one Hindu and one Muslim relief 

camp. (Asian Age 4.4.02) 

4 th April 

Pamphlets used to provoke Hindus (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 3: Inflammatory literature in the form of pamphlets continues to be circuited in 

Ahmedabad. Pamphlets urging people to "drive out" members of minority community and "come, let's 

unite to form a Hindu Rashtra" are being circulated in in the Old City areas of Ahmedabad. If pamphlets 

reading "Jago! Utho Vicharo: Amal Kara Desk Bachavo Dharma bhachavo! Hindustan ko Pakistan mat 

banne do (Awake! Arise! Implement! Save the nation and religion! Don't let Hindustan turn into Pakistan)" 

are being used to provoke Hindus, others incite Muslims with messages like, "Masjid banakar rahegi, ham 

kafiro ko masjid to kya smashan bhee nahi banane denge, har musalman ki khwaish hai (Masjid will be 

constructed at any cost; Forget the temple, we will not allow construction of a crematorium also by 

atheists. It is the desire of every Muslim)." Many leaflets urge Hindus to pledge not to buy anything from 

Muslim-owned shops and also support the boycott of films starring Muslim actors. According to 

Intelligence Bureau sources, as many as 20 such pamphlets with provocative literature are reportedly 

being circulated in predominantly'Hindu and Muslim areas. (Asian Age 4.4.02) 

5 th April

I have full faith in Modi: Vajpayee (7) 

Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today accepted that Gujarat has suffered serious 

economic impact due to the recent riots in the state. Stating this at a news conference after his day-long 

visit Mr Vajpayee, said there were a large number of entrepreneurs, including foreign ones, who were 

willing to invest heavily in the state but for the trouble. "The primary requirement is that the state maintains 

law and order," he said adding that people would invest only if they are sure about the future. Mr Vajpayee 

announced that a survey would be carried out to assess the damage to commercial establishments, 

factories and shops. He also assured the industry that the Centre, along with state, would announce a 

detailed package for the economic revival. ( Economic Times 5.4.02) 

5 th April 

One Killed in police firing, curfew in parts of Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad: April 4: The situation in Ahmedabad remained peaceful throughout the day while Prime 

Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visited the state on Thursday. Meanwhile, one person was killed in police 

firing when a mob indulged in stone throwing in Modasa. Another incident occurred in Ankleshwar where 

three shops in Mullawad were torched. In Modasa curfew was clamped immediately following the incident. 

Violence began when acid was thrown on three students returning after appearing for their examinations 

and some other people. Then mobs on both sides pelted stones. The police fired several teargas shells 

and rounds of cartridges to bring the situation under control. Several persons were injured in the police 

firing and other violence. They were taken to the hospital for treatment. (Asian Age 5.4.02) 

5 th April 

Atal’s ration for the riot-ravaged (7) 

Ahmedabad: PRIME MINISTER Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Thursday announced a package of relief 

measures for the riot-hit people of Gujarat including two-month free ration to below poverty line (BPL) 

families living in affected areas. Announcing the package at the end of his day-long visit to Godhra and 

Ahmedabad and some relief camps sheltering violence victims, Mr Vajpayee said each affected BPL 

family would be provided with 35 kg of food-grain. This measure has been taken as these families were 

suffering economically and they had no jobs, he said. Mr Vajpayee said the expenditure on foodgrain 

provided in relief camps would be borne by the Centre. Each bereaved family would be paid Rs 1 lakh as 

ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, Mr Vajpayee said, adding this would be in addition to Rs 

50,000 each being given to these families by the State Government. Those who suffered permanent 

disability in the violence would be given Rs 50,000 (Pioneer 5.4.02) 

5th April 

Jains are not Hindus, apex court told (7) 

New Delhi, April 4: The largest Constitution bench hearing issues of "minority", "religion" and "language" 

was today told that Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis could not be taken to be part of Hindu religion 

simply because Hindu laws applied to them for marriage, inheritance, and adoption. Arguing that 

"philosophy is broader and law is narrower", senior counsel and former Union law minister Shanti 

Bhiishan, appearing for Jains' educational institutions, told the 11-judge bench that "historically and 

culturally" Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains came from 

Hindus and hence the Hindu laws were applied. But that "does not mean that they are not a separate 

religion and only (a) part of (the) Hindu mainstream". (Telegraph 5.4.02) 

5 th April 

A devout Muslim distributes the Gita (7) 

VADODARA: "What happened in the past one month cannot be defined as communal riots. It was a 

conspiracy to create poison in the minds of people against Muslims. Secularists lost the battle," says Ishaq 

Chinwala, a Gandhian, a vegetarian and a devout Muslim. Even seeing his factory being burnt down 

during the riots has not deterred him from doing what he is known for — distributing free copies of the 

Gita. Chinwala is a part of the "sar-vodaya team" which is helping out the Vadodara Shanti Abhiyan, a 

group of NGOs carrying out relief work in various camps in the city; and, he is helping not just the 

Muslims, who were victims of carnage, but also Hindus who have lost their livelihood due to the curfew. 

"Secularism exists, but this time it lost out to fundamental forces," Chinwala says. (Times of India 5.4.02)

6 th April 

Muslim schoolkids targeted in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 5: THE POGROM in Gujarat may be far from over. Intelligence collated by the Gujarat 

Police reveals that "Hindu activists" are piecing together a survey to identify students from rich, educated 

Muslim families in some prominent schools here. The objective, sources say, is to sustain the fear 

psychosis that has overcome the minority community, resulting in a sharp drop in the number of Muslim 

students attending school. "By conducting the survey, these religious maniacs are trying to force Muslim 

families to get their wards to leave these schools for good. A kind of cleansing of the education system, 

without spilling any blood," said a senior police officer. The three schools targeted are Xavier's Loyola Hall, 

Diwan Ballu Bhai and Ankur. (HT 6.4.02) 

6 th April 

Eleven stabbed, Ahmedabad tense (7) 

Ahmedabad: April 5: Eleven persons were stabbed in Ahmedabad on Friday, a day after Prime Minister 

Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit. Some incidents of stone-throwing and arson were reported from Godhra and 

Baroda. One person was killed in police firing at Lunawada village near Godhra, on Thursday night. (Asian 

Age 6.4.02) 

6th April 

Communal violence hits W Bengal, 1 dead (7) 

KOLKATA.APRIL5: COMMUNAL violence hit West Bengal—touted by its chief minister Buddhadeb 

Bhattacharya as an 'oasis of peace' — today, leaving one person dead and eight injured, four of them 

critically, when members of two communities clashed in Hooghly district, an hour's drive from here. The 

police denied any casualty, however, and said only one person was critically injured in the violence. "One 

person, who was part of a group of hooligans 

chased by the police near a mosque at Sagoonbagan, fell and the bomb he was carrying in his pocket 

burst injuring him critically," IG (Law and Order) Chayan Mukherjee told reporters. (Indian Exp 6.4.002) 

6 th April 

RSS, VHP ‘sneer’ at ‘soft’ PM (7) 

New Delhi, April 5: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has returned from Ahmedabad leaving both the 

RSS and the secular groups unhappy with his visit. Angry RSS and VHP leaders here said, "Vajpayee is 

virtually presiding over the liquidation of the BJP" while the secular voluntary groups working in 

Ahmedabad telephoned The Asian Age to express "shock" that the Prime Minister did not indict the 

Gujarat chief minister despite the widespread demand for his removal. RSS and VHP leaders here said 

that Mr Vajpayee should have been bolder in his support for the chief minister and given a clean chit to the 

RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad cadres. The organisation is particularly upset about the use of 

the word "ashamed" by the Prime Minister with leaders wanting to know how he would show his 

face to the Hindus in India after failing to defend the RSS cadres in Gujarat. (Asian Age 6.4.02) 

7 th April 

Ahmedabad tense after 4 die in Friday night attacks (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 6: Though only two minor incidents of violence were reported from Ahmedabad on 

Saturday, the city continued to be tense. Four people died in Friday night's violence here. The situation in 

other parts of the state remained more or less peaceful. An incident of stabbing was reported from Rajpur 

Mill Road, Gomtipur, on Saturday morning. A man received minor injuries in the incident. The police 

arrested 71 persons in connection with the violence that broke out in Sabarmati and Vatva on Friday night. 

An indefinite curfew was clamped in these two areas following the violence. Incidents of stone-pelting 

were also reported from Durga Mata-ni-Pol in Kalupur on Saturday afternoon. The police used 22 teargas 

shells to bring the situa-, tion under control. No untoward incidents were reported from any other parts of 

the city. (Asian Age 7.4.02) 

7th April 

Ahmedabad relief camp children face bleak future (7)

Ahmedabad, April 6: Education of children residing in various relief camps in the city has taken a severe 

blow owing to the riots. The young minds, who have watched violence from close quarters, want to 

continue their education but do not wish to return to their homes and their schools. Take the case of 

seven-year-old Yusuf, who watched his mother being burnt by a mob. Now at the relief camp at Juhapura, 

the child's face contorts with anger when he recalls the incident. Ask him if he wishes to study and he 

breaks into a smile. "Padhna chaahta ho, par yahan par, ghar vapis nahin jaaonga (I want to study here 

but don't wish to return tb my house)," he said. The official at the camp H.I. Pathan said anganwadis are 

being run for the children to study at the relief camp. (Asian Age 7.4.02) 

7 th April 

Magnitude of disturbances overwhelmed the police: NCM (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 6. Even as the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today sought to haul the 

Gujarat administration over the coals, its preliminary report offers some concessions to the State 

machinery which has come in for drubbing from most quarters. In its "tentative conclusions" — released to 

the media after its three-hour meeting with top officials of the Gujarat administration — the NCM made 

several observations that are sure to provide some breathing space to the beleaguered State 

Government. Of the view that "fire" was used to intimidate and destroy evidence in many crimes, the NCM 

said "the administration had few wherewithal to halt or prevent it. As the process gathered momentum, the 

State merely watched while it initially burnt itself out." And the minorities, "attributed this to the malice of 

the State against themselves." (Hindu 7.4.02) 

7 th April 

Gujarat CM now targets judges (7) 

Gandhinagar, April 6: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi now wants a list of judges serving in Gujarat 

who have a "track record" of giving "anti-government verdicts.'' Hardly 48 hours after Prime Minister Atal 

Behari Vajpayee left Gujarat after advising chief minister Modi to follow his Rajdharma and instructing 

officials to do their duties conscientiously, bureaucrats of the Gujarat government have got busy preparing 

a list of judges. A top bureaucrat told The Asian Age that verbal instructions to prepare this list had directly 

come from the chief minister. Mr Modi has reportedly asked Gujarat chief secretary to furnish him a list of 

judges who are "known for regularly giving anti-government judgments." The bureaucrats are reportedly 

planning to seek the help of the state legal department to make the list. (Asian Age 7.4.02) 

7th April 

NCM raps Modi Govt., wants more minorities in police (7) 

New Delhi, April 6: THE NATIONAL Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Saturday underlined the need for 

recruiting people from the minority communities in the police to deal with the ongoing communal violence 

in Gujarat. The commission suggested that recruitment of people belonging to different linguistic and 

religious minorities in the police can ensure impartial handling of riots. Commission chairman Justice 

Mohammed Shamim said: "In case such people are not available for appointment as police officials, the 

state government can hire the services of officials belonging to (the) minority communities from other 

states." Justice Shamim was addressing mediapersons at the end of a three-hour long meeting between 

members of the commission and.top Gujarat officials. (Hindustan Times 7.4.02) 

7 th April 

Even hospitals are divided along communal lines (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Hospitals is the last place where one would expect to see communal polarisation that has 

split Gujarat down the middle. But in riot-torn Ahmedabad, even government and municipal hospitals are 

divided along communal lines. In the communal carnage that followed the Godhra massacre on February 

27, altogether 226 patients were brought to the LG Hospital, Maninagar, of which 202 are Hindus and 24 

Muslims. In stark contrast, of the 580 riot victims admitted to the VS Hospital, 80 per cent are Muslims! 

The ghetto preference continues in Civil hospital where of the 362 riot-patients, 234 are Hindus and 105 

Muslims. (Times of India 7.4.02) 

8 th April 

Five IPS officers transferred (7)

AHMEDABAD:The IPS fraternity received yet another jolt on Sunday when the state government 

transferred five senior IPS officers of the additional director-general (ADO) of police and director-general 

of police (DGP) ranks with immediate effect. Notwithstanding the flak the Modi regime received for the 

transfers of superintendents of police, in this case too some of the officers have been transferred after 

brief stints, for acting against the interests of the government, especially in the post-Godhra period. The 

officers transferred are ADG (administration) A K Bhar-gav who has now been moved to the Armed Units 

& Training in place of ADG R B Shreekumar, a move that was long overdue since Bhargav had been in 

charge of administration for over four years. Shreekumar who has worked in the intelligence department 

of the Kerala government is now ADG (intelligence) in place of G C Raiger who replaces Bhargav. (Times 

of India 8.4.02) 

8 th April 

Angry Gujarat mob loots Muslim girl’s dahej (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 7: When Femida Kureshi and her 60-year-old mother, Rasheeda Bibi, fled their homes 

at Sabarmati Jawahar Chowk to escape a chasing mob, little did they know that their lives will change for 

good. The money saved by Rasheeda Bibi for her 20-year-old daughter's dahej has been looted, leaving 

her marriage plans in limbo. Taking shelter at the Juhapura relief camp Femida Kureshi and her mother 

are living with the hope that her betrothed will "understand" her plight and will go ahead with the marriage 

that was scheduled in another two months. (Asian Age 8.4.02) 

8 th April 

Foreign donors stay away from Gujarat riot victims (7) 

Ahmedabad: Voluntary bodies in Gujarat never had a problem raising international funds for their 

development and humanitarian activities until the recent communal riots. NGOs are now finding it difficult 

to convince foreign donors to help the riot victims. Is it mere donor fatigue, as thev have already pumped 

in a lot of money into Gujarat, or don't they want to be seen as supporting relief work in a communally 

charged situation? Many here fuel donor fatigue is not the issue. "If foreign agencies fund NGOs helping 

riot victims, it would be considered political in terventinn and they don't wain that." says an angry Supriya 

Akerkar who heads Gujaral opera tions for Action Aid, a leading funding agency. (TOI 8.4.02) 

8th April 

Rethink time for investors in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 7: Three weeks before the budget, industrialists gathered for a three-day meet — 

Resurgent Gujarat. Most decided Gujarat was a great investment destination. 

Three weeks later, a lot of people were having second thoughts as Gujarat burned, post-Godhra. A 

German manufacturing company was in the final stages of setting up shop in south Gujarat. News of the 

riots reached the German headquarters. Promptly came the message: pack up and relocate to some 

other state. Around the same time, an American biotech firm was planning to set up a clinical research 

unit in Gujarat. It followed in the footsteps of the German company. A pharmaceutical firm headquartered 

in Calcutta was in the final stages of shifting base to Ahmedabad. It has shelved its plan. So did a number 

of companies which were planning to move out of expensive Mumbai to low-cost Ahmedabad. (Telegraph 

8.4.02) 

9 th April 

Second Gujarat IAS officer quits (7) 

Gandhinagar, April 8: Senior IAS officer Vijay Ranchan, who was recently posted as the principal 

secretary for cow protection and pilgrimage places, has put in his papers. Mr. Ranchan, who is an 1967 

IAS batch officer and one of the senior most bureaucrats in Gujarat, said there is disenchantment within 

the younger IAS officers because of the way in which their own colleagues have handled situations in riot 

hit state. Decisions were taken by officials after gauging the mood of the political bosses. Sometimes they 

read it correctly while at other times they misread it completely, Mr. Ranchan said. (Asian Age 9.4.02) 

9 th April 

PM reaction to determine next move (7)

New Delhi, April 8: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and the BJP will face a stormy Parliament next 

week with the NDA allies joining the Opposition in demanding the removal of Gujarat chief minister 

Narendra Modi. The . allies are, however, still reluctant to withdraw support, saying that this "extreme 

step" will depend entirely on the Prime Minister's response to their demand. The BJP is facing isolation in 

Parliament with the regional NDA partners worried about the adverse impact of the Gujarat carnage on 

their constituencies. (Asian Age 9.4.02) 

9 th April 

Congress steps up attack on Narendra Modi (7) 

New Delhi: THE CONGRESS on Monday heightened the level of at-• tack on the Bharatiya Janata Party 

(BJP) by expressing fear that it now wanted to impose a fascist rule on the country. Party president Sonia 

Gandhi has called a meeting of the Congress Working Committee late Monday evening to discuss the 

continuing violence in Gujarat and the Centre's refusal to replace Chief Minister Narendra Modi. The 

party's top policy-making body will decide the future course of action, including its strategy in Parliament 

when the Budget Session reopens next Monday. Senior leaders are of the opinion that the party should 

not let Parliament function till Mr Modi is shown the door. (Pioneer 9.4.02) 

10 th April 

Patkar not the first to pay for talking peace in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD,APR1L9_: MEDHAPatkar is not the only to have faced the stick for talking' peace in 

Gujarat. So have others— be it Gandhians, NGOs, social activists or students. 

In caseofPatkar, the BJP Youth Wing members who protested against her demonstration cited her 

opposition to the Sardar Sarovar Project (SSP). But what about Swami Agnivesh, who has never opposed 

the project. Last week, the swami and some others who had come from Delhi to hold peace meetings in 

the city had to abandon their programme after threats. The management of Ishwar Bhavan in 

Navrangpura where they were staying, was told to evict them. On March 19, hoardings appealing for 

peace put up by the Citizen Council at various places were blackened and then burnt. Earlier, 

academicians and students of the Indian Institute of Management had to abandon their sit-in for peace 

when a group tore up their posters, vandalised their platform and threatened them. (Indian Exp 10.4.02) 

10th April 

Pamphlet urges reprisal in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 9: AS THE violence continues in Gu-jarat, an intelligence report says Muslim men in 

camps and safe houses across the city are being urged to take up guerrilla warfare. The chief coordinator 

of the Shah Alam camp, however, described the report as baseless. The intelligence report is based on a 

pamphlet distributed at the Shah Alam refugee camp and the Juapura locality The pamphlet — titled Give 

Challenge to Open Terrorism by Covert Terrorism — has been released by a previously unknown outfit, 

the Lashkar-e-Khelendeen. The pamphlet urges Muslims to follow a list of dos and don'ts while carrying 

out attacks. The pamphlet states that mob violence must be replaced with carefully planned guerrilla 

strikes on government institutions, schools, municipalities and the police. The aim of the 'movement': 

destroying the "Narendra Modi terrorist organisation". (Hindustan Times 10.4.02) 

10 th April 

Minorities panel offers peace plan (7) 

New Delhi, April 9: Further toughening its stance against the Narendra Modi Gujarat government, the 

National Commission for Minorities has asked that the commission appointed by the state government to 

look into the incidents of violence in the state be headed by a sitting judge of the Supreme Court: The 

commission has suggested a 10-point formula to restore normalcy and confidence of the minorities in the 

state administration on 'the basis of its meeting with a team of state officials on April 6. The commission's 

suggestions, put forth in a communication to state chief secretary G. Subba Rao, said the policy of political 

transfers that is "now being indulged in" was contrary to the norms of good governance and needs to be 

"stopped immediately as this would further destroy confidence in the government machinery." The 

commission, which had on Saturday expressed dissatisfaction over the state government's handling of the 

situation, said that officers who had done excellent work in protecting the lives and properties of the

minority community should be recognised and honoured and rewarded. "This has still not been done," it 

said. (Asian Age 10.4.02) 

10 th April 

Crisis in NDA over Modi (7) 

New Delhi, April 9: THE GUJARAT riots have claimed their first victim in the National Democratic 

Alliance (NDA). A senior Samata functionary quit his posts on Tuesday evening, protesting the paty’sflip 

flop on Narendra Modi. What made matters worse for the NDA was a demand from Ram Vilas Paswan’s 

Lok Janshakti Party that Modi should be sacked and President’s rule clamped on Gujarat. A serious 

constitutional crisis has arisen in the state, LJP vice president Ramvire Singh Bidhuri said. (Hindustan 

Times 10.4.02) 

11 th April 

Communalclash in Kalyan claims 3 lives (7) 

MUMBAI, APRIL 10. An old feud between two persons belonging to different communities led to a fight, 

which later resulted in mob violence and arson and claimed the lives of three persons in Kalyan town near 

here. Curfew was subsequently imposed in the area. The pattern of violence has assumed a communal 

colour even as the Shiv Sena claimed that one of the dead was its man. Efforts were taken to control the 

situation to prevent a major communal conflagration because its impact could well be felt elsewhere, 

especially in Mumbai which has otherwise been without such incidents for a long time. (Hindu 11.4.02) 

11th April 

Doctors jittery in Muslim areas (7) 

AHMEDABAD: "All Hindu doctors are warned that they are not safe practising in Muslim-dominated areas. 

They are thus requested to stop practising in such areas and also in the minority-trust-run hospitals with 

immediate effect." This message issued by the Ahmedabad Doctors' Forum, which has about 100 active 

members in the city, came as a direct fall-out of the attack on Dr Amit Mehta, who was repeatedly stabbed 

in his clinic in Juhapura on Tuesday. The incident sent shock waves through the medical fraternity. "In the 

past too, Hindu doctors practising in Muslim-dominated areas like Jamalpur, Gomtipur have been fatally 

attacked. And Tuesday's attack on Dr Mehta should serve as a warning to Hindu doctors to quit practising 

in Muslim areas," founder-member of the ADF Dr Bharat Amin told Times News Network. (Times of India 

11.4.02) 

11 th April 

Modi still safe as CM (7) 

NEW DELHI: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi does not appear to be in the firing line despite the 

embarrassrjient he has caused Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee internationally, and the mounting 

pressure f|om the Opposition, not to mentioi a voice or two from among the NBA allies. "There is no 

question of removing Modi at this stage. The Congress is making a mistake by pres-suring the BJP — this 

will only strengthen Modi's hands," a senior BJP leader observed. At the forthcoming BJP national 

executive, where Godhra and Gujarat will form part of the political resolution; a few persons are expected 

to take potshots at Modi. (TOI 11.4.02) 

11 th April 

Minority officers flee Modi’s Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 10: Muslims who can are fleeing Narendra Modi's Gujarat. Shaken by the riots, IPS 

officers and senior employees of government organisations have started packing their bags. M.A. Wadoo, 

an ONGC official whose rented apartment was ransacked by a mob and belongings worth Rs 5.3 lakh 

destroyed, has sought a transfer "on humanitarian grounds". "I lost.everything I had earned in 27 years of 

service. I have so much pain within me that I cannot express. I just want to leave Gujarat. I cannot live in 

perpetual fear. I cannot move about freely here. For the past 25 days, my daughter has not moved out of 

this room (ONGC transit accommodation)," he said. The officer, who had gone home to Andhra Pradesh 

when ONGC flew its Muslim officers out of the state for their safety, has returned only because his 

daughter has to sit for the Class XII board examinations. (Telegraph 11.4.02)

12 th April 

Trinamool men burn PM’s effigy, chief disowns them (7) 

KOLKATA, APRIL 11: TRINAMOOL Congress chief Mamata Banerjee found herself in a spot today when 

two of her partyMLAs held a snap demonstration in the city burning an effigy of Prime Minister-AJB. 

Vajpayee and demanding his resignation over the Gujarat riots.Banerjee quickly disowned the 

demonstration as a party programme — the Trinamool is a partner of the NDA coalition at the Centre. "It 

was definitely against party rules and the Trinamool Legislature party will decide on the disciplinary steps 

to be taken against the MLAs," she said. 

The two MLAs — Paresh Paul and Tarak Banerjee — are already under the Trinamool chief's scanner for 

sus: pected floor-crossing and voting in favour of the Congress nominee in the recent Rajya Sabha. 

elections. (Indian Exp 12.4.02) 

12 th April 

Cong launches high-voltage campaign for Modi ouster (7) 

New Delhi: 11 APRIL: THE Congress today launched a high-voltage campaign across the country to press 

for the dismissal of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his "failure" to contain communal violence 

which claimed over 800 lives in the state. Senior Congress leaders and workers wore black badges, sat 

on dhar-na and took out processions as part of their agitational programme to mobilise public opinion 

against the Modi government. 

In Gujarat, Pradesh Congress Committee President Amarsinh Chaudhary and leader of the opposition in 

the assembly Naresh Raval joined hundreds of Congress workers at a dhama in Gandhinagar. (Economic 

Times 12.4.02) 

12th April 

Naidu calls for Modi’s ouster (7) 

Hyderabad, April 11: TELUGU DESAM (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday responded to 

increasing pressures from within his party and the opinion of his sizeable Muslim constituency to demand 

the removal of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 

Naidu, who had on Tuesday disagreed with the Samata Party's demand for Modi's resignation saying 

"resignation is not the solution", changed tack when the party's 11-member politburo unanimously 

favoured sending out the message that TDP would not tolerate any attack on the country's secular ethos. 

The members pointed to findings that have indicted the Gujarat Government. After listening to the 

members for nearly three hours, Naidu made up his mind. A press note was issued by the party late in the 

evening demanding Modi's immediate ouster, (HT 12.4.02) 

12 th April 

Time for NDA allies to act (7) 

K.G. Kannabiran, national president of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, has written an open letter to 

the BJP's coalition partners on Gujarat: It says: 

The events in Gujarat are not just a crisis for that State alone. Everyday several lives are lost, almost 

always from the minority community. Everyday more people are injured and more families flee into the 

hellholes that we euphemistically call 'relief camps'. Everyday there is more grief, more suffering and more 

hatred in Gandhi's State. What we are witnessing in Gujarat is not an aberration, an isolated incident, or 

any kind of 'spontaneous reaction.' Rather, it is the calculated slaughter of thousands of people and 

constitutional, democratic and human norms. In sum, the demolition of everything moral or legal about our 

country. 

At a time when the country should be blanketed in grief, when communities should be joining hands to 

heal one another, we see nothing except continued political support for the violence. The Gujarat Chief 

Minister, Narendra Modi, remains in his seat. As a Government, the Gujarat administration has lost all 

moral authority to rule. Given that all this is occurring, one question comes to the fore: what are you 

doing? You are the BJP's alliance partners in Government. As partners, you were elected on the basis of 

the avowedly secular national agenda for governance and given a mandate under the Constitution. Both 

are being ripped to shreds in the flames of Gujarat. As you yourselves have pointed out, the BJP has 

made it clear that it will not be bound by the niceties of alliance manifestoes. And yet, apart from harsh 

rhetoric and internal meetings, you have essentially done nothing. When the Government tried to rewrite

history textbooks, you maintained a studied silence. When POTA was put before the House, you promptly 

voted for the Bill, even though it is a far greater threat to democracy than its intended targets. Now, some 

of you make commendable and frank statements about the need for a firm response. (Hindu 12.4.02) 

12 th April 

Jaitley in Gujarat to press for Modi exit (7) 

NEW DELHI/ HYDERABAD, April 11. — On the eve of the BJP national executive meet in Goa, the 

Centre today sent the law minister, Mr Arun Jaitley, to Gandhinagar to persuade Mr Narendra Modi to 

voluntarily resign, party leaders said. With the TDP joining other NDA allies in the oust of Modi campaign 

and virtually issuing an ultimatum to the BJP leadership earlier in the day, Mr. Modi may be forced to step 

down. Arriving in Ahmedabad, Mr Jaitley had, however, denied the unscheduled visit had anything to do 

with a change of guard. The BJP president, Mr Jana Krishnamurthy, earlier issued a statement from Goa 

quashing reports of Mr Modi's resignation. The Prime Minister, who returned from his foreign tour tonight, 

was apprised of the views of; some key BJP allies who have turned the heat on the Centre to replace the 

chief minister. (Statesman 12.4.02) 

13 th April 

Minorities must earn majority goodwill: Jana (7) 

Panaji, April 12: BJP CHIEF Jana Krishnamurthi on Friday virtually endorsed the RSS resolution that the 

minorities should earn the goodwill of the majority community for overall well being. He even defended the 

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi by using terminology similar to what was used earlier by Modi. The 

party's president's endorsement of the controversial RSS resolution at Bangalore is also being seen as an 

attempt to thwart any move removal Modi. Simultaneously it is being viewed as the revival of the Hindutva 

agenda as well as some of the issues kept on the backburner during the formation of the NDA. 

Addressing the National Executive, Krishnamurthi expressed sentiments which were identical to those 

contained in the RSS resolution. (HT 13.4.02) 

13th April 

In Gujarat, the VHP puts its pamphlet where BJP mouth is (7) 

AHMEDABAD, APRIL 12: THE sum total of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's new "consciousness" campaign 

is contained in a two-page pamphlet in Gujarati printed on blue-coloured paper that's now doing the 

rounds of the state. Issued in the name of VHP state treasurer Chinubhai Patel, the pamphlet aims to 

raise the "conscience" of Hindus, and asks them to "save our country by boycotting Muslims economically 

and socially." The pamphlet is being handed to its targets when they're on their morning walks or at traffic 

intersections. Others are receiving it in their mail boxes. "I have come to meet you personally today. I have 

to tell you a very important and serious matter. You are a very important and responsible citizen of this 

country. But you and your family are in danger and their is a threat to your life. I have come to warn you 

about this," says the pamphlet. (Inidan Exp 13.4.02) 

13 th April 

Change of exam venues worries Muslim students (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Muslim parents in Ahmedabad have threatened that their sons and daughters will boycott 

the standard X and XII board exams if the state government does not allow them to take the exam in 

schools hearer to their homes. The controversy flared up after the Gujarat Secondary Education Board 

(GSEB) shifted all exam centres out of the old city and into the western part of Ahmedabad. The issue has 

taken a new turn with the Gujarat Sarvajanik Relief Committee, a coordinating agency for relief camps in 

the city, saying that there was no way that Muslim children could give their exams in areas like Naranpura 

and Vastral, considered strongholds of Hindu fundamentalist organisations. (Times of India 13.4.02) 

13 th April 

Global forces are behind Gujarat riot: JD(U) leader (7) 

New Delhi, April 12: The fanatic Hindutva forces fomenting trouble in Gujarat are working at the behest of 

global market forces out to destroy India economically, feels Mr Mohan Prakash. Mr Prakash is the 

general secretary and spokesperson of the Jana-ta Dal (United). However, for once he wanted to speak 

purely as Mohan Prakash the man, not just as a party spokesman. Speaking to a group of select

journalists, Mr Prakash analysed the rise of various shades of fanatic forces in the country and their 

correlation to India's attempt to emerge as an independent, self-reliant and self-sufficient economic nation 

in the world. (Asian Age 13.4.02) 

13 th April 

Army out in Ahmedabad (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Fresh violence was reported from Gujarat on Friday, following which the Army was called 

out. Police said people belonging to two communities clashed in the Danilimda locality of Ahmedabad and 

25 shops and houses were set ablaze. At least 40 people were injured. Curfew was clamped in the area 

after police lobbed tear-gas shells and opened fire to disperse the mob. The situation went out of control 

after people came out on the streets and started burning rags and pelting stones and broken bottles at 

each other. The situation in other walled city areas was, however, peaceful even as night curfew continued 

as a precautionary measure, (Times of India 13.4.02) 

13 th April 

Sonia calls for war on communalism (7) 

GUWAHATI, APRIL 12. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, has called for an "uncompromising war 

against the forces of communalism" and set out an ambitious agenda of governance for the Congress 

State Governments. Significantly, Ms. Gandhi also directed her Chief Ministers to act firmly and decisively 

against "individuals and organisations" practising the politics of hate. "They must be dealt with without fear 

or favour and there must not be any compromise under any circumstances," she told the conclave of 14 

Congress Chief Ministers here. The significance of Ms. Gandhi's speech lay in the manner in which she 

addressed the political realities, her party's role, and the need to match promise with action in order to win 

the confidence of the people. (Hindu 13.4.02) 

13th April 

BJP to Modi: Don’t quit but dissolve Assembly (7) 

PANAJI (GOA), APRIL 12. The Bharatiya Janata Party today rejected the resignation offer of the Gujarat 

Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, even while "advising" him to "seek dissolution of the Assembly". Thereby, it 

tried to silence its critics among allies and in the Opposition as well as fully satisfy its Hindutva 

constituency and cadre. The resignation offer was made by Mr. Modi earlier in the afternoon immediately 

after the party president, Jana Krishna-murthi, made his opening remarks at the national executive 

committee of the party. It was then decided to discuss the issue in detail later in the evening and take a 

decision. The decision was rejecting the resignation offer and suggesting a fresh mandate after dissolving 

the Assembly. (Hindu 13.4.02) 

13 th April 

Beards a liability in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: Noted sociologist Vidyut Joshi was returning to Ahmedabad from Udaipur in 

his car on February 28, the day after the Godhra train massacre. Mobs stopped him near Himmatnagar 

and looking at his French beard asked him for his identity. When he gave his name, the crowd wasn't 

convinced and asked him for proof of his identity. He then showed them his income-tax PAN card after 

which he was allowed to drive ahead. 

Joshi says he is often mistaken for a Muslim because of his beard, but hasn't thought of shaving it off. 

"This is after all my identity," Joshi, who stays in Surat, says. But it is not so with many other people in 

Ahmedabad and Vadodara, which were the worst affected by the riots. People are queuing up before 

barber shops to shave off their beard — the Hindus to avoid being mistaken for Muslims and the Muslims 

to hide thek identity — in a surcharged atmosphere. (Times of India 13.4.02) 

13 th April 

Vajpayee hits out at jehadi Islam (7) 

PANAJI, APRIL 12. There are two kinds of Islam — one that believes in truth and kindness, and another 

which is rearing its head as militant Islam in the name of jehad... It is this Islam which wants to mould the 

entire world, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, said at a public meeting here today. Criticising what 

he called 'jehadi' Islam, Mr. Vajpayee said: "Wherever there are Muslims, they do not want to live with

others (who practise different faiths). Instead of living peacefully, they want to preach and propagate their 

religion by creating fear and terror in the minds of others." Mr. Vajpayejj's attack on 'jehadi' Islam took 

everyone here by I surprise. He asserted that India was a multi-religious society and "we do not believe in 

religious .fundamentalism." No one should challenge India's commitment to secularism, he said pointing 

out that it had been tolerant towards all faiths which had chosen to make it their home, long before 

Christianity and Islam had come to this land. (Hindu 13.4.02) 

14 th April 

PM’s speech will worsen scars (7) 

New Delhi, April 13: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's stand regarding Gujarat chief minister 

Narendra Modi and his speech at the BJP national executive at Goa has been criticised strongly by 

various groups. In a statement issued here, the All-India Christian Council has accused the Prime Minister 

of betraying the nation in the darkest day of democracy and has said that his Goa speech encourages 

fascist violence against minorities. 

The council's president, Dr Joseph D. Souza, and secretary-general Dr John Dayal have said, "Mr 

Vajpayee with cold-blooded cynicism has defamed Islam and Christianity, condoned state terrorism, 

forgiven Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi (who is considered to be a mass murderer by the civil 

society), and has sought to convert the bigotry and hate campaigns of the RSS and the VHP into votes for 

the BJP." (Asian Age 14.4.02) 

14 th April 

Violence claims two lives (7) 

AHMEDABAD: The violence area which rocked the Dani Limbda area of Ahmedabad late on Friday 

night has claimed two lives, while a Congress worker of Mehsana who had filed police complaints against 

the perpetrators of the Sardarpura massacre in the district was stabbed on Saturday. One of the victims in 

Dani Limbda died in police firing. The other, a woman succumbed to severe head injuries sustained during 

stone pelting in the area, late on Friday evening. The victim identified as Usha Srimali was traveling in an 

AMTS bus when she was injured. (Times of India 14.4.02) 

14th April 

Bhujbal asks for probe into riots, curfew will continue (7) 

Kalyan, April 13: The Shiv Sena does not want riots but is also not letting up on the pressure on the police 

to arrest the main brains behind the Kalyan clashes. Sena district president Raghunath More said, 

Balasaheb Thackeray has told us there should be no riots. The objective behind the Kalyan riots was to 

create a Gujarat like situation. There was no local cause. In fact, there has been no tension in 

Rohidaswada between Hindus and Muslims. There will be no end to violence if riots happen. But the 

police must understand there is a popular sentiment that the culprits should be arrested immediately. If 

they don’t, we cannot guarantee peace, Mr More said. (Asian Age 14.4.02) 

14 th April 

Deve Gosda shaken after visit to areas hit by riots (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 13: Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda was visibly shaken after he got a "feel" of 

Gujarat communal riots on Friday. During his one-day visit to the city, Mr Gowda could not hold back his 

tears as he visited ill-fated Chamanpura. As Mr Gowda walked down the lanes that have been gripped in 

eerie silence since that fateful day, district collector K. Srinivas , briefed him about how the attack had 

unfolded. When Mr Gowda passed by the charred remains former Congress MP Ehsan Jafri's house and 

was shown the spot where Mr Jafri was burnt alive, he broke down. He could be seen wiping his tears as 

someone told him, "Despite several frantic calls made by Mr Jafri to save lives of about 200 people 

trapped here, no one came for help." (Asian Age 14.4.02) 

15 th April 

Two killed in Ahmedabad; Army, RAF deployed (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 14: Violence erupted again in the Dariapur area of Ahmedabad on Sunday afternoon 

after a day of quiet and peace on Saturday. Two persons were killed and 10 others, including an SRP

jawan, were injured in the violence. Curfew was clamped in the area at 3.40 pm and additional Army and 

RAF personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control. (Asian Age 15.4.02) 

15 th April 

Modi in poll mode as Ahmedabad simmers (7) 

GANDHINAGAR: Buoyed by the clear mandate of Goa, chief minister Narendra Modi plunged straight into 

the heat and dust of electioneering on Sunday even as two persons were killed in police firing and 10 

injured as fresh riots broke out in the walled city areas of Ahmedabad on Sunday. Indefinite curfew was 

clamped in Dariapur in the afternoon. But the chief minister donned the mantle of a suave politician and 

put the party in poll mode. Casting aside the reviled image of an RSS pracharak, he dispatched ministers 

to start work. (TOI 15.4.02) 

15 th April 

Another Church attacked (7) 

MANGALORE: A church was attacked on Sunday near Mangalore by about 60 persons protesting alleged 

attempts to convert local-Hindus to Christianity, the police said. 

Stones were hurled at the prayer hall used by a protestant group at Moodabidri when Sunday prayers 

were on, they said. The hall was attached to the residence of Richard 

d'Souza who has been conducting the prayers for the last one year in the name of the "New Life 

"protestant group. Some Hindu families were attending the prayers, too. 

Two cars and some window panes were damaged but no one was injured in the attack. Additional police 

forces have been deployed near the prayer hall. (TOI 15.4.02) 

15th April 

Riots will not hit tourism, says Jagmohan (7) 

NEW DELHI: Describing the tragedy in Gujarat as "unfortunate aberrations in a vast country," Union 

tourism minister Jagmohan on Sunday dismissed suggestions that this could impact tourism. Responding 

to questions from the media on the eve of a four-day conference of the Pacific Asia Travel Association 

(PATA), Jagmohan said India was a vast country. As for the aberrations in Gujarat, he said: "we are all 

committed to rooting them out". Jagmohan, who addressed a Press conference along with the PATA top 

brass, said tourism could be a strong factor in the removal of poverty and in creating a quality of life which 

could enable people to measure happiness on a different scale altogether. The PATA conference, coming 

to India after a gap of 24 years, should see what new grounds we can break, the minister said. (TOI 

15.4.02) 

15 th April 

Revenge was the motive behind many attacks (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Roshniben, one of the many eunuchs staying in the Motipura area of Himmatnagar, lodged 

a complaint that on the night of April 2 they were attacked by a mob. She perceived a bigger communal 

threat for members of her community and sought police protection. But on investigation, the police found 

that the miscreants were people of adjoining ST Nagar who tried to intimidate the eunuch, their immediate 

neighbours, so that the eunuchs left the area. The ST Nagar people never wanted the eunuchs in their 

neighbourhood and they had previous confrontations with them. (TOI 15.4.02) 

15 th April 

Approach SC for Modi’s dismissal (7) 

SHIMLA, APRIL 14. The Loktantrik Morcha has urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to 

approach the Supreme Court for the dismissal of the Narendra Modi Government in Gujarat. It is 

astonishing that even after severe indictment by the NHRC, the Centre has blatantly supported the Modi 

Government, it said. Despite NHRC's demand for a CBI inquiry into five incidents, the Union Government 

is putting the Godhra incident to the forefront, while no mention is made about the looting of railway 

stations by the Ram Sevaks. 

The Morcha has stated that the BJP is playing politics by fuelling the situation. According to reports, more 

than 2.5 lakh people are still living in camps, which have been established by NGOs or "the local 

population. The Modi Government has not formulated any plan for rehabilitation. (Hindu 15.4.02)

16 th April 

Modi. Mandir can’t dilute mandate: BSP (7) 

LUCKNOW, APRIL 15: BSP'S Muslim legislators are getting desperate to form a government in UE They 

don't mind if their party joins hands with the BJP, a party their community hates, to do so. "We have done 

it earlier (in 1995 and '97). This time too there should be no hesitation in forming government with BJP 

support," Abdul Mannan, BSP legislator from Sandila, Hardoi district, said "Do you think that your 

community will have no complaint from you for - becoming part of the government to which those(BJP) 

who razed the Babri mosque to ground are also a partner ?" But don't the legislators fear a backlash from 

the people. When BSP went with the BJP in 1997, some of my community complained. This time, they are 

asking me when the government would be formed. (Indian Exp 16.4.02) 

16 th April 

Farooq sings music to Vajpayee’s ears (7) 

JAMMU/CHANDIGARH, APRIL 15: JAMMU and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said today that 

his party will not withdraw support to the NDA at the center and there is no danger to the Vajpayee 

Government. The Chief Minister told media persons at a function here today that there was no question of 

withdrawing support to the BJP-led Government at the Centre. Refering to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister 

Chandrababu Naidu’s deamand for removal of Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat, Farooq said: 

Only the people of Gujarat will decide whom they want to see as their Chief Minister. (Indian Exp 16.4.02) 

16th April 

Gujarat carnage finds its way to SC (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 15: THE Supreme Court today admitted a PIL concerned with the protracted 

communal violence in Gujarat and accusing the Narendra Modi Government of being "biased" against 

Muslims. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice S P Bharucha issued notices to the Centre, Modi, 

BJP, VHP and senior police officials in Gujarat on the PIL filed by dancer and social activist Mallika 

Sarabhai and journalists Digant Oza and Indukumar Jani. Quoting extensively from the NHRC's interim 

report dated April 1, P Chidambaram, senior advocate appearing for the petitioners, sought to make a 

case for the appointment of a special investigating team to deal with "all the crimes" committed in the 

chain of violence around Gujarat starting with the Godhra outrage on February 27. (Indian Exp 16.4.02) 

16 th April; 

Gujarat submits report to NHRC, Centre fails to do so (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 15_: KEEPING the deadline set by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), 

the Gujarat government today submitted a report to the Commission responding to the latter's preliminary 

recommendations. The elaborate report has given almost a para-wise response to the recommendations 

of the NHRC, including questions like whether the Godhra carnage was a result of intelligence failure and 

the kind of relief being provided to the victims. (Indian Exp 16.4.02) 

16 th April 

Gujarat issue rocks both Houses of Parliament (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 15. The Gujarat issue rocked Parliament today, with both the Houses adjourning for 

the day without transacting any official business. Earlier, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha resumed the 

Budget session after a three-week recess. Adding to the Vajpayee Government's embarrassment was the 

sight of its allies, mainly the Telugu Desam Party, joining the Opposition demand for an immediate 

discussion on the Gujarat situation and the removal of the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi. The issue is 

likely to dominate the proceedings in the next few of days with the Opposition having decided to 

continue with its demand for an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, and a similar motion under rule 170 

in the Rajya Sabha, which entails a vote after the discussions. At the end of the day, the Opposition 

parties made it clear that unless the Government allowed a proper discussion on the Gujarat violence, it 

could not expect their cooperation on important Government business slated for the session. (Hindu 

16.4.02) 

17th April

Ahmedabad Muslims to boycott exams (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 16: At least 9,800 Muslim students in Ahmedabad, fearing for their lives, will boycott the 

board examinations beginning on Thursday. Society for the Promotion of Rational Thinking, CEO M.H. 

Jowher said a meeting of prominent and affected persons was held on Tuesday evening. "In view of the 

extreme insecurity and grave threat perception prevailing in Ahmedabad, and, in particular, the recurring 

violence of recent days that is affecting students, and considering the persistent refusal of the authorities 

to reallocate safer examination centres for minority community students, as was done for majority 

community students, it was resolved that the Muslim community shall not participate in SSC and HSC 

examinations beginning April 18," Mr Jowher said. (Asian Age 17.4.02) 

16th April 

EC can end BJP’s Gujarat poll dreams (7) 

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may wish to capitalise on the anti-Muslim violence in 

Gujarat by going in for snap polls. But it must first cross a major Constitutional hurdle: The Election 

Commission of India (EC).The EC is the only authority mandated to call elections. Both Gujarat chief 

minister Narendra Modi and the Vajpayee government would be in a fix if the Commission declares that 

the law and order situation in the state makes it impossible to hold elections within the normal six-month 

period. Can the EC refuse? It did in Punjab in 1991, when the state was under President's Rule. Violence 

is still continuing — more than 100,000 people live in refugee camps — and under the circumstances it is 

unlikely that polls will be free and fair. G V G Krishnamurty, the legal expert who served eight years as a 

member in the Election Commission under T N Seshan and M S Gill has no doubts about the 

Commission's responsibilities and powers. (Times of India 16.4.02) 

16 th April 

Mob attacks school during examinations (7) 

AHMEDABAD: A mob attack on the H.B. Kapadia High School on Monday where 1,500 students were 

writing their final exams, besides two other schools in Dilli Darwaja, has set off alarm bells for concerned 

parents of SSC and HSC students who are all set to take the exams from April 18. "Today it was a school 

in Dilli Darwaja... tomorrow they will also attack the board exam centres. Violence is rampant... the police 

are barging in and out of our homes for search operations. When we are not safe, how does the 

government expect me to send my daughter to write exams at the other end of the city?" asked a 

desperate Pir Mohammad Mansuri, whose daughter is an HSC student. (Times of India 16.4.02) 

16 th April 

Gujarat rocked by riots again (7) 

AHMEDABAD: The pattern of violence in the walled city area saw a shift to the mainline railway tracks and 

the main streets on Monday where crowds of people from the hutments along the track pelted stones at 

each other below the Asarwa railway overbridge which reportedly led to the halting of at least two trains. 

Bharuch district also saw a fresh spate of violence with the police firing 10 rounds after mobs resorted to 

arson and stone-throwing on Sunday night.. The walled city areas of Ahmedabad wore a deserted 

look as a hut was set on fire adjacent to the railway line as rioters burnt a section of an old mill near Idgah 

Chowky and other hutments and shops around Dilli Darwaja, Prem Darwaja, Asarwa, Gheekanta and 

Dariapur areas where heavy stone-pelting and arson were reported. Later in the afternoon, arson attempts 

were also made at Bhanderi Pol in Dariapur as rioters indulged in private firing. (Times of India 16.4.02) 

17th April 

Women’s panel submits report, weeps (7) 

New Delhi:. It’s very difficult to relive the experience we found in Gujarat, an emotional Syeda Hameed, a 

social activist from the Muslim Women’s Forum, said about her five day visit to seven relief camps in 

Ahmedabad, Kheda, Baroda, Sabarkantha and Panchmahals districts. Hameed and five other members 

of a panel of women’s organizations spoke to a large number of women survivors in the state to determine 

the effect of the Gujarat massacres on them. The other panel members were Ruth Manorama of NAW , 

Malini Ghose of Nirantar, Sheba George of Sahrwaru of Ahmedabad, Farah Naqvi, a journalist and Mari 

Thekaekara of Accord, Tamil Nadu. Releassing a 48 page fact finding report based on evidences 

gathered, the panel said, we have been shaken and numbed by the scale and brutality of the violence that 

is still continuing in Gujarat. (Asian Age 17.4.02)

17 th April 

Four killed in Modi’s ‘peaceful’city (7) 

April 16: Four people were killed and at least 18 injured in fresh violence in Ahmedabad on Tuesday when 

mobs of both communities clashed in various areas. Violence was also reported from Viramgam in 

Saurashtra. However, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi claimed the situation in Gujarat was 

"peaceful" and appealed to people "not to make mountains out of molehills." One person was killed and at 

least five injured when the police had to open fire as violence flared in Ahmedabad's Vejalpur area early 

on Tuesday. According to the Vejalpur police, the incident occurred near Yash. Complex when people of 

two communities started throwing hand-made rockets and crude bombs at each other after 1 am. The 

police had to fire 35 rounds and 22 tear gas shells to disperse the mob hi which Jamil Bagwan, 36, a 

resident of Mom Park at Juhapura, was killed. (Asian Age 17.4.02) 

17 th April 

Swallow the truth, BJP tells bod Food Minister (7) 

ISOLATED and silenced at the BJP's Goa executive, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shanta 

Kumar who condemned the Gujarat carnage will be asked to explain his "indiscipline" after which "suitable 

action" will be taken, party chief Jana Krishnamurthy said today. Kumar broke his silence to The Indian 

Express on April 6. This was two days after Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee himself, during his visit to 

Ahmedabad, had said he was ashamed of what had happened there and had urged Chief Minister 

Narendra Modi to follow rajdharma. Kumar said he was "pained and disgusted" at what was going on and 

urged the party to take strong action against those in the VHP and the BajiajigJDal -who are trying to 

"destroy the very fabric of the country." (Indian Exp 17.4.02) 

18th April 

Fearing EC, Modi keeps polls on hold (7) 

AHMEDABAD: The perception that the Election Commission in New Delhi would not allow assembly 

elections in Gujarat at this juncture forced the Gujarat cabinet to skip the issue of dissolution of the state 

assembly at its meeting here on Wednesday. Sources said that the friends of chief minister Narendra 

Modi in New Delhi had got indications about the reluctance of the Election Commission through informal 

channels and advised him to stay put on the matter for the time being. These powerful friends of Modi are 

now exploring ways and means through which the Election Commission could be convinced that, the 

setting was not inappropriate in Gujarat for holding elections. (Times of India 18.4.02) 

18 th April 

MEA wants its missions to say all is well in Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, April 17: Pushed back to the wall by the graphic coverage of the Gujarat violence in the 

international media and several governments expressing concern over the widespread killings, the 

ministry of external affairs has asked its missions abroad to spread the message that all is well in the 

state. The ministry, echoing what the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have been saying, has sent a note to 

the missions in different countries explaining the Gujarat situation. According to the note, all is well in 

Gujarat and the state has been functioning normally. The ministry has substantiated the claim by 

projecting that the panchayat elections have taken place in the state successfully and lakhs of high school 

students had appeared in the high school examination. (Asian Age 18.4.02) 

17 th April 

Ribeiro sees communal virus in police (7) 

New Delhi, April 16: Former Mumbai police commissioner Julio Ribeiro said successive riots and the latest 

blood-letting ; in Gujarat have shown that the Indian state has abdicated "its responsibility to defend every 

citizen irrespective of his or her caste and creed" and upholding the promises made in the Constitution. 

Making a presentation to members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Home Affairs last month 

when Gujarat was bleeding, Ribeiro said the nation has time and again failed to protect its citizens when 

they were under attack: during the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, the Mumbai riots in 1992-93, in Ahmedabad and 

Vadodora in 1985 and -now in Gujarat. He said during the 1985 riots in Mumbai, he saw for the first time 

minorities arming themselves because they realised the police were as "afflicted by the communal virus as

the Shiv Sena boys", and the community could not get help from those meant to protect their lives. 

(Telegraph 17.4.02) 

17 th April 

Accused: Minister in Modi Govt. (7) 

New Delhi, April 16: A minister in the Narendra Modi cabinet in Gujarat has been accused of leading mobs 

that torched and burnt houses in an Ahmedabad locality in complaints lodged with the Ahmedabad police 

commissioner. The incidents took place on February 28, the day after the Godhra killings when the VHP 

called a Gujarat bandh. The bandh call was supported by the BJP. So far, the allegation against the Modi 

administration has been that it had tacitly backed the pogrom in the wake of Godhra. But the written 

complaints lodged with the Ahmedabad police commissioner, if true, will mean that members of the Modi 

government directly incited the violence. A total of 13 complaints allege that the Gujarat minister for 

revenue, Haren Pandya, led mobs in his constituency Ellis Bridge in Ahmedabad. Pandya refutes the 

charge. (Telegraph 17.4.02) 

19 th April 

Govt’s shabbily kept secret: six annual reports of minority panel (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 18: WANT to know the status of minorities in the country since the demolition of the 

Babri Masjid? What their complaints are? What's their population in which district? The answers lie buried 

in the six annual reports of the National Minorities Commission to which the public has no access. 

Reason: these have become "privileged documents" since not one has been tabled in Parliament. And 

this is because their corresponding Action Taken Reports (ATRs) from states and other ministries have 

not come in yet. Says NCM vice-chairman Tarlochan Singh: "It is embarrassing when people ask us what 

we have done for the minorities. How can we show what we have done if we cannot even make the 

documents public?" (Indian Exp 19.4.02) 

20th April 

Baptism under fire in AP (7) 

New Delhi: THE CURIOUS case of "baptism for admissions" has been raised by the Andhra Pradesh 

Government before the Supreme Court which exposes malpractices denying minorities admissions in 

private unaided "minority" institutions. An 11 -memb'er SC Bench is currently hearing arguments on the I 

crucial question of definition of a mi-1 nority under Article 30. The Special ! Leave Petition (SLP) filed by 

the AP Government is closely related to the issues being examined by the Apex Court. The SC Bench is 

hearing a clutch of petitions which also deal with how I minority institutions should be ad-i ministered. "In 

most of the cases, the conversion certificates produced ! by the candidates are taken just be-! fore the 

commencement of the ad-! mission process solely for the purpose of admission into B.Ed. courses." the 

AP Government has said. (Pioneer 20.4.02) 

19 th April 

Public hearings to assess problems of minorities (7) 

JAIPUR, APRIL 18. The Rajasthan State Minorities Commission will organise "Jan Sunwai" (public 

hearings) in Jodhpur, Bikaner and Ajmer this month, to find out problems confronting the minorities and 

identify issues vital for their socio-economic development. The public hearings would also ensure better 

monitoring of various Government schemes launched for minorities' welfare, the Commission's Chairman, 

Nizam Mohammed, told reporters here today. He said the Commission's responsibilities had increased 

manifold after being granted the statutory status, which had made it more powerful. Leading 

representatives of minority communities will be invited to attend the public hearings and the district 

administration would be asked to state its version in the cases of complaints so as to facilitate the 

follow-up action. Dr. Nizam said the public hearing in Jodhpur would be held on April 20, in Bikaner on 

April 27 and in Ajmer on April 29. (Hindu 19.4.02) 

19 th April 

Frightened Muslims boycott exams (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Security and not exams seemed high on the priority of state authorities and parents 

alike as over 1.44 lakh students in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and other parts of Gujarat wrote their SSC

(class 10) and HSC (class 12) exams on Thursday. Gun-toting policemen and videographers swarmed 

the exam centres zooming in on unprecedented security in Ahmedabad but the hyped-up protection 

offered failed to assure the minorities as an estimated two-thirds of the Muslim students stayed away in 

support of the exam-boycott call given by Muslim leaders. In Vadodara, however, Muslim students turned 

out in large numbers even though the boycott call had begun from the city. (Times of India 19.4.02) 

20 th April 

Gujarat hits BJP in J&K, 4 leaders quit (7) 

JAMMU, APRIL 19: THE BJP may have got Union Food Minister Shanta Kiimar to apologise for attacking 

Narendra Modi and the Sangh Parivar over the Gujarat riots butthere is trouble brewing in the party's 

Jammu and Kashmir unit Four senior leaders, including a national council member, have resigned from 

the primary membership of the party over the handling of riots and the Prime Minister's remarks on 

Muslims in Goa. The resignations of Ghulam Nabi Tak, BJP national executive 'member, and Doda unit 

leaders Khurshid Ahmed Misgar, Aizaz KarimBhat and GianChand have been sent by fax to A.B. ^jpayee 

and BJP president Jana Krishna-murthy. Copies have been sent to D.K. Kotwal, state president, and 

Chaman Lal Gupta, Union Minister of State for Food Processing. (Indian Exp 20.4.02) 

20 th April 

SC tells Gujarat government: give students another chance to take exams or else (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 19: IN its second intervention in the Gujarat crisis, the Supreme Court today virtually 

ordered the state Government to hold supplementary examinations in two months for students unable to 

appear in the ongoing examinations due to the communal tensions. "Please consider the career of the 

students", the bench said while asking it to "explore .the possibility" of holding examinations. "If you do not 

do it, we are going to direct you to hold supplementary examinations for the students." Earlier in the week, 

the court issued notices to the state Government and the Centre on a PIL seeking action against the 

culprits of the violence. (Indian Exp 20.4.02) 

20th April 

Why UK’s report worries Delhi (7) 

NEW DELHI: The Vajpayee government is worried a scathing report on the Gujarat riots prepared by the 

British High Commission here might form the basis for british courts to indict chief minister Narendra 

Modi for complicity in the killing of three British Muslims near Ahmedabad in early March and possibly 

even genocide. We presume the British government will fight any such move just as it opposed the idea of 

extraditing pinochet said an official referring to the year long legal battle by human rights activists to have 

the former Chilean dictator sent to Spain to face trial. But if the victims family members move the courts in 

Britain there is no telling what might happen. (Times of India 20.4.02) 

20 th April 

India image takes beating due to Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, April 19: India's international image has taken a nose dive ever since the outbreak of violence 

in Gujarat. Foreign diplomats here are openly concerned about the continuing violence in the state and the 

inability of the Central government to bring back some semblance of stability and normalcy in the state. 

This is the chink in Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's Hindutva armour and one which the Opposition 

parties are 'seeking to exploit to the hilt. The Prime Minister, who had asked rather plaintively, "With what 

face will I go abroad," during a visit to Gujarat is visibly uncomfortable when reminded of the widespread 

^criticism of the violence in the state. (Asian Age 20.4.002) 

20 th April 

PM dares Opp over no-trust (7) 

NEW DELHI, April 19. — The government and the Opposition dared each other to prove their numbers 

even as Parliament adjourned for the fifth consecutive day today without conducting any business. And in 

another development Mr Vaj'payee today met President KR Narayanan, and was understood to have 

discussed various issues, including the situation in 'Gujarat. An all-party meeting called by the deputy 

Speaker Mr. P.M. Sayeed, turned acrimonious. The Prime Minister rejected the Opposition demand for a

discussion on Gujarat under Rule 184 that allows for voting on an issue. Mr. Vajpayee challenged the 

Opposition to move a no-confidence against the NDA if it was so sure of its numbers. (Statesman 20.4.02) 

21 st April 

Modi to NHRC: Sorry, no CBI (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 20: THE Narendra Modi government has rejected the National Human Rights 

Commission's key recommendation that the CBI should probe all the major massacres in the Gujarat 

carnage. The NHRC had asked for CBI probes into the Godhra train attack, the incidents in Chamanpura 

(Gulbarga Society where former MP Ehsan Jaffri was among those torched), Naroda Patiya (where over 

90 were burnt alive), Best Bakery in Vadodara and Sardarpura in Mehsana where Muslims were 

systematically targeted and killed. ' 

Sources said that in its reply to the NHRC's preliminary report, received here early this week, the state 

government has said that the CBI inquiry will be a waste of time because the Justice K G Shah 

commission of inquiry is already doing its job. (Indian Express 21.4.02) 

21 st April 

Genocide cases against Modi to be filed in London (7) 

LONDON: The Gujaratis here are working alongside the British government to file three cases in three 

separate courts across Europe against Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. There are about 15,000 

Indian Gujarati Muslims in Britain. The cases, which are to be filed separately in the British High Court, the 

Belgian courts and, possibly, the International Court of Justice in The Hague, are expected to compliment 

two other posed cases against Modi and his administration in India and the US. The charges, ranging 

from complicity in murder to genocide, could theoretically lead to formal request for Modi’s extradition. 

This is indicated from the way Belgium officials recently held preliminary hearings in a genocide case 

against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. (Times of India 21.4.02) 

21st April 

BJP leaders not to give in to Opposition demand on Rule 184 (7) 

New Delhi, April 20: AT A meeting of top BJP leaders convened by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vaj-payee at 

his residence on Saturday, the party decided to stick firmly to its stand on not conceding the Opposition 

demand for a discussion on Gujarat under Rule 184, which entails voting. The high-level meeting was held 

to discuss the parry's strategy in Parliament during the next week in view of the Opposition's adamant 

attitude on the issue. Both Houses of Parliament was in freeze during the week due to the stand-off. 

Among those who attended the meeting were Home Minister L.K. Advani, Law Minister Arun Jaitley, 

External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh, Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj and BJP 

Chief Whip in Lok Sabha V.K. Malhotra. It was also decided that the party MPs would be asked to face the 

opposition onslaught with restraint and refrain from over-reacting to the situation. Reportedly, they would 

be advised not to raise very strongly the issue of Congress president Sonia Gandhi's recent remarks 

against the Prime Minister. (Hindustan Times 21.4.02) 

21 st April 

Minister rejects demand for reconducting exams (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Gujarat Education Minister Anandiben Patel today rejected the demand for reconducting 

board examination for students who did not appear for it on the second day yesterday and said there 

would be no reconsideration for students who did not take the examination. Accusing Congress of 

inspiring certain elements to see that the students did not appear for the exams, Patel told reporters here 

that government would not consider holding any separate examination for minority community students 

who did not take the exams "at the instance of Congress (Indian Exp. 21.4.02) 

21 st April 

Ex-IAS man to start a project for riot victims (7) 

New Delhi, April 20: Action Aid India, an NGO under the leadership of IAS officer Harsh Mander who quit 

his job in disgust over the handling of the Gujarat riots, has decided to launch a long-term project in 

Gujarat along with other groups to secure the legal rights of the victims and extend solace to them. Aman 

Samudaya will be a long-term engagement with the victims of the communal violence and is an attempt of

a civil society, .individuals concerned and some NGOs to create an atmosphere of care and, 

protection for the* victims to help them rebuild their lives: The prime objective of the initiative is to ensure 

legal rights and social justice to the survivors of the riots, including filing of FIRs, investigations and 

fighting of cases and resisting false counter-cases in the court. It will provide psychological counselling. . 

In addition to this, these groups will try to ensure access to government entitlements in terms of 

compensation, government schemes and credit from institutions so that the victims can rebuild their 

homes and livelihood to the same level as they were before the riots. (Asian Age 21.4.02) 

21 st April 

Student beaten up, , I-card torn (7) 

Ahmedabad: A Muslim student was beaten up here today while he was on his way to the examination 

center and his identity card torn by unidentified persons, even as a substantial number of minority 

community students stayed away from board examinations for the third successive day in Gujarat despite 

the state government’s assurance of full safety and protection to them. (Indian Exp 21.4.02) 

21 st April 

One person killed in police firing in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad: One person was killed and another seriously injured when police opened fire to disperse a 

mob indulging in heavy stone pelting and setting fire to houses and shops at Kapdwanj in Kheda district in 

Gujarat on Saturday evening, forcing the authorities to impose indefinite curfew. (Times of India 21.4.02) 

22nd April 

Shanta stoops lower, now he eats his words before the VHP (7) 

NEW DELHI. APRIL 21 : FOR daring to speak out on Gujarat, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister 

Shanta Kumar was first made to eat his words. Now, the Sangh Parivar is forcing them deeper down his 

throat. After an apology to BJP president K. Jana Krishna-murthy for his "outburst" against the party, 

Shanta has now sent one to the VHP, claiming he had never said "many things which have appeared in 

the media in my name". Stooping even lower, Shanta — who was threatened with disciplinary action—has 

written that he had actually said: "The VHP has carried out historical tasks in the country and it enjoys the 

respect of crores of people. Some people indulge in certain activities in the name of the VHP, which have 

no connection with Hinduism. (Indian Exp 22.4.02) 

22 nd April 

Many riot victims yet to get relief (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 21: When Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visited the city on April 4, shamiyanas 

were erected by the district administration at Shah-e-Alam and Kankaria relief camps to disburse Rs 1,250 

to the affected families towards immediate relief for damages to household goods. That was window 

dressing and now, exactly a fortnight later, it's back to reality. The PM's whirlwind tour ended on the very 

night of-April 4 and apparently also the hopes of thousands of riot-hit families staying in camps across the 

city, a large number of families taking refuge have not been given Rs 1,250. The inmates complain that 

the cash doles and the food provided by the administration are just not proving enough for them to 

survive. Umrao Pathan, staying at the Vatva dargah, told The Asian Age it would have been nice if her 

family had stayed in Shah-e-Alam. "At least we would have got the amount when the PM visited," she 

says. (Asian Age 22.4.02) 

22 nd April 

Violence erupts again in Gujarat, 11 killed (7) 

AHMEDABAD, APRIL 21. Eleven people were killed and 30 others injured in police firing and stabbing 

as violence engulfed riot-torn Gujarat today even as the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, claimed 

that the situation was returning to normality in the State. 

After a brief lull in the last few days, violence erupted in several parts of the State today, forcing the police 

to impose indefinite curfew in Gomtipur, Bapunagar and Rakhial police station areas in Ahmedabad, Kadi 

town in Mehsana district and Kapadwanj and Mehmada-bad towns in Kaira district in central Gujarat. Even 

as Mr. Fernandes was meeting officials and discussing with the people the prevailing law and order 

situation to assess the possibility of withdrawing the army, several parts of Ahmedabad witnessed group

clashes, arson and stabbing which claimed nine lives. A police constable on duty was among those killed 

in Gomtipur locality where seven people were killed in police firing. (Hindu 22.4.02) 

22 nd April 

Naidu may resettle Gujarat victims (7) 

Hyderabad, April 21: Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is seriously considering 

providing 300 acres of land in Hyderabad to help rehabilitate victims of the recent violence in Gujarat 

irrespective of the community they belong to. While most political parties are still squabbling over 

what should be done in Gujarat, Mr Naidu is going ahead with his plans to rehabilitate Gujaratis who 

have lost their homes in the recent carnage. The proposal envisages establishment of a township on land 

to be provided by the state government and building up of infrastructure financed by NGOs and with funds 

raised from corporate leaders during a grand show. The proposal makes it clear that the package would 

not be confined to any particular community and would cover all families displaced by the violence and 

seeking rehabilitation. (Asian Age 22.4.02) 

23 rd April 

Govt. snubs foreign missions (7) 

NEW DELHI: Taking exception to the international scrutiny of Gujarat, the Vajpayee government made an 

effort to silence its critics by lashing out at the "utilisation of Indian media by foreign leaders". To convey its 

message, the government chose to take umbrage at one of the smallest European Union (EU) members, 

Finland, citing an interview given by the visiting Finnish Foreign Minister to an Indian newspaper. Though 

Erkki Tuomioja had merely expressed the EU's concern over the incidents in Gujarat, the external affairs 

spokesperson said "we would like to make it clear that India does not appreciate interference in our 

internal affairs including utilization of the India media by foreign leaders as well as by visiting dignitaries to 

make public statements in order to pander to their domestic lobbies. (Times of India 23.4.02) 

23rd April 

Five killed in fresh Ahmedabad violence (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Five persons were killed in fresh violence in the walled city area on Monday. The toll in the 

violence that started on Sunday has gone up to 26. On Monday, two persons including a woman died 

when the police fired to disperse a mob in Shahpur. In the afternoon a 35 year old man from Vohra 

Nichaali was stoned to death by a mob in the Prem Darwaja area of Madhavpura and two were stabbed to 

death in Shahpur and Jamalpur. A number of shanties behind a top hotel in Khanpur were set on fire apart 

from other hutments in the Shahpur area. Sounds of firing and explosions reverberated across Shahpur 

as mobs clashed on the streets,. Slums along the Sabarmati river were also set afire. Mob armed with 

swords and lathis prevented fire engines from reaching the spot. (Times of India 23.4.02) 

23 rd April 

Christian leaders appeal for peace (7) 

BHUBANESWAR, April 22. — Expressing grave concern over the chain of events resulting in the 

unabated violence in Gujarat, Christian leaders from across the country, who had assembled here today, 

said unless steps to usher in peace were taken immediately, violence may spread to other states as it was 

part of a well planned conspiracy. After the Ecumenical Consultation held here, Reverend Ipe Joseph, 

general secretary,. National Council of Churches, Nagpur, and Reverend Dominic Emmanuel, spokesman 

of Catholic Bishops Conference of India said they had already demanded the removal of Mr Narendra 

Modi and imposition of President's rule in the state. The change will solve part of the problem and this 

needs to be followed up by steps like the Prime Minister's appeal to leaders of all communities to come 

together against such divisive forces, they said. (Statesman 23.4.02) 

23 rd April 

Victims of riot and quake seen differently: NGO (7) 

THE similarity between a communal riot's victims and those of an earthquake or cyclone is that they lose 

everything they have so far owned and held dear. Yet, they are perceived differently by the by standing 

public. Earthquake or cyclone victims are, somehow, worthy of sympathy but victims of riots apparently

don't pass muster with the common people. "There is a huge difference in the way unaffected people view 

vietims of disasters. For the victims 

of a natural calamity, people would dig into their belongings and donate freely. But somehow, riot victims 

are a group that don't seem to invite the same largesse/* says An-shu K Gupta, whose organisation, 

Goonj, collects clothes that have been sent to the victims of Chamoli earthquake, 1999, Orissa super 

cyclone, 2000, and last year's Gujarat quake. (Indian Exp 23.4.02) 

23 rd April 

Gujarat riot victim case gathers pace in Britain (7) 

LONDON: Mohammed Aswat, a UK citizen of Indian origin, was dragged out of his car and killed by a mob 

at Ptantij in Gujarat while travelling from Agra to Ahmedabad. Till date the Indian government has failed to 

send even a letter of condolence to his family. His wife and five children have stopped waiting for any such 

gestures. They are now going to the international court in search of justice.He is said to have been known 

to the Indian High Commission officials here as a regular helper at then-visa surgeries in west Yorkshire. 

Indian officials confirmed that they recalled "a Mohammed bhai, who used to help control the crowds and 

settle people at the visa surgeries". (Times of India 23.4.02) 

23 rd April 

Diseases swamp stinking Gujarat camps (7) 

NEW DELHI: Contrary to the claims of the Union health ministry, a measles epidemic is raging in some 

riot relief camps of Gujarat. In the absence of proper antibiotic supply, other diseases, too are spreading 

fast in the cramped and unhygienic conditions. In an SOS sent through the activist and NGO network 

Sunday, doctors have asked people to donate antibiotics. At a camp housing about 1,500 people in 

Godhra, doctors told Times News Network that at least 60 children had developed measles and most of 

the medicines have come from NGOs and private donors. ( Times of India 23.4.02) 

24th April 

Muslims specific targets of riots: Germany, Holland (7) 

New Delhi, April 23: AFTER UK and the European Union, Germany and Holland have now filed reports on 

the Gujarat violence damning the state government, underlining India's growing isolation in the 

international community over the events in Gujarat. All this, despite the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 

sending a note last week to several European countries, which ostensibly meant to assuage any concerns 

on Gujarat, but where the underlying message clearly was: Lay off Gujarat. The German report, compiled 

by a senior diplomat in the German Embassy who travelled Ahmedabad and Baroda last week, has been 

reported to describe the attacks on Muslims "surgical strikes" specifically targetting minority establisments. 


24 th April 

Eight more die as Jana says Gujarat near normal (7) 

EVEN while claiming that near normalcy had returned to the whole of Gujarat barring some pockets of 

Ahmedabad, BJP national president K Jana Krishnamurthy today said "further stringent measures were 

needed to be taken to check stray incidents of violence. He said his observation was based on feedback 

from BJP leaders. Krishnamurthy, who was here on his first visit after getting elected to the Rajya Sabha 

from the state, told ' mediapersons that in the light of what had happened ' from Sunday onwards, 

incidents of deaths in police firing showed that the government was trying its best to control the situation 

and near normalcy had returned. Eight more deaths in Ahmedabad city today pushed the toll in the 

communal violence in Gujarat to 822. (Indian Exp 24.4.02) 

24 th April 

MEA out to prove Gujarat situation is peaceful (7) 

New Delhi April 23: The ministry of external affairs has launched an aggressive campaign to convince the 

. world that the situation in Gujarat is absolutely normal and the culpability of the state government under 

chief minister Narendra Modi was part of a major disinformation campaign launched by the media and 

even the non governmental organisations. The official website of the ministry reads like a page out Of the 

Gujarat state government official records.

The main focus of the site is on post-violence Gujarat with the foreign office, in a detailed presentation 

with slides, maintaining that the Gujarat economy is thriving. It cites "activity at the banks clearing houses" 

to prove its point. It carries on to list other normalcy indicators such as the plying of the full fleet of the 

Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation, peaceful panchayat elections and Board examinations and 

pilgrimages to religious places within Gujarat without any worry on account of safety. (Asian Age 

24.4.002) 

24 th April 

Advani praises Modi, minorities blamed for riots (7) 

New Delhi, April 23: As.Union home minister L.K. Advani expressed his support for Gujarat chief minister 

Narendra Modi, members of the BJP Parliamentary Party, particularly former chief minister Keshubhai 

Patel tried to hold the minority community responsible for fresh violence in the state. While Mr Advani 

appreciated Mr Modi for "bringing the situation under control in Gujarat," Mr Patel said that the Congress 

and a section of the minority community were responsible for the fresh bout communal violence in 

Gujarat. Both Mr Advani and Mr Patel were speaking at the BJP's Parliamentary Party meeting. BJP MPs, 

particularly party spokesman V.K. Malhotra targeted the media for a so-called "misinformation" campaign, 

and went on to say that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's speech at Panaji in Goa was "distorted" by 

the media. Mr Malhotra said that the Prime Minister did not attack the Muslim. community at a public rally 

in Panaji. (Asian Age 24.4.02) 

24 th April 

Gujarat motion under Rule 184 (7) 

NEW DELHI, April 23. — The Lok Sabha impasse on Gujarat ended today with the Deputy Speaker 

deciding that the issue will be discussed under Rule 184, that entails voting at th.e end of the debate. The 

Business Advisory Committee decided that the debate would be held on 30 April. Voting will take place the 

same day. Mr PM Sayeed's ruling rejected the BJP's argument and agreed with the Opposition’s 

contention that Gujarat was important enough to have a motion voted on. In fact, Mr. Sayeed, made a 

reference to Article 355, under which the Cedntre sends specific directions to a state government. 

(Statesman 24.4.02) 

24th April 

VHP tells Muslims to stop eating beef (7) 

New Delhi: After the RSS advise to Muslims to earn the goodwill of the Hindus to ensure their safety, the 

VHP on Tuesday asked them to stop eating beef and return the three disputed sites as a pre-condition for 

peaceful coexistence. "There are so many other animals to eat. Why should they insist on eating cows, 

revered by Hindus," a senior member of the VHP said. (Asian Age 24.4.02) 

24 th April 

Age report creates furore in Lok Sabha (7) 

New Delhi, April 23: The Asian Age report about the English paper of Gujarat board (class 12) 

examination hit the Zero Hour of Lok Sabha on Tuesday with an angry Opposition demanding the 

government's clarification on it while condemning the attempts to vitiate the minds of youngsters. The 

report published by The Aston Age under the headline "If you don't like people, kill them," caught the 

government unaware. The set for 12 class examination in Gujarat giving Nazi solutions raised an uproar in 

the House with Opposition and BJP members clashing and Congress demanding a response from the 

government about its authenticity. Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Congress deputy leader Shivraj 

Patil said the English paper asked students to transform sentences as directed, "If you don't like people kill 

them (remove 'if,' it said)." (Asian Age 24.4.02) 

24 th April 

Carnage in Gujarat not an internal issue, says E.U (7) 

NEW DELHI: Rejecting the Indian government's position that the Gujarat violence is an "internal affair" of 

the country, the European Union (EU) intends to undertake a demarche to the government to express 

concern over the incidents in the state. The assessment that the violence is not an internal affair was 

arrived at after numerous fact-finding visits by EU member countries to Gujarat and the perusal of a large

ody of material that indicated the response of the state had been violative of international law, EU 

sources said. A news report on the EU observation on Gujarat had led to a furore with the government 

issuing a strong statement on Monday, saying "India does not appreciate interference in its internal 

affairs." 

Rejecting this contention, EU diplomats affirmed the EU's right to comment and said the events in Gujarat 

constituted a threat to international order. (Times of India 24.4.02) 

24 th April 

Mob on rampage at police chief’s door (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Complete lawlessness prevailed in parts of the city. An armed MOB OF NEARLY 5000 

CIRCLED THE AREA AROUND THE POLICE COMMISSIONER’S OFFICE ON Tuesday evening and 

started indulging in arson. Commissioner P.C. Pande was inside his office when this happened. The mob 

first entered the commissioner’s office compound demanding that the Dariakhan Ghummat relief camp be 

shut down. When chased out, the mob turned violent, blowing up LPG cylinders. As a result, several 

shops just outside Pande’s office were destroyed and an Army Jawan was injured. (Times of India 

24.4.02) 

25 th April 

Rajya Sabha to debate Gujarat under Rule 170 (7) 

NEW DELHI: The week-long stalemate in the Rajya Sabha ended on Wednesday with the Chairman 

allowing a discussion on Gujarat under Rule 170 entailing voting. In reply to questions from MPs on 

Gujarat, home minister L K Advani defended the Modi government and turned down suggestions that a 

sitting judge of the Supreme Court be appointed to probe the violence. The Opposition at the outset 

had sought a debate under Rule 170. The government is in a minority in the Rajya Sabha and so did not 

want a debate under a rule that necessitated voting. But after the ruling in favour of the Opposition motion 

in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday,the government agreed to the motion in the Rajya Sabha as well. (Times of 

India 25.4.02) 

25th April 

Women major victims in Gujarat, Says NCW (7) 

New Delhi: THE NATIONAL Commission for Women (NCW), on Wednesday released its assessment of 

the effect of the communal carnage in Gujarat on women citizens. The NCW, already under fire for the 

delay in intervention when the rights of women were being openly violated in riot ravaged Gujarat, had 

sent in an expert committee oh April 9 to review the situation. The NCW has accepted the reports of the 

committee in its entirety and has written to the Union and State Governments to take necessary action. In 

its findings the NCW had indicted the state machinery specially the police for not discharging their duties 

effectively. According to the NCW Chairperson, Dr Purnima Advani, the women in Gujarat want peace and 

they continue to feel insecure and unsafe even at the relief camps. (Pioneer 25.4.02) 

25 th April 

DGP takes over Ahmedabad policing (7) 

GANDHINAGAR/AHMEDABAD: In an unusual arrangement, the state director-general of police (DGP) K 

Chakravarthy has virtually taken over the work of Ahmedabad's police commissioner. Though P C Pande 

still continues in his position, the DGP began sitting in the office of the commisioner since late Tuesday. 

The development took place barely a few hours after the commissioner's office was encircled by an armed 

mob. The mob had destroyed shops outside the compound of the commissioner's office. Pande sat 

passively in his office while all this happened. Confirming the new arrangement, additional chief secretary 

(home) Ashok Narayan, however, sought to underplay it. He said Chakravarthy was in the commissioner's 

office for "better coordination and results" in curbing violence. (Times of India 25.4.02) 

25 th April 

Govt. no to probe by SC judge (7) 

NEW DELHI, April 24. — Even as the Rajya Sabha Chairman today admitted an Opposition-driven 

censure motion on Gujarat in the Upper House and set a date for discussion and voting, Union home 

minister Mr LK Advani rejected the demand of the National Commission for Minorities and some political

parties for a probe into the violence by a sitting Supreme Court judge. Mr Advani, however, said the 

recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission — which were critical of the situation in the 

state — "were being considered from all angles and every aspect is being given the attention it deserves". 


25 th April 

Gujarat high-risk, stay away: US, UK, Canada (7) 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 24: NEW Delhi may construe noises on Gujarat as "interference" in India's affairs but 

that has not prevented governments in major world capitals from warning their nationals to either steer 

clear or exercise great caution in travelling to the state. 

In no hurry to reword mandatory travel advisories, governments are still describing the situation in Gujarat 

as "volatile" and where "potential exists for renewed violence." 

Some like New Zealand have included Gujarat, the new entry from India after Jammu and Kashmir, in a 

no-no list of troubled regions and countries, advising against all travel. (Indian Exp. 25.4.02) 

25 th April 

MHA gives a clean chit to Modi Govt. (7) 

New Delhi, April 24: THE HOME Ministry's report for 2002-03 appears to have given a certificate of good 

conduct to the Narendra Modi government. It lauds the so-called steps taken by the State Government to 

deploy police, para military and army personnel in some of the riot-hit districts, but there is no mention of 

the failure of the administration to check the continued violence. The only fact stated in the report is "large 

scale communal violence" in Gujarat on February 28 and March 1, following the Godhra carnage, which 

claimed 58 lives. 

The report makes no mention of the death toll —believed to be 1,000 — in the unabated violence that 

seems to have overtaken the State. (Hindustan Times 25.4.02) 

25th April 

Ayodhya Muslims may be avacuated (7) 

Lucknow, April 24: Muslims living around the disputed Babri masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi complex may 

soon be forced to leave their homes and shift to the outskirts if new security plans for the entire complex 

receives the green signal from the Centre. The Faizabad administration and me standing committee for 

security are believed to have sent a proposal to the Centre, seeking . acquisition of additional land, 

particularly behind the spot where the erstwhile Babri masjid stood. The land to be acquired includes 

localities like Kajiyana and Theri Bazar that fall in the half a kilometre radius around the complex area. The 

minority community presently inhabits most of these localities. ( Asian Age 25.4.02) 

25 th April 

Violence continues in Ahmedabad, three bodies found (7) 

Ahmedabad: Even as Ahmedabad continued to burn in the communal fire, incidents of stone-pelting and 

arson were reported from Bhavnagar on Wednesday compelling the police to impose night curfew. Also, 

on the second consecutive day, mobs gathered at Devjipura, near the police commissioner’s office in 

Ahmedabad, and pelted stones on each other. The police fired several rounds of teargas shells to 

disperse the crowd. No one was injured in the incident. (Asian Age 25.4.02) 

25 th April 

Muslims forced to give up jobs in Gujarat (7) 

Vadodara, April 24: Unemployment that used to haunt the youths now seems to be bothering employed 

people of the minority community after riots spread to various parts of the state. 

A number of people belonging to the minority community have allegedly lost their jobs after the Gujarat 

riots started. Many allege that they were either sacked from the shops and establishments owned by 

majority community or they have been asked to quit their jobs. 

According to a statement of All-India Majlis-e-Tarneer-e-Millat (Gujarat zone), more than 100 people 

belonging to the minority community, working in different parts of the city, have been rendered 'jobless. 

The organisation claimed that even hawkers, who were earning their livelihood on the pavements, have 

been forced to vacate from places dominated by the

Majority community. While the organisation claimed that despite the pressure and demand of the situation 

there were a few, who continued the services of minority people in their factories and shops. The 

association members are planning to approach the district collector if the situation does not improve. 


26 th April 

PM’s message to foreign missions: don’t lecture us (7) 

NEW DELHI , APRIL 25: THE day after they were accused of political interference and deliberately 

"leaking" their critical reports on the Gujarat situa tion, foreign missions got another message, this time 

from Prime Ministe Atal Behari Vajpayee himself: stop 

preaching. "India is being preached about secularism...We do not need to learn fro others what secularism 

and pluralism are all about," Vajpayee said today a function organised here to mark conclusion of the 

2600th birth annniversary celebrations of Lord Mahavir. (Indian Exp 26.4.02) 

26 th April 

Violence spreads to Saurashtra (7) 

AHMEDABAD, APRIL 25. Four persons were killed in violence in different parts of trouble-torn Gujarat 

today. An indefinite curfew was clamped on Bhavnagar, in the Saurashtra region, where six persons were 

injured in police firing. One person was stabbed to death in Mansa town, in Gandhinagar district, late on 

Wednesday. Two more persons, who were injured in police firing and stabbing incidents during renewed 

violence in Gomtipur locality on Sunday, died in hospital. An elderly woman collapsed out of shock 

and later died after an empty teargas shell fell next to her in the Dariakhan Ghummat relief camp on 

Tuesday. (Hindu 26.4.02) 

26th April 

State hand in Gujarat violence: Mira nair (7) 

Nashville (Tennessee), April 25: Noted filmmaker Mira Nair has said that the Gujarat violence in which 

nearly 900 people, mostly Muslims, were killed was engineered and that anti-Islamic trends around the 

world must be countered. "I am concerned with this Islam-o-phobia around the world and in Gujarat," Nair 

said in her keynote address to the Asian American Hotel Owners Association annual convention that 

kicked off here on Wednesday. While there was a natural disaster in the form pf an earthquake in Gujarat 

last year, now there is another type of earthquake in the state. "In Gujarat where an extremely organised 

government pogrom" had taken place, Nair said, "This earthquake is killing its own people." She urged 

Indian Americans to engage themselves in removing the blot of sectarian violence in Gujarat. (Asian Age 

26.4.02) 

26 th April 

Minorities panel asks Gujarat to take action (7) 

New Delhi, April 25: Dissatisfied with the response sent by the Gujarat government to the 

recommendations made by it, the National Commission for Minorities has asked it to follow its 

recommendations in letter and spirit. Sources in the commission said the state had informed the 

commission that it had started a survey of the dargahs and mosques demolished and desecrated during 

riots. "The commission had asked it to reconstruct these places. Similarly it is pertinent to reward those 

officials who performed their duty with sincerity," a commission member said. He added that the 

government has acted on only a few recommendations made thus it was necessary to reiterate them 

which the commission did on Wednesday. 

The state has not responded to key recommendations that the commission made. It asked the state that 

a Supreme Court judge probe the incidents of violence, that the transfers of police officials who 

performed their duty be revoked. (Asian Age 26.4.02) 

26 th April 

Infectious diseases on the rise at many relief camps (7) 

Godhra, April 25: At least 34 persons living at Godhra's only relief camp are suffering from measles, 

bronchopneumonia, diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections and the doctor in charge of the camp 

claims that if proper action is not taken, measles and typhoid will spread further in the camp. However

most inmates, many of them Muslims, are not ready to go to government hospitals fearing a threat to their 

lives. Exposing the Gujarat government's hollow claims that all is well in relief camps in the state, the 

Godhra relief camp is an example of government negligence coupled with callousness on the part of the 

local civic administration. 

Panchmahals collector Jayanti Ravi, however, said that stray incidents of diseases should not be 

considered as an epidemic. "We have examined each and every person at the camp. (Asian Age 26.4.02) 

28 th April 

Violence was planned months in advance: U.K. officials (7) 

LONDON, APRIL 27. British officials in India have been quoted by the BBC as saying that the violence in 

Gujarat was "planned, possibly months in advance" and its aim was to "purge Muslims from Hindu areas." 

It said that according to a "damning" internal report, prepared by British officials who visited Gujarat, the 

violence had "all the hallmarks of ethnic cleansing and that reconciliation between Hindus and Muslims is 

impossible while the Chief Minister remains in power. It's a damning indictment of the State Government. 

It says the violence, far from being spontaneous, was planned possibly months in advance, carried out by 

an extremist Hindu organisation with the support of the State Government," the BBC said. 

This is the second time in a week that the findings of a British High Commission investigation have been 

"leaked" to the media despite the Indian Government's strong protests. (Hindu 28.4.02) 

27 th April 

FIR scare for relief camp (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 26: The Dariyakhan Ghummat relief camp in the city is terror-struck after an FIR was 

lodged against the camp in-charge, Inamul Iraki, forcing him to go into hiding. 

Iraki, a businessman and social worker, has been declared "wanted" along with 16 others for the arson 

outside the police commissioner's office on Tuesday A local resident has been arrested. The FIR, 

registered by a head constable, says around 2 pm on Tuesday Iraki led a group of about 60 camp inmates 

and local residents that pelted stones and burnt shops near the police commissioner's office. Contacted 

on his cellphone, Iraki said he was being framed 

"at the behest of some political leaders who want the camp to be disbanded or shifted". 

"The shops that were burnt belonged to Muslims. Do they think that Muslims will destroy shops owned by 

Muslims? It is a ridiculous charge," he said.(Telegraph 27.4.02) 

27th April 

Two more die in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA: April 26: Early morning violence on Friday in the communally sensitive 

Juhapura area of the city left one person dead in police firing. Trouble started when mobs violated curfew 

and indulged in stone throwing and hurling petrol and crude bombs. Though unofficial sources say two 

persons were killed in the city in overnight and early morning violence, police sources restricted the figure 

to one. Violence in Guptanagar are of Juhapura began at 3 am and went on till 6 am after Army, RAF and 

city police had to worked together to bring the situation under control. Vejalpur police claimed that not a 

single person was injured in the three-hour riot that rocked the area. T (Asian Age 27.4.02) 

27 th April 

Minorities Commission up in arms over IB goof-up (7) 

New Delhi, April 26: THE NATIONAL Commission for Minorities has reacted sharply to the arrest of three 

persons described as militants of the Babbar Khalsa. All three — Balbir Singh, Sukhwinder Singh alias 

Sukhi and Karamjit Singh alias Faridkotia — caught by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) in June 1999 were 

acquitted by a Tis Hazari court on April 5. The court also passed severe strictures against the city police's 

Special Cell, which had also described the trio as "dreaded militants" of the Babbar Khalsa. Tarlochan 

Singh, vice-chairman of the Minorities Commission, on Tuesday wrote a letter to IB Director K.P. Singh 

and Delhi Police Commissioner Ajai Raj Sharma asking them for a report on the incident and also to take 

action against the officers "who have done this unethical act". (Hindustan Times 27.4.02) 

27 th April 

BSP Muslim MLAs at crossroads (7)

THE first reverberations of the BSP-BJP marriage of convenience are sounding in Uttar Pradesh. Amidst 

protests by Muslim leaders, renowned cleric Kalbe Jawad has urged all MPs, MLAs and MLCs belonging 

to the community to quit the BSP. They will be ex-communicated if they fail to do so. Kalbe Jawad has 

warned, Many other community leaders including All-India Muslim Personal Law Board coordinator 

Zaffaryab Jilani, Kalbe Sadiq, chairman of All-India Muslim Samaj MA Halim and Kun-war Sallauddin 

Khan of the Deva Sharrif Trust have also expressed surprise over the decision of a "secular party" like 

BSP to join hands with BJP, whose Chief Minister Narendra Modi is blamed for the killing of hundreds of 

Muslims in Gujarat. (Indian Exp 27.4.02) 

28 th April 

U.K. Gujaratis want UN fact-finding team to probe riots (7) 

LONDON: Leading members of the British Gujarati community have asked the government to support 

their demand for a UN fact-finding team to travel to their violence-scarred home in the same way as 

United Nations experts are being sent to Jenin in the Palestinian Territorities. 

The demand was publicly raised by Lord Adam Patel, a Gujarati peer from Bharuch, who is one of British 

foreign secretary Jack Straw's oldest and closest friends, at a 400-strong meeting attended by leading 

Gujarati Hindus and Muslims in Straw's Lancashire constituency of Blackburn. Lord Patel, who declined to 

reveal Straw's response to his demand when he originally raised it some time ago, said, "the British 

foreign secretary's relations with the Gujarati community are good and his relations with India are good. All 

we are asking that a crime against humanity be investigated, something the Indian government itself 

should have done". (Times of India 28.4.02) 

28 th April 

Activists want ouster of BJP-led government (7) 

New Delhi, April 27: "A large number of intellectuals, human rights activists and civil society group 

leaders-under the banner of Akhil Bharat Rachnatamak Samaj have sought an immediate replacement of 

the BJP-led coalition at the Centre by a secular, democratic and liberal administration in accordance with 

the constitutional provisions. They have appealed to all the MPs with secular credentials and secular 

democratic political parties to join hands and evolve such an alternative at the earliest in the interest of the 

nation and the people at large. 

A statement was collectively issued here by Mr Rabi Ray, Mr Kuldip Nayar, Mr Pali S. Nari-man, Justice 

Rajinder Sachar, Rev. Valson Thampu, Prof. Muchkund Dubey, Prof. Amrik Singh, Prof. PM Bhargava, Mr 

D Bandyopadhyay, Ms Razia Ismail Abbasi, Mr Sumit Chakravarty, Swami Agnivesh and Ms Nirmala 

Desh-pande. (Asian Age 28.4.02) 

28th April 

Victims await compensation (7) 

Ahmedabad, April 27: The patience of the riot-hit people in Gujarat's relief camps is running but. Forget 

about rehabilitation, several relatives of those who have been killed have been waiting almost two months 

for the Rs 1 lakh compensation announced by the state government. Munawar Ali, a refugee at Vatva 

dargah, claims his wife Farzana Bano was killed during the violence. "I have not received compensation 

despite lodging an FIR," he says, alleging that he has not been getting a proper response from the 

authorities concerned. 

While the authorities ask for necessary certificates to provide compensation, the victims don't know where 

to get the documents from. (Asian Age 28.4.02) 

29 th April 

TDP to wait for PM’s reply on censure motion? (7) 

HYDERABAD, APRIL 28. The Telugu Desam president and the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. 

Chandrababu Naidu, has chosen not to spell out the party stand on the censure motion against the 

Vajpayee Government at the Centre. According to party sources, he may not reveal his cards until the 

debate on the motion on Tuesday and the Prime Minister's response to it. Mr. Naidu addressed a meeting 

of the Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party (TDPP) here today and followed it up with a one-to-one 

interface with the MPs. Another round of meeting with senior MPs and other leaders is scheduled for 

Monday. He was reportedly assured by the MPs today that there was no difference among them on the

issue, in obvious reference to media reports of a possible split in the party. One view was that since voting 

for the motion might lead to snap elections it was better not to "rock the boat too violently". (Hindu 29.4.02) 

29 th April 

Naidu sets 11 th -hour date in LS (7) 

HYDERABAD, April 28. — Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu will play his cards at the eleventh hour. The Andhra 

Pra-desh chief minister has decided to wait till the Prime Minister replies in the Lok Sabha before deciding 

on how the TDP would vote on Tuesday's censure motion over Gujarat. "Let us see how Mr Vajpayee 

reacts as head of the NDA during the discussion," Mr Naidu reportedly said at a Telugu Desam 

Parliamentary Party meet here. "What's- the need for us to decide now? There would be several 

developments till the end of the debate and we could assess their impact," (Statesman 29.4.02) 

29th April 

Jaipur is haven For Gujarat homeless (7) 

JAIPUR, APRIL 28: WORRIED about the safety of their women, 43 members of a Sheikh Muslim family 

from Halol near Godhra caught the Jaipur-Bandra train within two hours and escaped. To a life full of 

uncertamity. Huddled together at Jaipur's Muslim musafirkhana, they are now caught between hope and 

despair. Sanwra Bano, SO, her bloodshot eyes mirroring her tension, says she left behind six members of 

her family. The eldest of them, 48-year-old Iqbal Sheikh, stayed back to look after their property and give 

courage to the few in the Bassa Baba ka Mohalla who stayed on. "They are living in constant fear but 

many do not have the money to leave. (Indian Exp 29.4.02) 

29 th April 

Five killed in Gujarat violence (7) 

AHMEDABAD, APRIL 28: FRESH bout of communal violence today killed five persons, four of them in 

police firing, here despite a peace march led by Defence Minister George Fernandes and Gujarat Chief 

Minister Narendra Modi with an appeal to isolate perpetrators of the carnage. Four persons were killed 

when police opened fire in Man-inagar and Kalupur localities and one person was stabbed to death in 

labour-dominated Gomtipur area, police said. In all, 18 people were injured with ten of them receiving 

bullet injuries and three crude bomb injuries. Police resorted to firing in Chandola Lake areas of 

Mani-nagar and Kalupur to disperse mobs hurling stones and indulging in arson. (Indian Exp 29.4.02) 

30 th April 

Paswan quits over Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, April 29: THE NDA was dealt a double blow on the eve of the crucial vote in Parliament on the 

Gujarat issue. President K.R. Narayanan issued a strong message to the nation on Monday appealing for 

communal harmony in the state; and Lok Jan Shakti Party president Ram Vilas Paswan quit from his post 

of Coal and Mines Minister in the NDA government. The President said, "I appeal to all my fellow citizens 

to restore communal harmony and do everything to end the communal violence that has devastated the 

state and continues to occur even after two months...." The message is particularly embarrassing for the 

government, coming as it does on the eve of the Opposition-sponsored Lok Sabha debate and vote on the 

continuing violence in Gujarat. (Hindustan Times 30.4.02) 

30th April 

Two killed in Ahmedabad blast (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA: April 29: Two persons were killed in communally sensitive Kalupur area in 

Ahmedabad early on Monday morning when a bomb they were carrying exploded on the terrace of their 

house. The police fired 89 rounds and lobbed 73 teargas shells to quell rioting mobs in Dhanasuthar ni 

Pol, Khiskola Pol, Kalupur Tower and Panchpat-ti localities of Kalupur area injuring 30 persons. Thirteen 

are reported to be in a serious condition at V.S. Hospital. Sporadic incidents of arson were also reported 

from Asarwa area of the city where miscreants torched hutments. Indefinite curfew has been clamped in 

Gomtipur and Kalupur areas following the violence. Indefinite curfew was clamped in Kapadwanj, about 60 

km from Ahmedabad, after mobs took to streets following a stabbing incident. The injured person has 

been admitted to a hospital. (Asian Age 30.4.02)

1 st May 2002 

Three killed in Gujarat violence (7) 

AHMEDABAD/VADODARA: Three persons, two in Vadodara and one in Ahmedabad were killed in 

continuing clashes in Gujarat late on Monday night. A large mob In Ahmedabad one person was killed in 

police firing in the Ranip area of Sabarmati when an irate mob set a plastic factory on fire which led to 

stone throwing. Interestingly, the police fired only seven rounds at Sabarmati in which two persons were 

injured of which one died and three others were injured by teargas shells and stones. Explosions 

continued in the Bakar Ali ni Pol area of Kalupur through the night where one person was seriously 

injured. (Times of India 1.5.02) 


India’s secular character in danger: Opp (7) 

New Delhi: SENIOR OPPOSITION leaders on Tuesday painted a grim picture of the state of affairs in the 

country under the Sangh Parivar's hegemony and accused even Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee of behaving like 

a representative of the Hindutva brigade and not the Prime Minister. While moving the motion under rule 

184 on Gujarat in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav argued that 

the 'Prime Minister's obstinacy in not removing chief minister Narendra Modi was shocking as Gujarat had 

raised larger questions of India's fate as a secular state. While his colleague in the People's Front, CPI-M 

leader Somnath Chatterjee went a step further, alleging that the Sangh Parivar had come out openly to 

implement its Hindutva agenda, former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar said he , already saw signs of 

fascism and little space for democratic politics had been now left in the country. (Pioneer 1.5.02) 

1st May 2002 

Omar offers to resign, PM is yet to accept (7) 

New Delhi: The National Conference’s Omar Abdullah, minister of state for external affairs has submitted 

his resignation from the government but Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is yet to accept it 'Making his 

resolve to quit the Vajpayee government quite apparent, Mr Abdullah chose not to sit on the treasury 

benches during the Lok Sabha debate on Gujarat under Rule 184 on Tuesday. Mr. Omar Abdullah 

told reporters that since his party, the National Conference, had chosen to abstain during the voting on 

the motion under Rule 184, it would be morally incorrect of him to remain in the government while not 

voting in favour of it. (Asian Age 1.5.02) 


Orissa district is tense as tribals burn church (7) 

Bhubaneswar, April 30: Tension prevailed in Koraput district of Orissa after a group of about 100 tribals 

torched a church in Badgada village on Thursday. According to the police, no casualty has been reported 

although 20 to 25 people were inside the church when the tribals set it on fire. Reports said Badagada 

village comprises of eight Hindu and seven Christian households. On the occasion of Chaita Parab, a 

tribal festival celebrated on Wednesday, around 100 tribals congregated for worship at the village temple, 

which is about 200 metres away from the church. However, the next day, some tribals found the idol 

rnissing from its original place. Suspecting the hand of someone from the Christian community behind the 

vanishing of the idol, the tribals rushed to the church and set it on fire without serving any warning. (Asian 

Age 1.5.02) 

2 ND May 02 

Let’s make a new Gujarat: Sonia (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MAY 1. The Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, today came down heavily on the 

ruling BJP as it stood for "corruption, communalism and mal-administration." ddressing a farmers' rally at 

Porbandar, Ms. Gandhi condemned both the Godhra carnage and the post-Godhra violence in the State. 

Without naming the BJP or the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, she said those who were at the helm of 

affairs could have prevented the communal holocaust but did not do so only to take political advantage of 

the situation. Referring to the Godhra carnage, she said the perpetrators of the Godhra carnage were 

"devils". But what followed the train tragedy was equally shameful and condemnable. Those who did not 

try to prevent it were turning 'Gandhiji's Guj-arat into Godse's Gujarat', she said. Hitting out at the Prime

Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, she wondered what "Raj Dharma" he had advised Mr. Modi to perform. 

(Hindu 2.5.02) 

2 ND May 02 

Rs. 150 cr. for rehabilitation (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 1. The Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, today announced a Rs 150 crore rehabilitation 

package for the victims of the communal carnage in Gujarat. This includes assistance for reconstruction 

and repair of damaged houses and shops in urban and rural centers, and aid for the self employed among 

the victims to restart their business, commercial and industrial activities. (Hindu 2.5.02) 

2 ND May 02 

BJP indulges in media bashing (7) 

NEW DELHI: Rattled by the combined attack by the opposition and its allies in the NDA over its handling 

of the Gujarat carnage, the B JP has resorted to blaming the media for the continuing violence in the state. 

While B JP leaders have for several days now been targeting the media for what they call one-sided 

coverage of the Gujarat violence, media bashing was carried out inside Parliament when the 

opposition-sponsored censure motion was being debated in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Several 

hardliners on the treasury benches struck out at the media and contrasted the coverage of the national 

press with that of the more favourable local Gujarati media. Even Prime Minister Vajpayee joined his 

colleagues in questioning the role of the press in the ongoing violence. Attacking the media, Vajpayee said 

there is an urgent need to look seriously at the role of the press in such situations. He questioned the 

repeated telecast of shots of persons being burnt or attacked, and said this only worsens the situation. 


2ND May 02 

All casualties of this clash belong to one community (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MAY 1: THE Gujarat police might well give themselves a pat on the back for "controlling" 

mobs in Chandola last week but the facts seem to tell a different story. The official police release says the 

cops opened fire after two groups clashed. Surprisingly, all the dead and injured were members of one 

community. No policeman was even injured. ""They killed innocent people in Gomtipur too. But there at 

least there was the provocation erf a constable having been killed by a mob. Who provoked here? Why 

did they open fire at us?" asked 56-year-old Sheikh Mustafa Mohammed, a resident of Chandola, while 

tending to the injured at VS. Hospital. Sheikh saw a larger conspiracy in the entire episode. "There are 

some who want us to leave this area as they want to acquire ourland," he said. (Indian Exp 2.5.02) 

2 ND May 02 

Minorities have no absolute right: Centre (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY: The minorities have no absolute right under the Constitution to establish and 

administer educational institutions as such a right was subject to "reasonable restrictions", the 

Solicitor-General, Harish Salve, today submitted before a 11-Iudge Constitution Bench of the Supreme 

Court hearing 11 questions relating to the rights of the minorities. Beginning his arguments at the 

conclusion of elaborate arguments (which began on April 2) by counsel for the petitioner institutions, Mr. 

Salve differed with the petitioners' contention that the minorities had absolute rights to establish and 

administer educational institutions, including professional colleges. The right to impart education was 

subject to "reasonable restrictions" and the earlier Constitution Benches had correctly interpreted the 

issues and the problem was only in applying the principles. (Hindu 2.5.02) 

2 ND May 02 

Govt. wins vote but NDA shaken (7) 

New Delhi, May 1: AS THE nation slept, the Vajpayee government survived a trial of strength in the Lok 

Sabha in the sarly hours of Wednesday The opppsition-sponsored censure notion was defeated — 276 to 

182, with eight members, abstaining— but the numbers don't really tell the story. The marathon 16 hour 

debate, which culminated with the vote at 4.25 am, often slipped to abysmal-low levels, but in the end, one 

thing was clear: the cracks in the NDA coalition are now wider than they have ever been. (Hindustan 

Times 2.5.02)

2 ND May 02 

BJP turned Gujarat into Godse’s land, guns Sonia (7) 

PORBANDER, MAY 1: THE Gujarat government has not only ruined the dream of social leaders like 

Ravishankar Maharaj and Indulal Yagnik, forerunners in the creation of the state, but is also out to turn 

Gandhi's land into the land of his assassin Nathuram Godse, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said 

here today. She was addressing a rally at the Dilipsinh Cricket Grounds after a peace march on the 

occasion of the state's Foundation Day. 

In an emotional speech focusing mainly on the recent violence in the state, Sonia said the Maharaj and 

Yagnik had launched the Mahagujarat movement for the creation of a new state that would have an 

identity of its own. "But some elements are out to ruin the dreams of those leaders, and wreak havoc on 

the development of the state for their own interests," she said. (Indian Exp 2.5.02) 

2 ND May 02 

Refugees face mob fury for they dare to visit their village (7) 

VADODARA, MAY 1: THEY didn't even have to read the messages scrawled on their burnt walls, 

threatening them with murder and their wives and daughters with rape if they dared to come back. Four 

refugees who visited their village, Panwad, yesterday to see how badly damaged-their houses was, were 

attacked by a mob. One of them Hasan Suleman Soni is lying in hospital in a critical condition. These 

unlucky four formed the second batch of refugees who ventured back to their village to see if they could 

get back to their normal lives. They were among the 450 forced to flee when a 2,000-strong mob ringed 

their neighbourhood on March 11. All of them are now counting their days in the nearby Chho-taudepur 

relief camp. (Indian Exp 2.5.02) 

3rd May 

Muslims , Dalits protest Gujarat carnage (7) 

New Delhi: Enraged with the developments in Gujarat and the alleged anti-Muslim and anti-Dalit 

approach of the BJP and the Sangh Parivar, a Muslim-Dalit political combine was launched in the 

Capital on Thursday. Announcing this at a crowded rally at the Ramlila grounds here, the 

Jamiat-ulama- Hind and the All India Confederation of SC/ST Employees said that political unity of the 

Dalits and Muslims was a political necessity in the troubled times when Indian democracy itself was in 

danger. Muslims from all parts of the country participated in the rally, carrying black and white flags. The 

organisers described the rally as one of the biggest held in the Capital in recent years, while old-timers 

compared it to JP's 'Sampoorna Kranti' rally in Patna's Gandhi Maidan soon after Emergency. 


3 rd May 

RSS, VHP force Christians to cancel meet (7) 

DHARAMSALA: The five-day Sukhdiayak Sammelan, a Christian conference slated to commence from 

May 5 in Kangra, has been cancelled following the refusal of permission by the municipal authorities in 

apprehension of law and order problems. The municipal committee had earlier granted permission but 

backtracked under pressure from various Hindu organisations, including the RSS, Shiv Sena and the 

VHP. The Sangh Parivar alleged that the meet was being held for forcible conversion of poor Hindus 

families. They had even threatened that to disrupt the meet in case it was held. President of the Municipal 

Committee, Bal Krishan Sharma, on being contacted said that the permission had been withdrawn since 

they could not fulfil certain formalities and conditions. (Times of India 3.5.02) 

3 rd May 

Tension as BJP worker is shot, shrines damaged in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Tension mounted in Bharuch district on Thursday after some assailants riding a 

motorcycle shot at a BJP worker Ankleshwar town. Jamnagar district saw its first serious communal 

incident with the descretion of two shrines at Varvala village of Dwarka taluka on Wednesday night. 

Violence was also reported from Viramgam town during curfew relaxation hours when some vegetable 

vendors began quarelling after which curfew was reimposed. The town had been tense since Wednesday

after a stabbing incident and heavy arson. Miscreants burnt three sheds at Sarkhej Chowkdi on Thursday 

afternoon. ( Times of India 3.5.02) 

4 th May 

SC notice to Gujarat on CBO probe (7) 

New Delhi: MAY 3. The Supreme Court today issued notice to the Gujarat Government on a public 

interest litigation petition to order a CBI probe into all incidents of communal violence including the 

Godhra carnage as recommended by the National Human Rights Commission. A three judge Bench 

comprising the Chief justice S.P. Sharucha, Justice B.N. Kirpal and Justice Shivaraj V. Patil issued notice 

after hearing Anil Divan, senior counsel for the petitioners, D.N. Pathak and 15 other social activists. 

(Hindu 4.5.02) 

3 rd May 

Govt. accepts motion in RS, avoids vote (7) 

New Delhi, May 2: UNDER FIRE from the Opposition, the government on Thursday accepted the motion 

moved by the Opposition under Rule 170 in the Rajya Sabha. The motion called for Central intervention in 

Gujarat under Article 355. Rule 170 entails a vote, and by endorsing the motion, the government avoided 

the embarrassment of losing yet another vote in the Upper House, where it is in a minority. After the 

Congress' Arjun Singh moved the motion, Leader of the House Jaswant Singh expressed anguish over 

the violence in Gujarat and announced the Treasury accepted the motion "word for word" so that it was 

unanimously endorsed. Article 355 of the Constitution is a tool that the Centre can use to protect citizens 

in states where there is an external emergency or serious internal disturbance. It is seen as the step 

before Article 356, under which the Centre can dismiss a state government. The Treasury did not 

withdraw its support of the motion even after the Congress' Kapil Sibal warned that by agreeing to 

intervene under 355 the Centre might be compelled to act under Article 356 for Gujarat Chief Minister 

NarendraModi's removal. (Hindustan Times 3.5.02) 

4th May 

Cops serve notices to sarpanches for turning blind (7) 

VADODARA, MAY 3: IN ORDER to curb communal violence in Vadodara district, the police has served 

notices to many sarpanches who "failed to inform the authorities about the violence in their villages".More 

than two dozen sarpanches in Ghhotaudepur, Kwant and Pavi Jetpur talukas were shocked when 

they received notices under Section 40 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) asking them to 

explain why they did not inform the police when mobs ran riot. Sources said that the police wanted to keep 

the sarpanches on alert and was notg intent on pursing the notices seriously. The idea is to ensure that 

they will prevent further violence in their areas, a Chhotaudepur based police official said. (Indian Exp 

4.5.02) 

4 th May 

Fire returns to Baroda (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA: May 3: Violence erupted in Dehwat village, located on Gujarat-Madhya 

Pradesh border, in Baroda district on Friday. The police had to open 10 rounds of fire and violence 

continued till late in the evening/ However, Ahmedabad and Baroda showed signs of normalcy as no 

untoward incident was reported from any parts of the cities. 

According to available information, situation became tense at Dehwat when two communities clashed over 

cow slaughter and irate mobs torched nearly 10 houses. Cows were'to be slaughtered for some junction 

being organised in the village and this information was passed on to the Rangpur police, since cow 

slaughter is illegal in Gujarat. However, cows were slaughtered by the time the police could reach the 

venue. (Asian Age 4.5.02) 

4 th May 

BJP attacked over reports on Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, May 3: Sahmat has attacked BJP spokespersons Uma Bharati and Vijay Kumar Malho-tra for 

claiming that the documented cases of barbarism in Gujarat against women in particular — rape and 

slashing open wombs of pregnant women and burning the foetus — are falsely propagated by Sahmat

and Communalism Combat. In a statement issued here, Sahmat general-secretary Shabnam Hashmi 

said, "Several testimonies by fathers, mothers, husbands and victims who managed to survive in all 

independent reports show how rnobs can rape women — a fact that the BJP spokespersons find 

impossible to accept.""The 40 survivors who came to Delhi recently narrated their terrible experiences to 

the President of India and his statement to the nation reflects his anguish at the brutality they have been 

subjected to. (Asian Age 4.5.02) 

5 th May 

Call to stop hate campaign among tribals (7) 

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 4. The All-India Christian Council has accused the Sangh Parivar of 

launching a "hate campaign" against Christians and other religious minorities in the tribal belt extending 

from Gujarat in the west to Orissa in the east. Talking to The Hindu here on Saturday, the Council 

secretary-general, John Dayal, alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamse-vak Sangh and its allied 

organisations were making a "concerted effort" to vitiate tribal society. The hate campaign_was 

aimed at turning the tribals against Christians and Muslims, he said. (Hindu 5.5.02) 

5 th May 

Modi Govt. doing well, says PM (7) 

GWALIOR, MAY 4. Virtually giving a clean chit to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, the Prime 

Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, tonight said that although there was a provision to issue notice to a State 

Government under Article 355 of the Constitution, this was not needed in the case of Gujarat where the 

Government was doing reasonably well. In an interaction with the media just before returning to New Delhi 

after a brief visit to the city, the Prime Minister said that although Assembly elections were due soon in 

Goa there was no possibility of holding them early in Gujarat. He said the BJP had not performed up to 

expectations in the recent Assembly elections, but pointed out that it was gearing to do much better in the 

Goa polls. (Hindu 5.5.02) 

5th May 

Reports on Godhra shocks Advani (7) 

PORT BLAIR: Union home minister L K Advani on Friday expressed his shock at the fact that the 

agencies probing the Godhra tragedy had been quoted as saying the incident was not pre-planned. 

Though a number of newspapers, including this one, have quoted investigating officers from the Gujarat 

police, Railway Protection Force and others to similar effect, Advani was reacting to a report on a private 

TV channel broadcast Friday. Asked for his comment, he said, "I am myself surprised. I cannot comment 

right now since the investigation is still on." While the fact that the investigation was on had not deterred 

the home minister from commenting on the 'planned' nature of the train tragedy earlier, he told reporters 

here that he would speak to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to clarify matters before commenting 

further. (Times of India 5.5.02) 

5 th May 

In Gujarat, hate spread on SMS, Net (7) 

New Delhi, May 4: The Gujarat riots were probably the first occasion when the digital media — including 

cell phones, SMS messages and emails — was used extensively to threaten people and spread rumours. 

The report of a fact-finding team of Editors' Guild Of India has pointed out that "the rioters and the 

middle-class looters were directed on mobile phones. According to some who monitored it, the Gujarat 

state web-site had little reference to the riots, barring information about the forthcoming examinations. 

SMS messages were reportedly sent to some people warning them that the milk supplies ha been 

poisoned. Others received telephone calls about a threatened rocket attack, setting off alarm and panic. 

Chain messages were sent by emails." However, certain liberal persons like Mr M.N. Jowher of Manfin 

Infotech Ltd. started websites like www.riotinfo.com following the eruption of mass violence where 

communal harmony is being preached. (Asian Age 5.5.02) 

5 th May 

We were told to go slow, Gujarat cops tell Gill (7)

Gandhinagar, May 4: SENIOR POLICE officers with whom K.P.S. Gill held a series of meetings on 

Saturday, are learnt to have told the former Punjab Police chief that the law and order machinery had 

collapsed in the state because they were given clear instructions to go soft on Bajrang Dal and VHP 

activists. Sources Said the IPS officers told Gill, who has been appointed security adviser to Chief Minister 

Narendra Modi, that this directive was given to them at a meeting of top officials on the night of the 

Godhra incident on February 27. 

To the constable on the street, this instruction on "leniency" meant inaction, and it soon degenerated into 

complicity with the VHP-Bajrang Dal workers. (Hindustan Times 5.5.02) 

5 th May 

Chorus of protests against Gujarat pogrom (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 4. Accusing the Sangh Parivar of engaging in ethnic cleansing in Gujarat, 

academicians, scholars, political activists and social workers today urged all "secular" parties to formulate 

a joint strategy to defeat communal forces and restore confidence among the minorities. "Use of religion 

and caste for political gains has made an adverse impact on society. It is responsible for negative 

polarisation of masses which is affecting peace and integrity of the nation," they lamented while speaking 

at a conference on "Meeting the Challenge of Growing Communal Violence" organised by the Society for 

Communal Harmony in the Capital. Urging political parties to shun their petty political interests and work 

towards upholding the secular character of the country, the participants lamented that caste and 

religion-based politics has hurt the integrity and progress of the nation. Urging people to foil all attempts to 

disintegrate the country, they asserted that the need of the hour was to strengthen bonding of love and 

compassion between different communities. (Hindu 5.5.02) 

6 th May 

Seven killed in fresh flare-up in Ahmedabad (7) 

AHMEDABAD, May 5.— Seven persons were killed and 38 injured in fresh outbreak of violence in parts of 

the city this afternoon. Indefinite curfew has been clamped in Dariilimda and Shahpur. Police lobbed 

tear-gas shells and fired in Dani-limda and Shahpur to disperse violent mobs in^ dulging in arson, 

stone-pelting and stabbing. Warring groups looted and burnt shops and'destroyed property in Behrampur, 

Maninagar and Shahpur, Two persons were killed in stabbing incidents in Danilimda. Two persons were 

killed in police firing while one, died after being hit by a tear-gas shell. The body of a middle-aged man 

with multiple stab injuries Was found in Maninagar, police 'said, where a child was reportedly killed in a 

stampede. The injured, most with bullet wounds, have been admitted to city hospitals. (Statesman 6.5.02) 

6th May 

Rs. 1,000 crores for Gujarat relief demanded (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 5. A delegation of central trade unions, which visited the riot-torn parts of Gujarat and 

the relief camps set up there, today demanded that the. Centre provide at least Rs. 1,000 crores 

immediately for relief, rehabilitation, repairs and construction of buildings. It has also asked for quick 

disposal of applications for compensation to facilitate early return to normality. People who are asked to 

go back to their places must be provided with proper security, relatives of those who have been affected 

by the carnage,' should be given compensation, the trade unions' team led by Gurudas Das Gupta, 

general secretary of the AITUC, said. "Rs. 150 crores allocated is too inadequate. (Hindu 6.5.02) 

6th May 

Jain TV chief ends fast for peace (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 5: Emotions were running high as the chairman of Jain TV, Dr J.K. Jain ended his 

seven-day fast in presence of governor Sunder Singh Bhandari by accepting a glass of juice from Dr 

Naimunnisa Kadri, a Muslim lady doctor serving at the Shah-e-Alam camp here on Saturday. Various 

groups promised to work for peace even after Dr Jain left for Delhi and noted the "coincidence" that since 

the last three-days, there had been no untoward incident of violence in the state. The biggest casualty in 

the lasf. two months' events was the1 faith of the people and the need for the hour was to increase faith 

between the communities, Mr Bhandari said. (Asian Age 6.5.02) 

7 th May

PM wanted to sack Modi but feared reaction (7) 

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Monday gave a new twist to the controversy over 

the continuation of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, saying that he had decided to remove Modi but 

changed his mind fearing a backlash in Gujarat. Vajpayee also ruled out immediate assembly elections in 

the state. "I had gone to Goa making up my mind on changing the ruler in Gujarat," Vajpayee said, 

referring to last month's BJP national executive meeting. "Lekin satta parivartan se stithi our bigadti, yeh 

hamara aakalan thato kyn hamein swantantr aakatan karne ka aadhikar nahin hai? (But according to my 

own assessment, I felt that the change in leadership will only worsen the situation)." Vajpayee stated 

this while intervening in the Rajya Sabha debate on the Gujarat censure motion moved by the Opposition. 


7 th May 

All over at 355, Rift mars match (7) 

New Delhi: IT TURNED out to be a unique case of disagreement wreathed in consensus. Despite the 

Rajya Sabha unanimously passing a censure motion on Gujarat seeking effective Central intervention 

under Article 355 of the Constitution, both the Government and the Opposition stuck to their contradictory 

positions. While the Opposition reiterated its demand for the removal of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra 

Modi, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee rejected it saying, "Observing raj dharma does not mean only 

relinquishing the chair." On the other substantive point, while the Opposition insisted on Central 

intervention under Article 355, the Government asserted such intervention does not essentially mean 

putting the State Government on notice. However, the resolution was adopted in the Rajya Sabha by 

voice vote. This is the first time when a Government has accepted an Opposition's motion under Rule 170 

which calls for making an intervention under Rule 355. (Pioneer 7.5.02) 

7 th May 

In Gujarat, a sewer is safest place (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 6: First it was the police x atrocities and "biased" behaviour towards them. Now it is the 

fear of the police allegedly taking away valuables from their homes "forcibly" during combing operations 

that is plaguing residents of communally sensitive areas in the Walled City. As a result of this, fear 

psychosis has gripped the minority community in riot-prone areas of .Gomtipur, Juhapura, Shah Alam and 

Shahpur. Residents have started finding innovative means to protect their valuables from being "forcibly 

taken away" by policemen during the combing operation. (Asian Age 7.5.02) 

7th May 

Gujarat cops failed to read the riot act during carnage (7) 

NEW DELHI.'MAY 6 WHEN two former police officers and an IAS officer who has resigned, blame the 

Gujarat government for taming a blind eye while the state, burnt and continues to burn the remark is 

bound to lead to introspection. At a seminar on Role of Police in Gujarat,'. former Delhi Police 

commissioner Nikhil Kumar ' blamed the state for allowing people to take law in to their hands. "The 

police is usually in the know of trouble makers and those who are likely to cause trouble. Was any 

preventive action taken?" Kuitiar asked. He had a word of caution for the Gujarat police: They need to 

buck up their morale. Kurnai, former DGP KS. Subramanyam and Harsh Marider, whoresigned from the 

IAS r£-cenuy$>lained the Gujarat govern-ment for the total collapse in law 

7 th May 

There is no reason Modi won’t listen, says Gill (7) 

New Delhi, May 6: Supercop K.P.S. Gill, whose hurried return to New Delhi from Ahmedabad sparked 

off wild speculation about his reluctance to take over the new – assignments will be returning to 

Ahmedabad to function as the security adviser to Gujarat chief ministwer Narendra Modi. Reticent and 

cautious, Mr. Gill was unwilling to make any predictions even as he insisted that he had no reason to 

believe that Mr Modi would not cooperate in the restoration of law and order in the violence-torn state and 

follow his advice to the letter. (Asian Age 7.5.02) 

7 th May 

Two stoned to death; 10 hurt in Godhra bus blast (7)

AHMEDABAD, May.6. — The "two youths from the minority community were stoned to death by a group 

at Dhor Bazar in Ahmedabad, taking, the toll in the fresh violence that erupted yesterday to 10. Curfew, 

imposed yesterday, continued at Danilimda and Shahpur areas in the city. The youths, on a cycle, were 

stopped by a mob that thrashed them before hitting them with stones. The two died instantly. Police 

lobbed tear-gas shells to scare away a , 

crowd which gathered near a place of worship at Mirzapur that was rocked by two explosions. Ten; 

passengers, including three women and a child, were injured when a bomb exploded in a state transport 

bus at Lunavada bus stand in Panchmahal district today. (Statesman 7.5.02) 

8 th May 

J.S. Verma stopped UN resolution on Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, May 7: The Indian government cornered by world governments on the continuing violence in 

Gujarat, sent troubleshooter Soli Sorabjee (solicitor-general) and the National Human Rights Commission 

chairman, Justice J.S. Verma (Retd), to Geneva to persuade United Nations High Commissioner for 

Human Rights Mary Robinson not to issue a strong statement on the violence in Gujarat. Ms Robinson 

was inclined to use the forum of the UN human rights meeting to indict the Indian government for the 

continuing violence in Gujarat. The Vajpayee government immediately despatched Justice Verma and Mr 

Sorabjee to prevent this "disaster." (Asian Age 8.5.02) 

8 th May 

Mediator Modi hits minority hurdle (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 6: The National Commission for Minorities' initiative to start a dialogue between Hindu 

and Muslim leaders seems to have hit a wall. The commission had asked Gujarat chief minister Narendra 

Modi to mediate the dialogue. However, Muslim leaden are apprehensive about the chief minister who 

they consider the biggest hurdle in bridging the "distance" and restoring communal harmony between the 

two communities. The VHP, too, is not very keen on a dialogue till some "basic is sues are addressed". 

After dilly dallying for two months, Modi on Thursday accepted the minorities' commission's offer and 

agreed to mediate a dialogue between Hindu and Muslim leaders. But the mis givings continue to persist 

with the chief minister showing no flexibility in his stand and the VHP, RSS leaders making nc 

"reconciliatory move". (Telegraph 7.5.02) 

8th May 

Democracy in Goa is in danger, says Church (7) 

Panaji: In a strongly worded statement, an affiliate body of Goa's Catholic church has voiced its concerns 

that "democracy is in danger in Goa." Even more interestingly, every political party has rushed to embrace 

the statement and praise it for its concerns. Targeting the twin ills of corruption and communalism, the 

Diocesan Service Centre for Social Action in a statement for public discussion, said, "Defections have 

made a mockery of the people's mandate." Over 20 of the 40 legislators in the dissolved Goa Assembly 

had defection petitions filed against them before the Speaker, but anti-defections legislations have 

proved ineffectual to control a rampant Goan malaise. Though a Congress majority of 21 MLAs was 

elected, the state ended up with two coalition BJP governments, cobbled from political poaching. "These 

unprincipled, selfish, unethical pursuits, have corrupted the political system to such an extent that they are 

now being accepted as a norm," said the statement. (Asian Age 8.5.02) 

8 th May 

Gujarat BJP was keeping tabs on Muslims from (( (7) 

New Delhi, May 7: A secret circular, issued by Gujarat's director of police (intelligence) to the top brass of 

the state police in 1999, reveals the hostile attitude of the BJP-led state government towards Muslims over 

the last three years. The circular directs all police commissioners, district police officers and range 

IGPs/DIGPs to "intimate details of persons (Muslims) involved in communal riots which occurred in their 

city/district during the last five years — viz offence registration section, place, what was the 

judgment by court, how many times the person was booked under CrPC Sections 107,151,110, or Pasa, 

Nasa." According to the circular (No. D 2/2,. Com/Muslim/Activity/84/99 of 1/2-2-99), which is 

published in a report released on Monday, the district police officials and others were asked to "intimate

(to the state) how many darululmas (madrasas) are functioning in their districts/cities and where they are 

located." (Asian Age 8.5.02) 

8 th May 

Opposition walks out of LS over Gujarat relief camps (7) 

New Delhi, May 7: The entire Opposition staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour on 

Tuesday over the Vajpayee government's response on trie issue of threatened closure of relief camps in 

riot-hit Gujarat.. They were protesting against Union home minister L.K.: Advani's reply as he said that the 

government would discharge its constitutional ditties. Responding to the MPs' concern, Mr Advani said 

that the Centre had no information about the proposal to close down the relief camps in Gujarat. The 

Union home minister, visibly reluctant to commit himself, told the House that the government is conscious 

of its duties under Article 355 of the Constitution and "we will discharge them thoroughly." "Both the 

Houses have already discussed .the Gujarat issue in detail and I don't think that I need to say anything 

more on the matter," he said. (Asian Age 8.5.02) 

8 th May 

Post-Godhra violence pre-planned: AIMPLB (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MAY 7. A delegation of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board which visited some of the 

riot-hit areas of Gujarat did not find any evidence to'suggest that the Godhra carnage was "preplanned" 

but is confident that the post-Godhra violence against the innocent Muslims was "pre-planned and 

pre-meditated." Talking to media persons here today, the AIMPLB secretary, Abdul Raheem Qurashi, 

rejected the ruling BJP's theory that the post-Godhra violence was the "natural reaction" of the Godhra 

train carnage. Even while strongly deploring the train carnage and demanding the strictest possible 

punishment to its perpetrators "after fair and objective investigation and due process of law," he said, "by 

no stretch of imagination" the post-Godhra violence could be termed as a reaction to the train carnage. 

(Hindu 8.5.02) 

8th May 

Mob attacks ambulances carrying riot victims (7) 

Ahmedabad> The myth of VS Hospital being a safe haven for Muslim patients lay shattered as a mob 

attacked two ambulances carrying victims and stabbed a 22 year old youth who was accompanying his 

brother injured in police firing. The ambulances were carrying two dead and two injured in the rioting at 

Juhapura. They are killing our people.. they should not be treated here, the mob reportedly shouted, 

blocking the way of the ambulances. I got down from the ambulance thinking that the people had come to 

help the patients. As soon as I stepped out they started beating me and one of them also slashed me on 

the neck., a victim told Times News Network showing the neck injury. (Times of India 8.5.02) 

9 th May 

Violence unabated in Gujarat, 8 killed (7) 

Ahmedabad May 8,: Violence continued unabated in parts of Gujarat today claiming eight more lives. The 

death toll since Sunday has mounted to 27. Five people were killed and 13 injured when police fired to 

disperse mobs in Maninagar area of the city after a bomb blast spread panic in the area which was under 

curfew. Nineteen people were injured in violence in the Kalupur area. A person was stabbed to death in 

Bhiloda town of Sabarkantha district last night while two bodies with stab wounds were recovered by the 

police from Gyaspur village in Ahmedabad rural district. (Statesman 9.5.02) 

9 th May 

Gujarat BJP was keeping tabs on Muslims from 99 (7) 

New Delhi, May 7: A secret circular, issued by Gujarat's director of police (intelligence) to the top brass of 

the state police in 1999, reveals the hostile attitude of the BJP-led state government towards Muslims over 

the last three years. The circular directs all police commissioners, district police officers and range 

IGPs/DIGPs to "intimate details of persons (Muslims) involved in communal riots which occurred in their 

city/district during the last five years — viz offence registration section, place, what was the judgment by 

court, how many times the person was booked under CrPC Sections 107,151,110, or Pasa, Nasa." 

According to the circular (No. D 2/2,-Com/Muslim/Activity/84/99 of 172-2-99), which is published in a

eport released on Monday, the district police officials and others were asked to "intimate (to the state) 

how many darul ulmas (madrasas) are functioning in their districts/cities and where they are located." 


10 th May 

PM in rethink mode, Modi’s job in line again (7) 

New Delhi, May 9: PRIME MINISTER A.B. Vajpayee is believed to have changed his mind once again on 

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi continuing in office. Vajpayee has apparently confided in some of 

his close supporters that he should have gone by his own assessment — that Modi should be removed — 

rather than by the judgement of "inexperienced" colleagues who felt he should be retained. 

Earlier this week, during the debate over Gujarat in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister had said that he 

had given serious thought to removing Modi, but had decided that, on balance, it would serve no purpose 

where restoring peace in Gujarat was concerned. (Hindustan Times 10.5.02) 

10 th May 

Muslims fear Fill will flush them out like terrorists (7) 

Gandhinagar, May 8: CONTRARY TO what was expected, security advisor K.P.S. Gill's arrival in the state 

has not assuaged the minorities' fears. In fact, it has only made them more apprehensive because Chief 

Minister Narendra Modi has explained that Gill is there as an expert on terrorism in border states, and this 

is being interpreted as an indication of an imminent crackdown on minority ghettos. In reaction, some 

minority-dominated areas even have posters proclaiming "All Muslims are not terrorists". Umarbhai, who 

sells soft drinks, says, "We do not have any faith in this state government or the Union government. Gill 

fully knows who was responsible for the attacks on the minorities." 

"Minorities are victims here," he said, wondering why Gill's presence in Gujarat was being seen as a 

parallel to his flushing out terrorists from Punjab. (Hindustan Times 9.5.02) 

10th May 

BJP Man held for atrocities (7) 

Baroda: The Kalol police in Panchmahals arrested Kalol BJP taluka president Chandrasingh Parmar, 

alias Kabbhai Dada on Wednesday for his alleged involvement in the rape and burning alive of seven n 

women of the minority community in Eral village during the post-Godhra riots. According to the police, the 

incident had taken place in Eral village when a mob,, reportedly led by Kabhai Dada, attacked seven 

women from the minority community, allegedly raped them and then burnt them alive. 

The arrest of the BJP leader has set alarm bells ringing for the state BJP. Gujarat BJP president 

Rajendrasinh Rana, reacting to the arrest, told The Asian Age that the "matter is serious" and could 

have a negative impact on the image of the party. "I heard the information on Mr Parmar's arrest and 

also discussed it with state home minister Gordhan Jhadafiya. (Asian Age 10.5.02) 

10 th May 

Punjab not to spare police forces for Gujarat (7) 

CHANDIGARH, MAY 9. The Punjab Government today expressed its inability to spare its police personnel 

for deployment in violence-torn Gujarat, citing "non-availability" of reserve forces. While not many officers 

were willing to comment on the decision, it is said to have been taken after a "review of ground realities," 

especially in the wake of some recent incidents of law and order in the State. 

According to an official statement from Delhi, the Punjab Government admitted that the Security Adviser 

to the Gujarat Chief Minister, K.P.S. Gill, had contacted the Punjab Home Secretary, S. K. Sinha, and 

requested him to spare some companies of the Punjab police for deployment in Gujarat. (The Punjab 

Chief Minister, Amarin-der Singh, and at least half a dozen Ministers and senior officers are currently 

camping in the capital to attend meetings on investment and the State's fiscal situation). (Hindu 10.5.02) 

11 th May 

Gujarat still bleeds, 7 more die (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA : May 10: Violence refused to die in Gujarat. At least seven more persons 

were killed in Ahmedabad on Friday while the police department underwent a major overnight reshuffle. 

Though the police said Friday's, toll was five dead at 8 pm, sources confirmed that at least three 

people succumbed to police firing in the sensitive area of Jamalpur while a mob set one person on fire

in Kalupur. Another person was stabbed in Shahpur by Friday afternoon. Details of the other deceased 

could not be confirmed. Meanwhile, in a major development; the Delhi police arrested two persons, 

reportedly terrorists of the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. During interrogation, the two confessed they were 

involved in the communal riots in Gujarat and had plans to go to the state to carry out a terrorist operation. 


11 th May 

Frenchman on peace mission to Gujarat, will meet Modi (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 10: Many came, saw and left but the state continues to burn. The closure of a number 

of refugee camps and the fear of having to return to homes that may not be safe has compounded the 

plight of the riot victims. In such a scenario, comes a French man on a "peace mission" all the way from 

France en route to' South America, Africa and West Asia. Before entering India from Mumbai on April 11, 

20-year-old Sylvan Quenel was oblivious to the situation in Gujarat. "After I sought permission from the 

mayor of Mumbai, I was warned off the state. However, all this increased my determination to visit 

Gujarat," says Quenel. Now, after arriving in the state and having visited the riot-torn areas of Baroda, 

Monsieur Quenel is planning to meet chief minister Narendra Modi in Gandhinagar with a peace message. 


11 th May 

No help from Govt, say relief agencies (7) 

AHMEDABAD: As the fires of sectarian conflict show no signs of abating, non-governmental organisations 

(NGOs) say they are facing an uphill task in providing succour to the victims, much of it without the 

government's help. "We are stuck between relief and rehabilitation," says Victor Moses,, who co-ordinates 

relief activities of an NGO called the Citizen's Initiative. "For how long do you think the NGO's are going to 

sustain relief activities in these camps. It has almost drained us out. We're still making efforts to mobilise 

funds. There is no effort being made by the government to rehabilitate the victims in these camps.," says 

Moses. Pradeep Shenoy, a social worker from Bangalore says, "We have been trying hard to pacify 

victims by providing them counselling. But if violence continues, it would be difficult for us to restore faith 

in them." "We have been working in these relief camps for quite a few days. What we've realised is that 

the apathetic attitude of the authorities is one of the main reason for widening the gulf between the 

communities," says Abhijeet Loreng, working with an NGO called DANA. (Times of India 11.5.02) 

10th May 

I saw Dara burn Staines Vehicles (7) 

Bhubaneswar, May 9: Raghunath Dohari, the 34th witness produced by the CBI in the 

Khurda district and sessions judge's court on Thursday, made a startling revelation when he said 

he had seen Dara Singh burning the two vehicles in which Graham Stewart Staines and his two 

minor sons were sleeping on the night of January 22, 1999. This is the first that a witness, has told 

the court about Data's direct involvement in the crime. Dara is the prime accused in the killings of 

Australian missionary Graham Stewart Staines and his two minor sons Philip and Timothy. (Asian 

Age 10.5.02) 

12 th May 

Red Cross moves in where Modi govt fails (7) 

NEW DELHI: 11 MAY: Thousands of Muslim survivors of sectarian violence in Gujarat may finally start 

picking up the threads of their lives again, thanks to the efforts of the International Red Cross Society. The 

global relief and rehabilitation group is set to distribute work tools at relief camps across Gujarat so that 

people can start going back to their trades. Backed by a corpus of Rs.20 million from the Prime Minister's 

Relief Fund, the Red Cross has devised a "Back To Work" scheme and is currently busy identifying likely 

beneficiaries.Once it readies a list of people — among them carpenters, motor mechanics, electricians 

and the neighbourhood clothes ironers — the Red Cross will start to supply them with kits containing work 

tools. Many would be given carts too, on which they can sell their wares.( Economic Times 12.5.02) 

12 th May

Violence continues in Ahemdabad (7) 

Ahmedabad May 11: VIOLENCE CONTINUED in he walled city with indents of arson, looting and lashes 

in several areas. Two people were allegedly killed and six hurt in police firing : Jamalpur and Raikhad. 

There was, however, no official confirmation on this. While the toll in Friday's violence reached eight with 

two more killings late last about a dozen people were injured in fresh clashes on Saturday. Police used 

teargas and resorted to firing to disperse clashing mobs in areas of Gunj Sahid Kabristan and Danilimda. 

Mobs from both communities clashed in Danilmda area where miscreants set several shops and factories 

afire. (Hindustan Times 12.5.02) 

12 th May 

Spare our neighbours, Hindu women tell cops (7) 

AHMEDABAD: MAY 11: THEIR actions have been questioned more than once in the two months since 

Godhra. But on Thursday, the Ahmedabad police were stopped in their tracks by an unusual group: Hindu 

women of Mochi Aul locality, who stood in front of the cops and turned them away from their Muslim 

neighbours, telling them they were firing at the wrong group. After two Muslim youths of the locality in 

Delhi Dar-waja area—a minority-dominated area with seven Hindu families, and a mosque and temple 

next to each other — received injuries reportedly in police firing, Hindu women stepped forward to stop it. 

They alleged that the police were targeting their neighbours even though they had been attacked by 

Muslims from across the road. (Indian Exp 12.5.02) 

12 th May 

Riots didn’t kill him, relief did (7) 

AHMEDABAD: MAY 11: The riots didn't claim him, but the "compensation" did. Within 10 minutes of 

receiving the cheque from the state government, 58-year-old Babulal Abdul Hamid collapsed. .He owned 

three houses and a kerosene shop, but after the rioters came for him, had to flee from his house in 

Shahibaug. In his FIR, he mentioned a total loss of about Rs 8 lakh. As others in his family despaired, he 

comforted them, telling them everything would be all right. But then on April 25, he got his cheque from 

the state. He was in for a rude shock — all the government deemed him fit for was Rs 2,000. Babulal 

suffered a fatal heart attack. "He had high hopes even when everything was lost," says his daughter 

Madina Banu. "However, when he saw the cheque of Rs 2,000, he went into deep shock. (Indian Exp 

12.5.02) 

12th May 

Another killed as Gill meets minority leaders (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Even as K P S Gill, security advisor to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi,held a 

marathon meeting at Gandhinagar with minority leaders from across the state on Saturday , one more fell 

victim to the communal violence. Police said the body of a middle- aged man h stab wounds was 

recovered from the Sabarmati banks. Incidents of violence and arson were reported from Raikhad 

Haveli. Several vehicles, including riot control vans, were stoned. RAF personnel and policemen resorted 

to teargas shelling to disperse the mobs in Raikhad and Jamalpur areas. (Times of India 12.5.02) 

12 th May 

26 injured as mobs clash in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA: May 11: Twenty-six people were injured in heavy rioting and crude bomb 

attacks in Ahmedabad as violence entered its 74th day on Saturday. New city police commissioner K.R. 

Kaushik appealed to the people to help restore peace in the city. Danilimda was once again .the centre of 

violence as mobs clashed, torched shops and houses, indulged in heavy stone-throwing and even threw 

crude bombs at each other and at police personnel. No reports of violence were reported from other parts 

of Gujarat. Mr Kaushik, in a very brief address to the media, said he was new on the job and wanted 

everyone to attempt to restore peace in the city. "People should not expect the police alone to restore 

peace. It is an effort we must all put in collectively," he said. (Asian Age 12.5.02) 

12 th May 

Attack on dargah shatters a peaceful Ahmedabad locality (7)

Ahmedabad, May 11: Friday night's violence at Rani-no-Haziro area of Ahmedabad has shattered the trust 

between Hindus and Muslims in the area. Hindu shopkeepers have been conducting business peacefully 

among the Muslim residents of the area for years, but the violence has filled people of both communities 

with fear. Despite the violence, Mazid, 48, a flower vendor in the area said, "How can we destroy Hindu 

business establishments. Although we are Muslims, we do business with the Hindus by selling items of 

used in Hindu rituals. So loss to them would affect our bread and butter. (Asian Age 12.5.02) 

13 th May 

Ahmedabad mobs defy curfew, go on shop-burning blitz (7) 

AHMEDABAD AND BARODA: MaY 12: Violence in Gujarat showned no sign of abating on the 75th day 

oh Sunday as one person was stabbed to death and at least 20 persons were injured, including two in 

police firing, in Ahmedabad, Other parts of Gujarat, however, remained incident free. In Ahmedabad, 

rioting mobs kept the police personnel on their toes in curfew-bound areas as incidents were reported 

from Mahinagar, Behrampura, Jatmlpur and Gaekwad Hayeli. Petrol and crude bomb blasts were reported 

from some parts of Ahmedabad and police and paramilitary personnel had to open fire to disperse rioting 

-mobs that defied curfew. (Asian Age 13.5.02) 

13 th May 

BJP plans Godhra rally to demand release of Hindus (7) 

Baroda, May 12: A massive rally has been organised in Godhra by the BJP on May 17 and an agitation will 

be launched by BJP Chhota Udepur 'taluka panchayat president Shankar Rathwa from Tuesday in 

support of their demand to release BJP workers and Hindus arrested under various offences. As a 

precursor to the rally, which the BJP hopes will draw a crowd of over one lakh people, Mr Rathwa and 

Chhota Udepur BJP unit member Ashwin Patel will begin a hunger fast on Tuesday. BJP leaders have 

threatened that if the police does not release Hindus, they will forcibly remove them from the police 

custody. (Asian Age 13.5.02) 

13th May 

Muslims forced to convert withdraw FIRs in Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, May 12: The CPI(M) has alleged that Muslims living in relief camps in Gujarat are being forced 

to change their religion and withdraw the FIRs filed by them against the rioters if they want a safe return to 

their homes. As the inmates of the relief camps, living in inhuman conditions with epidemics and diseases 

spreading leave in search of their destroyed homes, they are being waylaid and killed. Those who have 

braved to reach what were once their homes are being threatened in various ways. Some are being told 

that they cannot live in their homes unless they convert their religion. Some others are being threatened 

that they cannot live in their homes unless they withdraw the FIRs and complaints that they had filed. 


13 th May 

Riots exodus spawns terror fears (7) 

New Delhi, May 12: The National Commission for Minorities fears that the refusal of riot- hit Muslim 

victims of Gujarat to return home could create a disturbing situation akin to Jammu and Kashmir and 

sp[ur terrorism in the state. Sources said the commission was concerned that about one lakh riot victims 

fearing attacks from Hindu hardliners were unwilling to return home and preferred to stay where their 

co-religionists outnumbered Hindus. (Telegraph 13.5.02) 

13 th May 

Gill threatens to crack whip over guilty (7) 

AHMEDABAD: May 12. — Mr Narendra Modi's rity adviser today directed Gujarat police s "not to spare 

the guilty" involved in rioting asked them to file "regular reports" on the progress of cases. Terming the 

meeting of senior police and intelliogence officers as "highly fruitful sources in Mr KPS Gill’s office said 

the supercop had "the law should take its course and culprits arrested… prosecution should be pursued 

at the top level. (Statesman 13.5.02) 

13th May

Minority rights: Soli will tell SC what govt won’t (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 12: AS the largest Supreme Court bench in the last 30 years hears a batch of 200 

petitions dealing with minority rights against the backdrop of Gujarat, the Centre may be in for an 

embarrassment. For, its No. 1 law officer, Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee, is set to give his "personal 

opinion" to the court regardless of the stand the Government has already taken through its No. 2 law 

officer, Solicitor-General Harish Salve. At the heart of the current debate is the Government's argument, 

stated by Salve, that a minority institution receiving aid from the state should be denied the right it has 

under Article 30 of the Constitution to reserve seats purely on religious or linguistic lines. (Indian Exp 

13.5.02) 

14 th May 

Can’t shut out the world, says Sorabjee (7) 

JAIPUR: Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee said here on Monday that India cannot brush aside concern 

voiced by some foreign countries on the Gujarat situation. Old dogmas of state sovereignty have changed 

and the international community can now express "legitimate concern", he said. 

Speaking at the national seminar on "Human rights in governance," Sorabjee said it was just not enough 

for the government to criticise superficially or express resentment over critical reports of foreign countries. 

"If their reports are incorrect, false or exaggerated, our response should be with facts or figures," he said. 

Merely expressing the government's resentment or criticism to such reports gave "propaganda 

ammunition" to countries hostile to India. (Times of India 14.5.02) 

14 th May 

Two die as Gujarat riots spill over border (7) 

Mumbai, May 13: Two persons were killed, one of them in police firing, and 53 others injured when 

clashes broke out in Maharashtra's tribal-dominated Nandurbar town on Monday morning, forcing the 

authorities to impose curfew there. The injured included a police officer and two journalists. The police 

later arrested 83 persons in connection with the violence. (Asian Age 14.5.02) 

14th May 

Gujarat carnage will dominate agenda (7) 

Hyderabad: THE. KILLING of minorities in Gujarat will top the agenda at a meeting of United Nations 

Subcommittee on Minorities in August this year, ex-chairman of National Minorities Commission and 

former Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High' Court Justice Sardar Ali Khan, said at a symposium (The 

genocide in Gujarat and Future Action ) on Sunday. The symposium was organised by the Forum for 

Social Justice, a group of teachers belonging to scheduled castes, tribes and backward classes and the 

Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians. (Pioneer 14.5.02) 

14 th May 

Blasts in mosque lead to tension (7) 

Meerut: Tension gripped Saharanpur on Monday after two powerful bombs exploded within the premises 

of a mosque near the PWD Guest House in Janakpuri . The police later seized another live crude bomb 

attached to a timer from the site. The explosions damaged the place of worship. (Times of India 14.5.02) 

14 th May 

Sonia seeks PM help over 2 hate cases in Gujarat (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 13: CONGRESS president Sonia andhi today sought Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee's 

intervention in connection with two incidents in Gujarat. One is the murder of a pregnant woman and her 

unborn child. The other is the rape and murder of five little girls. In a letter to Vajpayee, Sonia said that she 

received a petition from Jannatbai Kallubhai Sheikh of Naroda Patia in Gujarat who was an eyewitness to 

both crimes. Jannatbai has identified the perpetrators to the police but no action has been taken so far, 

she wrote. (Indian Exp 14.5.02) 

15th May 

Illegal arms flourish in Ahmedabad (7)

Ahmedabad, May 14: During the last two months of communal violence in the city, the number of persons 

brought to hospitals with wounds due to private firing has been high revealing the fact that a large number 

of illegal firearms are in circulation in the city. In fact, the market for illegal firearms is upbeat ever since 

the riots began. In two months of violence, on an average, five persons have been admitted to city 

hospitals with bullet wounds caused due to private firing. "Police also finds it difficult to deal with private 

firing in the riot torn areas of the city. Even police officials and constables have been hurt in private firing," 

a police official said. Meanwhile, deputy commissioner of police Samiullah Ansari who looks after the 

license department said that his job was to give and renew licences and he was unaware of what was 

happening in the field. (Asian Age 15.5.02) 

15 th May 

Traffic jams back in Ahmedabad (7) 

AHMEDABAD: Every time there is a hope of peace returning to Ahmedabad, people ask whether this is a 

lull before or after a storm. The past 11 weeks have shown that peace in the city is shortlived. This time, 

there appears to be a distinct difference: The crisis of confidence and the eerie feeling of trouble lurking 

round the corner is no longer there. Touchwood. Call it effective policing or riot fatigue, two days of relative 

peace in the city has drawn out scores of people on to the streets. If there is anything still keeping people 

indoors, it is the scorching heat. A road from Raipur Chakla to Kalupur, where an ambulance was set 

aflame by a mob last week, was on Tuesday bustling with activity. There was the all-familiar and 

now-reassuring traffic jam here. (Times of India 15.5.02) 

16 th May 

Violence in Gujarat has not ended: League MP (7) 

New Delhi, May 15: Muslim League MP E. Ahamed has said that contrary to government claims, violence 

continues unabated in Gujarat with the number of inmates in the relief camps on the rise. He has 

appealed to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vaj-payee and Union home minister Lal Krishna Advani to take 

effective measures to protect the Muslims from brutal and wanton attacks by the Sangh Parivar as well as 

the partisan administration. Mr Ahamed said that it is regrettable that the relief package announced by the 

Prime Minister is yet to be implemented. He charged that the Bajrang Dal, VHP, RSS and other such "ultra 

. fascist" outfits of the BJP have taken the police for granted and are using them for their whims. (Asian 

Age 16.5.02) 

16th May 

Gujarat seeks time from NHRC to submit report (7) 

Delhi, May 15: The Gujarat Government .has sought more time the National Human Rights mission to file 

a comprehensive report on the communal riots in the state as the time given by the mission for filing of the 

same ended on Wednesday. The commission had given two weeks time to both the Centre and the 

Gujarat government to file their responses to its preliminary comments and recommendations on May 1. 

The Gujarat government is yet to. submit its report, The commission had sought response and 

comments from the Gujarat and central governments the report of its team headed by Justice J.S. Verma 

(retired) that had visited Gujarat in March,. (Asian Age 16.5.002) 

16 th May 

Touching reunion at Naroda (7) 

Ahmedabad: Bystanders fell silent when the police on Wednesday reached the site of the February 28 

massacre at Naroda-Patia, where 86 persons were hacked and burnt to death 11 weeks ago. The victims, 

escorted by the district collector and crime branch officials, revisited their burnt homes. About 150 riot 

victims visited Naroda-Patia for physical verification on the basis of which the government would grant 

compensation. For some, it was a tearful and touching reunion with their Hindu neighbours. Even as a 

Hindu woman wiped tears flowing down the cheeks of one of her estranged Muslim neighbours, the pleas 

to return home, however, met with uncontrollable sobs. Tears also flowed down the wrinkled cheeks of 

50-year-old Mariam Bibi as she reached the spot where the memories of those devilish acts of February 

28 still hung thick. Fighting back tears, she and her husband Hassan Abukar walked down the familiar 

lanes where her disabled son was done to death. (Times of India 16.5.002)

17 TH May 

Film on Godhra glosses over riots, blasts media, NHRC (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 16: A 40-MINUTE film on the Godhra attack, Gujarat ki Vedana, screened today 

picked on the media for biased reporting. Home Minister L.K. Advani, who was expected to attend, did not 

turn up at the screening. The film based on video footage of interviews with Godhra eyewitnesses and 

victims, was screened at the Mahadev Auditorium. 

In the audience were Minister of State Chaman Lal Gupta, Gujarat Heavy Industries Minister Vallabhai 

Kathuria and Balbir Punj, MP. The three year old Council For International Affairs and Human Rights 

made the film that indicted the media, particularly the English language press, National Human Rights 

Commission and the administration. The film never moved beyond Godhra as most victims talked of 

events leading to the attack. (Indian Exp 17.5.02) 

17 th May 

Privilege motion against PM rejected (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 16. The Lok Sabha Speaker, Manohar Joshi, today rejected the. privilege motion 

moved against the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee. The Congress chief whip in the Lok Sabha, 

Priya Ranjan Dasmunshi, had moved the motion, alleging that the Prime Minister had misled the 

House on May 1 while participating in the discussion on the Gujarat situation. Mr. Dasmunshi had said 

that while seeking to clarify in the Lok Sabha certain portions of the controversial speech made by him 

in Goa, Mr Vajpayee had "deliberately" inserted the word "such" in a sentence which did not exist in the 

original speech. Mr. Dasmunshi had produced a video copy of the speech to prove his point that the word 

"such" had not been used before the word "Muslims". (Hindu 17.5.02) 

18th May 

Gujarat riot panel extends deadline (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, May 17. — The deadline for filing statements or affidavits before Jus-' tice KG Shah 

Commission, investigating the Gujarat riots, has been extended from 15"May to 31 May. The commission 

secretary Mr HR Kamodia; said the reasons behind the move are that "people have prayed for more time 

and the riots are still con^ tinuing". Till 15 May, the commission "had received 378 statements/affidavits, 

including applications for adjournments," Mr Kamodia said. The body of a police constable, missing since 

yesterday, was today found at Makarba area of Ju-huapura area of Sarkhej in Ah-medabad rural district, 

adds FIX Police said Parvatsinh Kesaji was attached to Vejalpur police station on the outskirts of the city 

and he might have become soft target of the assailants while passing through that area.The body has 

several wound marks inflicted by some blunt and sharp-edged weapons, police said. (Statesman 18.5.02) 

18 th May 

Gujarat govt changes rules for orphans (7) 

THE Gujarat government has decided to change the procedure of giving compensation to children 

orphaned in the recent violence in order to protect their interests and ensure their proper care till they 

attain adulthood. The government has also decided to do away with the rider of obtaining the counter 

signature of a civil surgeon by those injured or rendered handicapped for getting compensation. Instead, 

the medical officer of a municipal-run hospital can issue a certificate, with the counter signature of the 

superintendent, to victims. The new procedures are laid down in two separate government resolutions 

issued here on Thursday. 

The compensation amount of Rs 3 lakh (Rs 1.50 lakh for the death of each parent), given to orphans, will 

fee invested in 'Srinidhi' bonds of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam in a joint account with the district 

collector/DDO concerned. (Indian Exp 18.5.02) 

17 th May 

Order to scam madarsas (7) 

Hyderabad, May 18: The Centre has directed all state governments to keep a "close watch" on madarsas, 

particularly those oprating in the border areas of the country. Union minister of state for home affairs K. 

Vidyasagar Rao said the decision followed a report by a group of Union ministers on internal security that 

some organisations were misusing their minority status and were involved in anti-national activities in 

places of worship. The minister, however, discounted suggestions that the BJP-led government was

opposed to the madarsa system of education, saying there was need for "greater surveillance" on such 

institutions as some of them had "come under cloud". (Telegraph 17.5.02) 

19 TH May 

Modi wants compliant press (7) 

GANDHINAGAR: May 18. The STATE government is insisting on compliant news services even as Mr 

Narendra Modi asserts that he does not care for what is being printed in the press. The Ahmedabad 

offices of UNI, PTI and Hindustan Samachar have received notices, issued by additional director Mr 

Dalpat Paddyar, setting conditions for the government’s subscription to their services. The first condition is 

that the agency has to prepare at least five articles on Gujarat. The selection of the subjects and the date 

of release has to be planned in advance in consultation with the deputy director of the information 

department. The second condition is that all press leases issued by7 the information department should 

be released to all subscribers. (Statesman 19.5.02) 

19 th May 

In Gujarat, Panwad minorities told to return at their peril (7) 

Panwad (Vadodara): Communal war clouds seem to be finally clearing from the Gujarat horizon after over 

two months of bloodshed, but Panwad, about 15 km from Chhota Udepur town, still remains an island of 

discontent. For, adivasis here have threatened to kill about 1,600 Muslim families if they return to their 

roots. And the reason the adivasi community claims to have suffered a lot at the hands of Muslims in the 

past. But is the hatred for Muslims simply an offshoot of tribals exploitation in the past or have such 

feelings been stoked by some vested interests? According to sources, "Pan-wad is an example of how 

economics has played a role in these riots. (Times of India 19.5.02) 

19th May 

European Parliament condemns Gujarat violence (7) 

BRUSSELS, MAY 18. The European . Parliament has passed a resolu-I tion saying that it is appalled by 

the sectarian violence in Gujarat, which has claimed more than 900 lives. 

It adopted a resolution on Thursday "strongly condemning" all sectarian violence in India, which "followed 

the burning to death of 58 Hindus on a train" in February. It called on the Central and State Governments 

to continue to "investigate the killings" and resolved j to support efforts for the rehabilitation of the 

refugees. It noted, "Most of the dead are Muslims and the escalation of violence was a direct 

consequence of reprisals against the Muslims following the attack on the train. The Parliament had 

expressed its concern over the violence in the State following its "general affairs council" meeting in 

mid-April. (Hindu 19.5.02) 

20 th May 

Mental disorders on the rise in Gujarat (7) 

Mumbai: Nearly three months after the blood-letting began, fresh wounds have surfaced on the scarred 

face of Gujarat. Mental-health professionals say that they are now witnessing an increased number of 

cases of insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorders, depression and other mental-health problems among 

people in the riot-hit state. Psychiatrists who visited the relief camps estimate that at least nine out of 10 

persons in the camps have one or 

the other symptoms. Such is the trauma of watching a loved one being killed and homes being burnt that 

30 per cent of the population could develop serious problems if immediate psychiatric help is not provided, 

says Dr R Srinivasa Murthy, professor of psychiatry at National Institute of Mental Health and 

Neurosciences, Bangalore. Dr Murthy had visited the relief camps in Gujarat last month. (Times of India 

20.5.02)] 

21 st May 

Victim’s house taken over by temple (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 20: Riot victim Waheeda Sheikh and her family members are forced to continue living in 

one of the relief camps at Chartoda Kabrastan area in Ahmedabad as their house has been razed and two 

temples now stand its place at Nagorini chali, hardly 100 m away from the Gomtipur police station. Riot-hit 

20-year-old's father used to run a hair-cutting saloon form their house. With the house and the saloon

totally razed, Waheeda only has memories to fall back on. "How can one just construct a temple in place 

of our house," she asked angrily, pointing out that neither Hindu nor Muslim religion preaches to do such a 

thing, Waheeda and her mother Hanifabanu accuse their neighbours of demolishing their house and 

constructing temples in its place. (Asian Age 21.5.02) 

21 st May 

US delegation meets group on minority rights (7) 

New Delhi, May 20: A four-member American delegation met the members of the National Commission 

for Minorities here on Monday to discuss the issues pertaining to the minorities in India. The recent 

Gujarat carnage is learnt to have been discussed at length in the meeting that lasted for almost one and a 

half hour. The commission said that the Gujarat violence can not be taken as a permanent phase in the 

country with regard to minorities. (Asian Age 21.5.02) 

21 st May 

SC declines order on Gujarat relief camps (7) 

THE SUPREME Court on Monday declined to pass any order on a PIL seeking a direction to the Gujarat 

Government not to shut the relief camps. The PIL said the inmates would face hardship if the camps were 

closed. A vacation bench comprising Justices N. Santosh Hegde and S.N. Variava said the matter could 

be heard after the summer vacation. However the bench suggested that the petitioner, People’s Union for 

Democratic Rights, could approach the Gujarat High Court. (Hindustan Times 21.5.02) 

21st May 

Fear seeps into psyche of Muslims (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 20: Fear psychosis and a overwhelming sense of threat from the majority community 

has seeped into the psyche of several individuals of the minority community and manifested into 

physiological ailments. Doctors attending to Muslim patients since the last two months inform that in the 

wake of continual communal violence in the city, the minority population is reeling under a phase of 

anxiety and depression that have resulted in psychosomatic disorders. (Asian Age 21.5.02) 

21ST May 

Riot-torn tiptoe back home under guard (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 20: Under police protection, riot refugees Have begun to return to their homes in trickles 

as Ahmedabad passed nearly a week without a major incident. The city’s new police chief, K.R. Kaushik, 

who is spearheading efforts to resettle victims of communal violence in their forsaken homes, hopes to 

build on the trickle and get even refugees from Naroda-Patia and Gulbarg Society in the walled area of 

Ahmedabad, which saw the most gruesome killings, to go back. Of the 448 families that fled their homes 

in two localities — Shakerkotda and Madhavpura —about 100 have returned. After talking to local people 

of both communities, the police began to rehabilitate refugees where there was no or little damage to 

houses, and residents had fled simply out of fear. (Telegraph 21.5.02) 

22 nd May 

Troops withdrawn from Gujarat, head for border (7) 

NEW DELHI May 21. - The Army, already on high alert, has pulled out several thousand troops which 

were deployed in Gujarat to ensure law and order after the communal riots, arid moved them to the 

Indo-Pakistan border. The decision was taken today with the mounting tension along the border. A brigade 

of the Southern Command was pulled out of the southern Rajasthan area and moved to Gujarat when the 

rioting was getting out of control. The Navy, especially on the West cdast, and the Air Force are also on 

high alert in the wake of the Kaluchak massacre and the possibility of punitive action against Pakistan. 

Defence sources said there were clear reasons to move ‘the troops out’. First, there have been no major 

cases of communal rioting in the last few days. (Statesman 22.5.02)

22nd May 

Gujarat yet to submit report to NHRC (7) 

New Delhi: The Gujarat Government has failed to submit before the National Human Rights Commission the 

comprehensive report on communal violence in the state even after the expiry of the deadline fixed by the 

panel. The NHRC had directed the state Government to submit the report by May 15. The panel later 

granted more time to the state administration to file the report. However, the state Government failed to 

comply with the NHRC directive and did not even abide by the time frame. (Hindustan Times 22.5.02) 

23 rd May 

Chargesheets against 68 in Godhra case (7) 

Ahmedabad: Just five days away from the 90-day deadline to make arrests, in a sudden development on 

Wednesday evening, the C1D (Crime) filed chargesheets against 68 accused in the Godhra carnage of 

February 27, where 59 persons were burnt alive in the Sabarmati Express. Sources told Times News 

Network that the chargesheets were filed at 6.30 p.m. in the railway court at Godhra. Fifty-seven of these 

accused figure in the FIR on the burning of the S-6 coach by a mob of 2,000 near Signal Falia. Eleven 

persons have been arrested in the second incident which occurred around 11.30 a.m. where the mob 

attacked the police and the train for a second time. Two persons were shot dead by the police here, the 

sources said. The main charges are that of rioting, murder, arson and conspiracy Yet, even after three 

months, 49 more suspects, including the prime accused, identified as Razzak Kurkur, are still absconding. 


23rd May 

Mending fences in Gujarat no easy task (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 22: AHMEDABAD HAS — hopefully — put the worst behind. After weeks of rioting, the 

city is limping back to normalcy. However, the administration has been unable to persuade the over 

85,000 refugees to return. Even though the administration has initiated several steps to restore confidence 

among the Muslims, they are too chary to trust anybody. Despite the scorching heat, and numerous other 

problems, the victims find the relief homes safer. The victims have reason to be sceptical. There have 

been instances in the past when some of them , who visited their residences were attacked. For instance, 

a resident of the Juhapur relief camp, says three persons were burnt alive in Behrampur when they tried to 

visit their homes. (Hindustan Times 23.5.02) 

23 rd May 

Gujarat riot film seized at Goa poll meet (7) 

Panaji, May 22: The police in a South Goa Assembly constituency on Tuesday seized a copy of the film, 

Evil Stalks the Land, made by Gauhar Raza. The film, a collage of interviews and clippings on the 

genocide in Gujarat, was being screened at a corner meeting of a Congress candidate, contesting the 

May 30 Assembly polls here. The police took the Congress candidate for questioning and the electoral 

officer later viewed the film. In a statement here, the" Congress said it had violated no law and accused 

the BJP of overreacting because "the truth hurts." Chief minister Manohar Parrikar claimed that the film 

screening would evoke communal tensions. (Asian Age 23.5.02) 

23 rd May 

Minorities not being harassed: UP Govt (7)

LUCKNOW, MAY 22. The Uttar Pradesh Government today said Pakistan's ISI was active in various 

districts of the State but denied that members of the minority communities were being harassed on the 

pretext of security. "There is no question of any discrimination of minority community members in this 

connection," the Parliamentary Affairs ! Minister, Sukhdeo Rajbhar, told the State Assembly. Replying to 

an adjournment notice by a Samajwadi Party member, Mata Prasad Pandey, he said several ISI agents 

had ' 1 been arrested in the State. "The Government is alive to the Problem," he said. The SP member 

had alleged that attempts were being made to instil a sense of fear among the members of the minority 

community by branding them as ISI agents. '' (Hindu 23.5.02) 

24 th May 

Chargesheet filed against 101 Godhra accused (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MAY 23: THECID (CRIME) on Wednesday evening filed an interim chargesheet against 

101 people for Godhra's Sabarmati Express attack, in which 58 passengers were burnt alive on February 

27. Another interim chargesheet was filed against 11 people for attacking the police after the incident. 

Both chargesheets were filed at Godhra's Railway Court. Contrary to initial theories of terrorist or ISI hand 

— which many BJP leaders had propagated—the chargesheet hints at a local conspiracy behind the train 

attack. Former municipality chief Mohammad Kalota and member Haji Bilal have been named the main 

accused. (Indian Exp 24.5.02) 

24th May 

Modi is a changed man: Minorities panel (7) 

New Delhi: GUJARAT CHIEF Minister Narendra Modi is a changed man. At least the National . 

Commission for Minorities (NCM) thinks so. In a letter sent to the Prime Minister and the Home Minister 

on May 15. the Commission has expressed satisfaction that positive signals have begun to come from 

Gujarat. Giving details of the first meeting it organised between the Chief Minister and 75 influential 

leaders of the minority community since the riots broke out, the NCM wrote, "We must compliment the 

Chief Minister on his savoir faire; he handled the large Muslim delegation with equanimity, humour and 

candour." Sources in the NCM said Muslims were angry and blasted the Chief Minister while narrating 

what all they had been subjected to. The Chief Minister remained cordial and said he will learn from this 

experience. The letter said, "minority leaders wore able to ventilate their grievances and were given 

assurances that no relief camps would be closed and residents of the camps would be shifted only after 

providing them full security." Mr Modi also promised to look into complaints of missing persons and 

speedy disbursement of compensation amount. (Pioneer 24.5.02) 

24 th May 

The missing are dead, Gujarat toll may go up (7) 

'THE GUJARAT government is considering upgrading the official death toll in the recent communal riots. 

The statewide toll is currently put at around 950. More than 400 additional deaths may be declared in 

Ahmedabad alone, said sources in the state's social welfare and rehabilitation department. Three 

hundred of these people were among the 850 reported missing since the Godhra carnage of February 27. 

One hundred and two unidentified bodies that are still lying in morgues will be counted too, pushing 

up the toll in I the city to 830 from the present figure of 427. The official number of deaths in police firing 

too, is likely to go up, sources said. Of the present 427 people declared dead in Ahmedabad, 105 were 

killed by the police. Seventy-five of these were Muslims. But the real numbers - both of those killed by 

police, and of those who were Muslims among them are probably likely to be far larger: (Hindustan 

Times 24.5.02) 

25 th May 

Criminals called the shots in Gujarat (7) 

'Ahmedabad: CONTRARY TO claims made by the establishment in Gujarat, the recent violence in the 

state was not the "spontaneous reaction" of the people to the burning alive of kar sevaks at .Godhra. 

Data collected by the Centre now appears to ûggest that it was gangs of Hardened criminals and 

professional mercenaries, not ôrdinary citizens, who carried out the looting, murders and rapes. In the 78 

days from February 27 to May 15,2002, law-enforcement agencies arrested 3close to 10,000 individuals 

Svith a criminal background for alleged involvement in the riots. Almost 65 per cent of them were Hindus; 

35 per cent were Muslims. "A senior police officer said the involvement of professional killers was

underscored by the sheer brutality of the attacks that were carried out on the victims. (Hindustan Times 

25.5.02) 

26 th May 

Godhra flares up as Army moves to border (7) 

Godhra (Gujarat), Mav 25: Fresh violence erupted in Godhra and Ahmedabad barely 48 hours, after the 

Army withdrew from Gujarat. Two people were killed and nine injured in Godhra and a fresh curfew has 

been imposed. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's special security adviser, Mr K.P.S. Gill, is camping 

in Godhra. In Ahmedabad, one person was arrested for 'detonating a crude bomb. Violence rocked 

Godhra late on Friday night. Indefinite curfew has been clamped in areas under seven police stations. The 

situation remained' tense throughout Saturday. More than 60 persons were arrested. Mr Gill, along with 

special inspector general of police Deepak Swaroop, held meetings with top police and district officials. 

Minor incidents of violence also spread tension in Gomtipur and Rakhial areas of the old city in 

Ahmedabad since Friday night. (Asian Age 26.5.02) 

27 th May 

Modi keeps tension alive: IB (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 26: The Gujarat police has reportedly been ordered to identify elements 

responsible for new spurt in violence in which three people were killed and 11 injured over the last two 

days. Late on Saturday night, a Muslim-owned house was been torched in Godhra and Hindu man was 

stabbed to death in Ahmedabad. The Gujarat government wants to pass on the blame for the recent 

communal frenzy on anti-socials who have camped in Gujarat, claim top sources, but senior police 

officers stress that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is sitting on a communal tinderbox and unless 

attempts are made at grassroots levels, the state would witness communal clashes again. (Asian Age 

27.5.02) 

28th May 

Muslims refuse to meet Sangh leaders (7) 

Gandhinagar, May 27: 'THE NATIONAL Commission for Minorities (NCM) efforts to broker a peace deal 

between Hindus and Muslims in Gujarat have run into rough weather with the minorities' delegation 

refusing to hold talks with VHP and Bajrang Dal representatives. A meeting between representatives of 

the two communities was scheduled here for Monday An NCM delegation, led by deputy chairman 

Tarlochan Singh, was also scheduled to attend the meeting, but following objections by Muslim leaders 

the NCM's visit to Gujarat was called off. (Hindustan Times 28.5.02) 

27 th May 

Gill banks on people power in Godhra (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 26: Authorities in Godhra, where the carnage ghost came back to claim two more lives 

on Friday night, have decided to set up committees in sensitive localities to ensure that the violence did 

not recur. The town has been peaceful with no fresh incident of violence reported since that night. 

Indefinite curfew continued to be in force across Godhra for the second day today. But a man was stabbed 

to death in Ahmedabad yesterday, taking the toll in the renewed violence in the strife-torn state to three. 

Unidentified assailants killed Lalit Kumar Mistry, 39, on Kalupur bridge in the curfew-bound area of the city 

and escaped under the cover of darkness. Two persons were killed in police firing and nine injured after 

clashes erupted between two communities on Friday, forcing chief minister Narendra Modi's security 

adviser K.P.S. Gill to rush for an "on the spot assessment of the situation".It was Gill who suggested to the 

local authorities to set up mohalla committees and involve members from both communities in areas with 

a mixed population. (Telegraph 27.5.02) 

28 th May 

More Gujarat arrests, cases unsolved (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 27: Three months after gruesome incidents of violence in Naroda Patiya, Naroda 

village, Gulbarg society and Sardarpur village in Mehsana, investigating teams of the Gujarat police are 

yet to establish anything concrete in these cases. Operation Crackdown which was launched by the 

Ahmedabad crime branch to arrest the accused in the infamous Gulbarg Society case in which former

Congress MP Ehsaan Jaffrey was killed along with 38 others, and the Naroda village incident where six 

persons were burnt alive, has revealed involvement of first-timers. (Asian Age 28.5.02) 

29 th May 

Pak must mind own business (7) 

New Delhi: THE NATIONAL Commission for Minorities has severely criticised Pakistani President General 

Pervez Musharraf's statement on Monday which accused India of ill-treating the minorities. The statement 

is intended to provoke the majority and is not in the interest of minorities, Vice-Chairman Trilochan Singh 

told The Pioneer. General Musharraf in.his television address urged the world to take notice of "Hindu 

extremists' aggression in Kashmir, Gujarat and elsewhere in India against Muslim, Christians, Sikhs and 

their scheduled castes and tribes." 

"Gen Musharraf went all out to provoke the Hindus," Mr Singh said. Asking Pakistan to mind its own 

business, Mr Singh said, in India there is a machinery for redressing the grievances of minorities — the 

commission and Courts. "In Pakistan, there are no minorities left (over the years). Mr. Singh said. (Pioneer 

29.5.02) 

29 th May 

Senior bureaucrats want out of Gujarat, many go on leave (7) 

Gandhinagar: Senior bureaucrats of Gujarat seem fed-up with the political leadership. Most of them are 

going on long leave. Others have asked for posting outside the state. The change has come after a 

meeting of the IAS Association — scheduled to be held last month — was scuttled. 

Attempts by chief minister Narendra Modi to involve officers in riot relief and related activities i have not 

been too successful. In the first week of April, a cell was formed j with six officers under the chairmanship 

of K C Kapoor, to collect information on violence, study the pattern of the riots and suggest remedial 

measures. The cell never met, and Kapoor himself went on a long leave. "We were not clear about what 

was to be done. There was no clear brief and besides we thought this was a police job, said a member. 


29th May 

Cops finally pick up Bajrang man (7) 

AHMEDABAD, MAY 28: THREE months after the massacre in Naroda-Patiya and Naroda Gam, the city 

crime branch last night arrested Bajrang Dal worker Babu Bajrangi and two other accused, Kishan Korani 

and Parmindrasingh Rajput, named in FIRs. As many as 89 people were killed in the massacre. Rajput 

and Bajrangi were picked up from Bajrangi's house at Bhagyodaya Society at Naroda. Korani was 

arrested from his Apna Ghar Society home at Naroda-Patiya. 

Eight others too were arrested for the Naroda-Patiya massacre. None of them, however, figured in an FIR, 

but were named by survivors, Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) P.P. Pandey said. (Indian Exp 

29.5.02) 

30 th May 

Police chief to appear before minority panel (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 29__: THE case was that of a daylight robbery. But due to the inability of the local 

police to complete the investigations in the case, the National Commission of Minorities has asked Delhi 

Police Commissioner Ajai Raj Sharma to present himself before the Commission tomorrow. The victim, 

Rushta Begum, a resident of Lakshmi Nagar, has argued that she was discriminated against because she 

belongs to the minority community. "According to the complaint filed with the Commission, some 

unidentified miscreants entered Rushta Begum's house on March 14 and made off with goods and 

jewellery amounting to Rs 3 lakh. The incident took place at 4.15 pm, official sources said. (Indian Exp 

30.5.02) 

30 th May 

Backroom parleys delay NHRC report (7) 

New Delhi: Where is the final report of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the Gujarat 

violence? Nearly two months after the commission's preliminary report — which indicted the Narendra 

Modi government for failing to protect the lives and property of the state's Muslim citizens—the NHRC is

yet to decide when :o make its report public. NHRC says the final report "almost ready" but it is still waiting 

for the state government's reply to the "confidential report" on Godhra, hamanpura, Naroda Patiya, Best 

Bakery and a few other key incidents. Off the record, however, commission sources cite the real reason 

behind the delay — the government. (Times of India 30.5.02) 

30 th May 

Straw raises Gujarat, asks for probe into death of two Britons (7) 

New Delhi, May 29: The visiting British foreign secretary Jack Straw on Wednesday took up the issue of 

Gujarat violence with the senior Indian leaders and suggested a probe into the recent killing of two British 

nationals during the riots. Addressing a joint press conference with external affairs minister Jaswant Singh 

here, Mr Straw said the issue was taken with the Indian government as a counsellor matter since two 

British nationals were involved. The British foreign secretary said that the he was more concerned as the 

two nationals were from his constituency Blackburn. Mr Straw informed the Indian leaders that the British 

government was planning to give their families compensation. Mr Straw took up the issue separately with 

home minister L.K. Advani and Mr Jaswant Singh. (Asian Age 30.5.02) 

30 th May 

Telugu Desam absolves BJP over Gujarat (7) 

Warangal, May 29: The Telugu Desam Party seems to have finally calmed down over Gujarat and 

absolved the BJP of the charge of engineering and failing to control communal riots in the wake of the 

Godhra train incident. In its political resolution adopted on the concluding day of the Mahanadu here on 

Wednesday, the party did not criticise the BJP over the Gujarat episode. In fact, as if to compliment the 

BJP, it referred to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's statement during his visit to the Shah-e-Alam 

camp in Ahmedabad on April 4, when he wondered how he would visit foreign countries after such 

brutality. The party, however, chose to ignore what Mr Vajpayee told the BJP national executive in Goa 

against Muslims and Christians. (Asian Age 30.5.020) 

31st May 

Minority panel’s Gujarat peace move drawns flak (7) 

New Delhi: The National commission for Minorities’ (NCM) move to invite leaders of the RSS. Bajrang Dal 

and the VHP as representatives of Hindus to talk peace in Gujarat has come under fire with Muslim 

leaders and intelligentsia calling the step undemocratic which will only give legitimacy to the perpetrators 

of violence in the State. While the NCM finds the criticism unwarranted saying that the VHP and Bajrang 

Dal leaders do command respectability among Hindus and that some independent sants like Asharamji 

Bapu and Swamiji of a Gandhinagar temple are also being involved in the talks, the Muslim leaders say 

the entire exercise is against the spirit of the Constitution. (Pioneer 31.5.02) 

31 st May 

Two more killed in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD, May 30. — Two persons were killed and another injured as-fresh violence erupted in Kadi 

town of Mehsana district late last night. According to reports, two persons hurled a bomb at a kiosk selling 

eggs, which killed its attendant. The incident occurred immediately before night curfew was being imposed 

on the town, The owner of the kiosk sustained splinter injuries. . 

As tension mounted in the . town, a mob intercepted a state, , transport bus at Kuridal village - between 

Kadi and Chhatral road. They pulled out the conductor— belonging to minority community — and burned 

him alive. Authorities have clamped indefinite curfew oil the town. 

In Ahmedabad, which remained peaceful throughout the day today, police commissioner Mr KR Kaushik 

announced a reward of Rs 50,000 to any person providing information on yesterday’s blasts in three city 

buses. (Statesman 31.5.02) 

1st June 

Maulvi stabbed in Vadodara (7) 

Vadodara/Ahmedabad: Communal tension returned to haunt Vadodara following the stabbing of a 

person, reportedly the Pesh Imam of a mosque in Memon Colony, in the Panigate area on Friday

afternoon. A crude bomb was also found under a bus in the same area in the morning. (Times of India 

1.6.02) 

1 st June 

Ahmedabad police suspect saffron hand behind blasts (7) 

Ahmedabad, May 31: LATE THURSDAY night, the Ahmedabad police announced a reward of Rs 50,000 

to anyone providing a clue that leads to the arrest of the culprits responsible for Wednesday's blasts in 

three buses here. The move indicates the city police's indirect admission of its inability to trace the 

criminals who had planted the crude bombs in the buses. But top police officers, on condition of 

anonymity, said the fact that the police have not conducted raids or combing operations in any Muslim 

ghettos even 48 hours after the blasts proves that the community was not behind the mischief this time. 


1 st June 

Nineteen Godhra victims still unidentified (7) 

Ahmedabad: Three months have gone by since the Godhra massacre sparked an unprecedented reign of 

communal violence in the state. But till date, the identity of 19 of the 59 persons who died on board 

Sabarmati Express in coach number S-6 remains unknown. The Forensic Science Laboratory is working 

with DNA samples to establish their identity. The remaining 40 victims were identified by their near and 

dear ones mostly after looking at the disfigure! bodies or by going through their personal effects. (Times of 

India 1.6.02) 

1st June 

NHRC slams Modi for rights violation (7) 

NEW DELHI, May 3l - Rejecting the Gujarat government's plea that for now a GBI probe of certain critical 

cases, including the Godhra carnage, wasn't required, the National Human Rights Commission today 

came down heavily on the state government for its "comprehensive failure" to protect the Constitutional 

rights of the people in the state since the Godhra incident to the subsequent violence that ensued 

thereafter. Deciding to continue monitoring the. situation in the state as well demanding (the immediate 

booking of all'violators of law through proper registration of FlRs, the NHRC in its 53-page final report 

described Mr KPS Gill's appointment to the post of the CM's security advisor as "implicitly confirming that 

a failure had occurred earlier to bring under control the persisting violation of rights to life, liberty, equality 

and dignity of people of Gujarat. (Statesman 1.6.02) 

1 st June 

Probe report names 2 Gujarat ministers (7) 

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC) confidential report on the Gujarat violence 

— to which the Narendra Modi government has not responded even after two months — says the state 

administration looked the other way while the murder, rape, loot and arson went on. The confidential 

report alleges the involvement of state home minister Gord-han Zadaphia and urban development minister 

IK Jadeja. Zadaphia is alleged to have been seen moving in the riot-affected areas openly displaying the 

'V signal. The report also refers to victims of Naroda Patiya mentioning names of Mayaben Kodnani, MLA 

and former deputy mayor of Ahmedabad, and VHP leader Jaideep Patel. (Times of India 1.6.02) 

1 st June 

Total failure of State Govt. (7) 

NEW DELHI, MAY 31. In a Stinging indictment of the Gujarat Government, the National Human Rights 

Commission today said that it had comprehensively failed to control the persistent violation of the 

rights to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the people of the State. And that its actions pointed to 

complicity in the violence that "was tacit, if not explicit". The Commission, in its final report on the violence 

in Gujarat, has reiterated the recommendation made in its preliminary report of April 1 to transfer 

the major cases of arson and killing to the CBI. The final report specifically calls on the Centre — in view 

of the Rajya Sabha resolution referring to its responsibilities under Article 355 — to ensure that this is 

done. The Commission rejected theGujarat Government’s claim that a transfer of the cases to the CBI 

would discredit the police investigation stating that it is central principle in the administration of criminal

justice that those against whom allegations are made should not themselves be entrusted with the 

investigation of the allegations. (Hindu 1.6.02) 

2 nd June 

Gujarat carnage was planned much before Godhra (7) 

New Delhi: The groundwork for the Gujarat carnage was put in place long before the Godhra carnage on 

February 27, according to a fact finding report by a Delhi based rights organization, People’s Union for 

Democratic Rights. In its report Maaro, Kaapo, Baaro: State, Society and Communalism in Gujarat, PUDR 

has said that the organizers of the carnage tapped on a seam of hatred, based on anti-Muslim 

propaganda, which had been carefully cultivated over many years. (Hindu 2.6.02) 

2 nd June 

PUDR report indicts Gujarat govt for riots (7) 

NEW DELHI, June 1. — The fact that communal attacks continue even three months after Army 

deployment and ' in face of criticism by political parties and the media, brings forth "complete absence" of 

political will on the part of Gujarat government to sincerely assist the minority community and rebuild L 

broken lives and homes. This is the conclusion of a 68-pages report "Maaro! Kaapo! Baalo!, State, 

Society, And Communalism in Gujarat?, which was released today by the People's Union for 

Democratic Rights. The PUDR alleged that the communal carnage in Gujarat was intended to "reduce 

the Muslims to second class Citizens in their own Country". (Statesman 2.6.02) 

3rd June 

Riots plan scripted much earlier: PUDR (7) 

New Delhi: The People's Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) report on the Gujarat violence — released 

here Saturday — said that the "whole intent of the program has been to reduce Muslims to second class 

citizens in their . own country". It also alleged that the Gujarat riots were not an outcome of the Godhra 

incident as the "planning" had begun much earlier and charged the state government with involvement in 

the violence. "The fact that the Gujarat government supported the bandh of February 28 and March 1 

despite its experience of large scale violence against Muslims after a similar bandh in 2000 is evidence of 

its complicity in the violence right from the start, the report said. 

PUDR has demanded dismissal of the Narendra Modi government and a CBI probe into major incidents of 

communal violence, and expressed doubts over the Modi government's intentions with regard to taking 

action against the perpetrators of riots. (Times of India 3.6.02) 

3 rd June 

Modi not in mood for CBI probe into riots (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 2: DAMNING REPORTS by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the 

People's Union for Democratic Rights (PUDR) do not seem to have worried the state government.Both the 

NHRC and the PUDR had criticised the government's handling of toe riots and demanded that tie CBI be 

told to probe cases. The reports say that justice would be denied to victims if the local police continued to 

probe cases. A senior minister, who requested anonymity, said the government would not hand over 

probe to the CBI for the fear of being exposed. "There is ample circumstantial evidence to show the 

government's complicity in the riots and the subsequent cover-up," said the minister. It would be suicidal 

for Narendra Modi to agree to such a demand, he said. (Hindustan Times 3.6.02) 

3 rd June 

Jan Sangh slams Modi Govt. for Gujarat riots (7) 

NEW DELHI, JUNE 2. The right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Jansangh (BJS), the progenitor of the BJP, has 

accused the Narendra Modi Government of turning a Nelson's eye to the communal bloodbath in Gujarat. 

At its two-day central office bearers' meeting, which concluded here on Saturday, the BJS also 

demanded a "decisive war" with Pakistan, review of the Indus Water Treaty between the two countries 

and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir. The party also proposed the name of its veteran octogenarian 

leader, Balraj Madhok, for the nation's Presidency. While supporting the creation of a 'Hindu Rashtra' in 

India, the BJS in its resolution criticized the BJP zealots for trying to accelerate the process of Hindu 

Rashtra. (Hindu 3.6.02)

4 th June 

Baroda loses cosmopolitan image to violence (7) 

Baroda, June 3: The violence that Baroda witnessed recently has damaged its cosmopolitan image. 

Things are not the same for those who have settled down in Baroda or are planning to do so, considering 

the place as truly cosmopolitan. Many who have settled down in Baroda expressed that after the riots it 

would be difficult to buy a house in certain parts of the city. Even those who have come to Baroda to hunt 

for a job and settle down maintain that people are now inquiring about their religious identity before selling 

or giving house on rent. They also feel that the riots have not only polarised the city physically but it has 

also affected the psyche of the fun loving people of the city. (Asian Age 4.6.02) 

4 th June 

Chargesheet filed in Gulbarg Society case (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 3: IN WHAT could be termed as the first chargesheet in the riots that ravaged the city 

after the Godhra carnage, the Ahmedabad police on Monday filed charges, including murder, rape and 

arson, against 50 people in the brutal Gulbarg society massacre that left 39 dead, including former 

Congress MP Ehsan Jafri, and several injured. While 50 people have been 

named in the chargesheet, the FIR registered in the case states that a mob of about 20,000 people was 

involved in the incident. Of the 50 people named in the FIR, 25 are still absconding. 

The chargesheet in the case (FIR No. 670/2002) was filed in the court of metropolitan magistrate R.I. 

Rawal by the crime branch. (Hindustan Times 4.6.02) 

4th June 

NHRC has played with numbers (7) 

Baroda, June 3: National president of the Bajrang Dal Dr Surendra Jain has said the National Human 

Rights Commission has "played with numbers" to portray people of Gujarat, especially Hindus, as rioters. 

Calling the report as totally "biased", Mr Jain said attempts have been made to malign the Hindu 

community ignoring the role of minority community during the communal flare-up in the state. Dr Jain, who 

is in Baroda to take part in the training camp for members, told reporters that the NHRC has failed to 

come out with a neutral report. He said "The number of Hindus and Muslims involved in the riots and 

subsequently arrested is equal but the NHRC has tried to play with the numbers 'to show that Hindus are 

more in number as far as rioting incidents are concerned." He added, "I would also like to ask the 

commission whether they have found both communities equally responsible in the riots. It seems that they 

have lent their ears to the minority community only." (Asian Age 4.6.02) 

5 th June 

Gujarat submits reply to NHRC (7) 

New Delhi, June 4: The Gujarat govemment.has submitted its reply to the National Human Rights 

Commission's confidential report sent to it for its response. The NHRC is slated to take up the report sent 

by the Gujarat government after June 6 when the commission's chairperson Justice J.S. Verma (Retd) 

returns from Italy. The NHRC, in its report on Gujarat on May 31, in which it had severely indicted the 

Naren-dra Modi government, had been acutely critical of the Gujarat government for having failed to 

respond to its confidential report despite reminders and granting of extensions. It is learnt that the NHRC 

will be examining the report of the Gujarat government primarily on the issues of acceptance of its 

recommendations for the confidence-building and rehabilitation of Gujarat victims. (Asian Age 5.6.02) 

5 th June 

Once again, police blame victims (7) 

AHMEDABAD, JUNE 4: GUJARAT police on lies-day filed a chargesheet in the Naroda Patiya massacre 

of Feb 28, in which over 80 Muslims were burnt alive, in part blaming the victims for bringing the attack 

upon themselves. In the Gulbarg case too, the chargesheet had said the mobs had turned murderous only 

after former MP Ehsan Jafri had opened fire upon it. The chargesheet filed by the Crime Branch says the 

armed crowds that had gathered in Naroda had turned violent after two incidents: Discovery of a 

"mutilated body of a Hindu"; and killing of a person by a "Muslim driver" who drove his Tata 407 mini-truck 

into the crowd. It that "anguished by these incidents" a mob led by Naresh Chara set ablaze houses,

shops, and vehicles of Muslims. His name, however, does not figure in the FIR (No 100/2002) registered 

at Naroda Police Station. (Indian Exp 5.6.02) 

6 th June 

Malegaon panel has no money, staff for inquiry (7) 

NASHIK, JUNE 5: THE judicial inquiry into last year's Malegaon communal flare-up has come to a halt 

for want of funds, manpower and an extension of tenure. The commission of retired High Court Justice 

K-N. Paul has told the government it cannot continue with the probe. It was appointed to inquire into 

communal riote of October 16,2001, in which 13 people were kflled. The commission, whose six-month 

tenure ended on May 29, has now asked for a six-month extension. Over the past six months, the 

commission said it was not provided the required staff of 12 people and fund of Rs 7 lakh. (Indian Exp 

6.6.02) 

6 th June 

Situation in Gujarat conducive for polls, says Governor (7) 

New Delhi, June 5: GUJARAT GOVERNOR Sunder Singh Bhandari on Wednesday said the law and 

order situation in the state had improved and made a pitch for early Assembly elections. Speaking to 

reporters after a 30-minute meeting with Home Minister L.K.Advani, Bhandari said elections in Gujarat, 

due early next year, can now be held since the situation had normalised to a considerable extent. "There 

are signs that it would be completely normal in the days to come. There have been no incidents of 

communal violence either in Ahmedabad or other parts of the state in the last 15 days. The 

environment is ready for elections to be held in the state," Bhandari said. (Hindustan Times 6.6.02) 

6th June 

Cong sacks MLA for praising Modi (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 5 : A CONGRESS lawmaker in Gujarat who felicitated Chief Minister Narendra 

Modi at a function in his constituency, was thrown out of the party on Tuesday. Khursheed Haider 

Peerzada, MLA from Wankaner, Rajkot, paid the price of indiscipline" despite pleading not guilty in 

his reply to the AICC's show-cause notice. His brother, Javed, has been expelled too. The MLA has 

described the action as "anti- minorities". He has threatened to take the issue before Muslim voters. State 

Congress president Amarsinh Chaudhry has, however, said the expulsions would not affect the party in 

any manner (Hindustan Times 6.6.02) 

8 th June 

US panel to hear on Gujarat riots (7) 

WASHINGTON, June 7.The Commission on International Religious Freedom, a federal agency that 

advises the US administration, and Congress, plans to hold a hearing on Monday on the Gujarat riots. In 

a.statement yesterday, the commission said the hearing is being . called to examine hew evidence 

suggesting that the communal violence in the state, "which has killed at least 1,000 Muslims", was 

"carefully planned,and involved state government officials and police". 

The panel, which has no authority to sanction or punish any government for violations of religious 

freedom, .said the hearing would* help it in developing further recommendations for US policy. "The 

extremist violence in Gujarat threatens to exacerbate the already inflamed tensions between India and 

Pakistan," the Commission chairman, Mr Michael K Young, said in the statement. (Statesman 8.6.02) 

8 th June 

Nineteen Godhra victims yet to be identified (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 7: EVEN THREE months after the Godhra carnage, authorities here have been unable 

to establish the identity of 19 of the 59 victims, leading to speculation over whether they were Kar Sewaks 

or just common people who fell victim to the mob frenzy The bodies, charred beyond recognition, have 

been cremated but their DNA samples have been preserved for possible identification at a later stage. 

Significantly, contrary to earlier claims, VHP organizing secretary secretary Arunbhai Brahmbatt 

admitted that the unidentified bodies could belong to passengers and not Kar Sewaks. He said the 

bodies of the Kar Sewaks were , identified at Sola Civil hospital. However, three people were still reported 

to be missing, he added. (Hindustan Times 8.6.02)

8 th June 

Two charred bodies lead to panic in gandhinagar (7) 

Gandhinagar, June 7: The residents of Vavol village, Gandhinagar district, reported a burnt car with two 

charred bodies inside to the police on Friday. Fear spread as soon as the news reached Gandhinagar and 

Ahmedabad though the police has ruled out a communal angle. According to reports reaching here, some 

villagers found a Tata Indica, number GJ-l-BK-2218, completely burnt with two dead bodies in the back 

seat. The bodies were charred beyond recognition. The Gandhinagar police has lodged a complaint of 

murder at the Pethapur police station and superintendent of police Vivek Shrivastava said the incident is 

not a communal one but probably the result of rivalry between local criminals. (asian age 8.6.02) 

8 th June 

Gujarat arms smuggling accused brought to CBI HQ (7) 

NEW DELHI, JUNE 7: .TWO accused in the arms smuggling case in Gujarat were today brought here for 

a thorough interrogation by the CBI and intelligence agencies to unravel the conspiracy behind the 

incident. The two — Hari Bhai Manu Bhai Patel and Mohammed Ahmed Bhai — were brought here from 

Gujarat this afternoon after a designated court in the Banaskantha district remanded them to CBI custody 

till June 17. Probe so far indicated that the weapons were being smuggled into the state for creating 

further disturbances, CBI officials said. They also did not rule out Pakistan's ISI trying to unleash a fresh 

communal flare-up in the state. (Indian Exp 8.6.02) 

9th June 

Gujarat ministers to tell ‘real’ story (7) 

Ahmedabad: About a dozen ministers of the Modi cabinet are on a new mission. They will be travelling to 

various states in the country to tell people about the 'real' story behind the riots. A story completely at 

variance with what the newspapers and the television channels reported. 

In an elaborate exercise aimed at damage-control, the ministers have a clear brief. To meet the Gujarati 

settlers in these states and tell them that the state government had done no wrong and that they should be 

proud that they are from the non-violent land of the Mahatma. They will address press conferences to 

speak on how the Godhra train carnage was pre-planned by anti-national forces, that the first two persons 

killed in Naroda Patia were Hindus and how the mob at the Gulbarg Society was provoked when former 

Congress MP Eshan Jaffri fired at them. Times of India 9.6.02) 

9 th June 

Modi dashes refugees hopes (7) 

GANDHlNAGAR, June 8. — Mr Narendra Modi has dashed the hopes of refugees living in relief camps for 

alternate permanent rehabilitation. The displaced people who have not yet returned to their homes have 

Been demanding new rehabilitation sites.At a meeting held here on Friday organised by the Gujarat 

Minorities Financial Development Corporation, the Gujarat chief minister dismissed the demand. He said 

he did-not want to encourage ghettiosation. He believed that those who have returned have merged well, 

with their former neighbours. He insisted that all people now living in relief camps must return home. 


10 th June 

Mahashweta Devi for CBI probe into Gujarat pogrom (7) 

New Delhi, June 9: NOTED LITTERATEUR Mahashweta Devi on Sunday demanded implementation of 

the National Human Rights Commission recommendations on relief and rehabilitation of Gujarat carnage 

victims. She also demanded a CBI inquiry into the cases of arson, loot, rape and murder, which took place 

in Gujarat over last three months. Mahashweta Devi was addressing mediapersons at the Press Club 

here after a visit to Gujarat as part of the Aman Ekta Manch team. The Manch team, comprising people 

from creative fields, went to the State to assess the impact of the carnage. Other team members who 

addressed the media included ,, Ashok Vajpeyi, Shubha Mudgal and Uma Chakravarty. The writer said 

that even after three months of riots, the atmosphere is still not conducive for the safe return of the 

displaced people living in the relief camps, to their homes. She described the riots as a well planned and 

executed pogrom. (Hindustan Times 10.6.02)

10 th June 

Gujarat on the boil, two killed, 20 injured (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 9: INDEFINITE CURFEW was re-imposed in parts of the city following renewed 

violence that left at least two people dead and over 20, including some policemen, injured. Trouble 

erupted in the Juha-pura area on Sunday afternoon following the arrest of two people of the minority 

community in connection with some earlier cases registered against them. Agitated residents gheraoed 

the local police station and indulged in heavy brick-batting and also allegedly lobbed crude bombs. The 

police had to open fire and set off teargas shells to disperse the mob. The fleeing mob allegedly stoned 

some vehicles and also tried to set afire vehicles in Gupta Nagar and Vaizalpur. The mobs then targeted 

the members of the other community A truck driver, Raju, was killed when his vehicle was stoned by the 

mob. According to Additional Commissioner Satish Sharma, tension prevailed after the arrest of Mohd. 

Arif and Mohd. Hussain. He said the residents stoned the Juhapura police station and when the cops 

chased them, they lobbed crude bombs. (Hindustan Times 10.6.02) 

11 th June 

Scribe adopts orphans of Gujarat riots (7) 

Hyderabad: JOURNALIST AND documentary film maker Pankaj Shankar, who shot into limelight with his 

moving and explosive documentary film on the recent communal violence in Gujarat, has decided to adopt 

two of the nearly 1,500 children who were left orphaned and destitute in the carnage. Speaking after the 

screening of his film, In The Name of Faith before a select gathering here on Monday Pankaj Shankar 

said that he has adopted 11-year-old Dilawar and his 7-year-old sister Salma and was in the process of 

bringing them to Delhi where they will be enrolled in a good school. "I want to bring them up and get them 

educated in a manner that they grow up in to model citizen," he said. (Pioneer 11.6.02) 

11th June 

Mobs keep Gujarat ablaze, two killed (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 10: TWO PEOPLE were killed, one of them in police firing, and over a dozen injured as 

mobs went on the rampage in the communally sensitive area of Juhapura on Monday morning. This 

violence is being seen as retaliatory, in the context of Sunday's violence in which two people were killed 

and several injured. The mobs, on Monday, set fire to five houses and resorted to looting and heavy 

brick-batting. The police lathi-charged to disperse the mob and then opened fire. At least one person 

was killed and six injured in the police action The mobs allegedly used crude bombs. (Hindustan Times 

11.6.02) 

11 th June 

NHRC awaits Gujarat Govt’s response (7) 

NEW DELHI. JUNE 10. The Gujarat Government has taken more than two months to respond to the 

National Human Rights Commission's (NHRC) confidential report on the violence in the State, only to 

restate its earlier position. It said that the violence was a reaction to the Godhra attack, that it was 

contained in a few days, that issues such as police complicity and the role of BJP Ministers and MLAs and 

the VHP and Bajrang Dal members would be looked into by the commission of inquiry. The NHRC 

said it had carefully considered the Gujarat Government's reply and found that "it does not add 

substantially to earlier reports received from the State Government." The Commission said it would 

reserve its comments until it received the Gujarat Government's response to its report of May 31. The 

response is expected by June 30. (Hindu 11.6.02) 

12 th June 

Cover communal riots at your own risk, look at Daniel Pearl: Gujarat govt (7) 

THE Gujarat Government does not see much of a difference between the situation in Pakistan that led to 

the killing of American journalist Daniel Pearl and the communal violence that erupted in its state. In its 

reply to the National Human Rights Commission, it says that those covering such events could suffer 

similar fate as Pearl's. "There is an inherent danger to media personnel covering such incidents. They 

might become inadvertent victims of commurial violence. The killing of Daniel Pearl in Pakistan is a 

perfect example," the state says. (Indian Exp 11.6.02)

12 th June 

Ahmedabad riot survivor to address Kolkata seminar (7) 

Kolkata, June 11: Shah Alam camp of Ahmedabad has been in the news for over three months. 

Every one, by now, is familiar with images of uprooted and traumatised victims of sectarian violence, who 

are holed up in this relief camp. It is the same camp where the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee voiced 

his outrage over the communal carnage in Gujarat. Now Kolkatans will get a chance to hear first hand the 

daily ordeal of these unfortunate people, who have become refugees in their own homeland. The 

Association of Indian Minorities is bringing over a representative of the Shah Alam camp to the city who 

will recount their horror experience. (Asian Age 12.6.02) 

13 th June 

Muslims split over Kalam’s presidential candidature (7) 

New Delhi, June 12: Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam may be all set to become the President of Hindu-majority 

India, but the Muslim community is divided over the selection of the highly respected scientist. The 

widespread violence against Muslims in Gujarat is not the dominant reason for misgivings about the 

selection of a Muslim for the post of head of state. But many Muslims are happy that the world's largest 

democracy will have a Muslim occupying the top post for a third time. Muslims number 140 million in 

India's population of one billion and are the country's largest minority. India has more Muslims than any 

other country except Indonesia. By nominating Mr Abdul Kalam, 70, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee 

has clearly signalled that the minorities would continue to play a key role in the country's affairs, a 

cross-section of Muslims said. Some of them felt Mr Abdul Kalam would help refurbish India's image at a 

time when the country's secular ethos has taken a terrible beating following the deaths of about 950 

people, mostly Muslims, since February-end in Gujarat. (Asian Age 13.6.02) 

13th June 

Staines wasn’t into conversion: Widow (7) 

Bhubaneswar, June 12: The widow of Australian missionary Graham Stewart Staines, Ms Gladys Staines, 

on Wednesday ruled out any involvement of her husband and the Evangelical issionary Society of 

Mayurbhanj district in Orissa in any conversion of local tribals. Ms Staines, who deposed before the 

Khurda district and sessions court as a CBI witness, however, maintained that the Evangelical Missionary 

Society was regularly sending reports to its headquarters in Australia about the conversion activities in the 

district. Graham Staines was the secretary of the Evangelical Missionary Society of Mayurbhanj. The 

Australian missionary was burnt to death along with his two minor sons on the night of January 22, 1999 at 

Manoharpur in Keonjhar district allegedly by Dara Singh and some of his aides. Ms Staines told the court 

that Graham used to visit Manoharpur every year to attend a jungle camp. "On January 20, 1999, Graham 

and my two sons — Philip and Timothy — and Graham's childhood friend Gilbert Benz went to 

Manoharpur in two jeeps. (Asian Age 13.6.02) 

13 th June 

VHP fires minority salvo at Gill (7) 

Ahmedabad: June 12: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has Launched a campaign against the chief 

minister's security adviser, K.P.S. Gill, irked by his alleged "pro-minority stance". In a memorandum 

submitted to chief minister Narendra Modi and Governor S.S. Bhandari, the VHP has questioned Gill's 

impartiality. "The recent riots in Juhapura is a direct outcome of his pro-Muslim image as they now feel 

that they can get away with anything," the VHP alleged. But Gill could not be contacted as he was away in 

Delhi. The first charge that the VHP has levelled against Gill is that he has been visiting only Muslim relief 

camps and meeting only Muslims and has not bothered to meet Hindu leaders or visit a Hindu relief camp. 

The second charge is that Gill is reluctant to order combing operations in Muslim-dominated Juhapura and 

Sarkhej areas, the trouble-spots. (Telegraph 13.6.02) 

14 th June 

Modi’s latest: 95% relief, rehab done (7) 

New Delhi, June 13: GUJARATCM Narendra Modi today hinted at early polls to the state Assembly and 

said that he would shortly formulate a plan to reform madrasas in the state.

Modi, who showed up at the BJP headquarters here for his first interaction with the media after the 

violence in the state, said his security advisor, K.P.S Gill, would stay in the post "till this government is in 

office." When asked if he gave the credit for controlling violence to Gill, Modi 

said, "It is for you to analyse." A journalist sought to know if the string of meetings he had with Central 

ministers today to push various development schemes was indicative of early polls. "It is a good 

suggestion. Elections are due in March 2003 and can be held anytime before that," he said. Modi said he 

had met External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh 'and requested him to get detailed information on 

madrasa reforms undertaken in Pakistan, Malayasia and Indonesia. (Indian Exp 14.6.02) 

14 th June 

Gujarat police hunts 30-40 criminals for mob violence (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 13: To eradicate the root cause of communal riots, the city police has distributed 

names and description of 30 to 40 persons as "main elements" responsible for recurring violence and mob 

attacks in the highly sensitive Juhapur and Vejalpur areas. Moreover, officials have .requested several 

educated and well-to-do residents and local leaders to help them track and arrest these persons most of 

whom have criminal and communal records-. Senior police officials have also put aside speculation 

regarding hand of Pakistani infiltrators and local criminals in repeated crude bomb explosions in the 

city. Guptanagar near Juhapura, Juhapura Naka and some parts of adjoining Vejalpur witnessed sudden 

and vigorous spurts of mob violence and crude bomb attacks, apart from brutal murders of two 

constables. , Senior police officials told The Asian Age that this measure is' being adopted since the police 

has failed to control and arrest miscreants who have strong local support for some strange reason. (Asian 

Age 14.6.02) 

14 th June 

Vajpayee follows up on letter to tell Modi: get your act together (7) 

NEW DELHI, JUNE 13 : AFTER rapping him in writing for doling out insufficient relief to the Muslim 

victims of the communal violence in Gujarat, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee reiterated the message 

verbally when Chief Minister Narendra Modi came calling this evening. 

Although Modi came with a host of state government officials in tow to boast that "95 percent of 

rehabilitation" was complete, it is learnt that Vajpayee had a closed-door meeting with the CM alone so 

that he could speak frankly to him. Officially, the PMO only said that Vajpayee advised Modi to 

"concentrate on relief and rehabilitation work". However, this terse comment carried a wealth of meaning 

in the context of the critical letter Vajpayee dashed off to Modi a couple of weeks ago. (Indian Exp 

14.6.02) 

14th June 

Modi to reform Gujarat madrasas (7) 

New Delhi, June 13: With the Assembly elections approaching, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on 

Thursday stepped out to aggressively defend his government on the recent riots and make public his 

decision to reform the madrasas in his state. In his first meeting with journalists in Delhi after the Gujarat 

carnage Mr Modi once again held the Godhra incident responsible for the communal violence in his state. 

Asserting that he was following his raj dharma the chchote sardar of Gujarat made it clear that there was 

no question of his resignation over the mayhem since there is no such tradition in India. He continued to 

accuse the Opposition of taking advantage of the Gujarat violence to divide the NDA. ((Asian Age 14.6.02) 

16 th June 

Three months on, compensation eludes families of the dead (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 15: THE EFFORTS of the Modi-led Government in Gujarat to rehabilitate and 

compensate the riot victims have come under a lot of criticism from all quarters, including the PMO. But 

this seems to have hardly made the government move. Even three months after the Godhra carnage 

and its aftermath, compensation still continues to elude even the families of those who succumbed to the 

communal madness. And the reasons are not difficult to find. Nearly 300 people, many of whom may well 

be dead, still continue to be listed as missing, 100 bodies, including 19 from the ill-fated S-6 coach of the 

Sabarmati Express, remain unidentified and several people who saw their near and dear ones being 

hacked to death do not have any proof for the same. "My husband was hit by a sword. He ran to take

efuge in a shrine but the crowds followed him there and set him afire. I identified his belongings in the 

ashes but the police refused to make a panchnama," said ShaheenMohd. Hussain. To date she has not 

received any compensation. (Hindustan Times 16.6.02) 

17 th June 

Cornered Modi gets a clean chit from Advani (7) 

AHMEDABAD, JUNE 16: UNION Home Minister L.K. Advani today expressed satisfaction over the 

rehabilitation of riot-affected victims in Gujarat, thus giving a clean chit to Chief Minister Narendra Modi. 

As reported in The Indian Express, the Prime Minister's Office had recently written to the Gujarat Chief 

Minister and expressed anguish over the progress of the rehabilitation process in the state. Talking to 

mediapersons here, Advani said: "Gujarat has gone through a bad phase but I have some satisfaction as 

there have been no reports of violence here for the past four weeks.' He said he was also satisfied with 

the state's efforts as many riot victims were now returning to their homes. He said:'At one time in the state, 

there were over 1.5 lakh riot victims in 121 camps. But with no untoward incident taking place, people 

have returned to their homes. And now, in 19 camps, there are just 18,500 people." In the last week 

alone, over 12,000 people had gone home, he said. The administration was taking measures for 

rehabilitation of these victims, "and I am satisfied with their efforts", he said. (Indian Exp 17.6.02) 

18 th June 

More relief camps ordered closed (7) 

Ahmedabad: Even as the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi claimed satisfactory progress in the relief 

and rehabilitation of the riot victims in the state, the Muslim victims have taken to the agitational path to 

highlight the Government’s broken promises and their unfulfilled demands. About 500 such victims 

observed a day's token fast and ,staged a 'dharna' in front of the Sardar Baug in the heart of the city under 

the auspices of the Qaumi Relief Committee to protest the "tardy" implementation of the Chief Minister's 

assurances. But even before the dharna was over, the victims suffered yet another jolt with reports that 

the Government had decided to close down at least eight more relief camps in Ahmedabad Though 

there was no official notification, the committee's general secretary, Shaukatkhan Tyrewala, claimed 

that they had been informed by the Collectorate that essential supplies to eight more camps would be 

suspended forthwith on instructions from Gandinagar. (Hindu 18.6.02) 

19 th June 

VHP 'reconverts' Christians in Onssa (7) 

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 18. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has reconverted over 5,000 tribal 

Christians to Hinduism, in the Sundargarh district during the past two years. The VHP's local unit 

conducted a ceremony after the converted Christians file affidavits expressing their willingness to 

reconvert, either before the court or the notary. On June 16, about 143 tribals belonging to 46 families of 

Oram, Munda and Khadia tribes were reconverted at a special function organised by the Rour-kela unit of 

the VHP at Tainser village under Lathikata block. According to the local VHP organising secretary, 

Achyutanand Kar, these tribals had filed affidavits a fortnight ago. Their case was communicated to the 

district authority before the ceremony was organised. Mr. Kar alleged that Christian missionaries had 

induced not only tribals but also others in the district to convert to Christianity. Sundargarh alone had as 

many as 1,100 churches spread over almost all the villages, he added. (Hindu 19.6.02) 

19th June 

Three killed in violence (7) 

Jalgaon, June 18: Three persons including a five month old boy were killed and 150 shops, houses and 

vehicles set on fire in communal violence today at Jamner town in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. While 

the boy and Ramesh Mali (45) were stabbed to death, Yusuf, a resident of Ahmedabad was killed in police 

firing, sources said. Police fired eight rounds to disperse clashing mobs and curfew has been imposed in 

the town. (Hindu 19.6.02) 

19 th June 

44 Godhra accused declared 'offenders' (7)

Ahmedabad: Forty-four of the accused, declared absconders by the police in the chargesheets filed in the 

Sabarmati Express carnage of February 27, have been proclaimed as "offenders" by the local court, which 

has directed them to surrender within 30 days of the notice. This includes the prime accused Razzak 

Kurkur who is based in Godhra. "This has been done to put pressure on the absconders," a senior police 

officer told Times News Network. All the 44 absconders are residents of Godhra, but tin police claim to 

have no clue about their whereabouts though there is a suspicion that some may have fled to Mumbai. 


20 th June 

Changing names to live in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad: What's in a name? Well, it could mean the difference between life and death. After hundreds 

were killed in Gujarat on the basis of their identity, survival itself depends on one's name. Probably, that is 

why Badruddin Salauddin chose to write his name as Raju Thakor on the admission slip in the Civil 

Hospital. Badruddin, 35, suffers from lip cancer and was left with little choice but to travel from Vadodara 

to Ahmedabad as his condition aggravated. In a city where people were quick to shave off beards and 

blacken the reddish-tinge from henna-dyed hair 

for fear of inviting trouble, nobody is taking any chances. The Civil Hospital being located in the 

majority-dominated area, Badruddin resolved to fake a name and protect himself just in case communal 

madness strikes again. "Peace is a relative term now and I thought it fit to play safe," confessed 

Badruddin. (Times of India 20.6.02) 

20 th June 

BJP MLA arrested after riots in Jalgaon (7) 

Mumbai, June 19: BJP MLA Girish Mahajan was arrested after communal riots broke out in Jamner taluka 

of Jalgaon district in Maharashtra. Four persons were killed in the riots. 

A five-month-old baby died due to suffocation after its mother held it close to her bosom to save the 

child. One person was killed in police firing while two others were killed in the violence. Around 40 persons 

were injured in the riots, which broke out late on Tuesday afternoon. Curfew has been imposed in the 

town and the situation is tense but under control. (Asian Age 20.6.02) 

21st June 

Modi’s men to go on Gujarat promotion tour (7) 

New Delhi, June 20: As cheques worth over Rs 480 crores issued by the Gujarat government to over a 

dozen zila panchayats for rehabilitation and development projects were "dishonoured," ministers in 

Gujarat have decided to conduct nationwide tours to impress and attract people to investing in the 

Gandhian state. "Cheques worth more than Rs 480 crores, which were issued to zila panchayats after the 

quake in early 2000 for rehabilitation and development, were dishonoured as the government had no 

money in its account," BJP sources said, adding that during the past two years, the state had witnessed a 

sharp fall in investment. Refraining from naming the zila panchayats against whom the cheques had been 

issued, a senior BJP leader said: "Under the present scenario, and more importantly, on the economic 

front, no one is ready to invest even a single paisa in the state." (Asian Age 21.6.02) 

21 st June 

Minority rights: Govt. prepares itself in case Soli disagrees (7) 

NEW DELHI, JUNE 20: AFRAID that Attorney General Soli Sorabjee could, in his "personal" capacity, 

contradict the Government's stand in the crucial Supreme Court case involving the rights of minority 

institutions, the Government plans to arm itself with a Cabinet resolution. 

The Government, represented by Solicitor General Harish Salve, has argued that once minority institutions 

receive Government aid, they should lose their special right to reserve seats purely on religious or 

linguistic lines. Sorabjee, who kept away from the case because he had appeared on behalf of one of the 

petitioners, was asked by the 11-judge Constitution bench to appear next month and give his "personal 

opinion (Indian Exp 21.6.02) 

22 nd June 

Don't close relief camps; Goveror (7)

AHMEDABAD, JUNE 21. The Gujarat Governor, Sunder Singh Bhandari, has informed the 

State Congress that he had issued instructions to the State Government not to close down the 

relief camps for riot victims without making alternative arrangements for them. The Governor's 

response comes in the wake of a letter by the three Congress members, the State Congress 

president, Amarsingh Chaudhary, the Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, Naresh 

Raval, and a member of the State Assembly, Siddarth Patel, in the All-Party Committee for 

Relief, saying that they would be compelled to resign from the committee if corrective measures 

were not taken immediately. Pointing out that in some cases the victims had been paid a meagre 

amount as compensation, the members demanded a re-survey of the .affected houses and 

industries damaged in the riots. (The Hindu 22.6.02) 

23 rd June 

VHP warns Muslims of refugee life (7) 

Hardwar, June 22:- A crucial " meeting of VHP central advisory board began on a belligerent note here on 

Saturday morning with its leader Ashok Singhal warning Muslims that if they continue to take the country 

towards partition they will have to stay in refugee camps like in Gujarat. 

In a major u-turn on its earlier commitment to abide by the court verdict, the VHP declared that the Ram 

temple issue was non-negotiable and matters of faith cannot be decided by judiciary. The VHP also went 

back on its commitment to maintain status quo at Ayodhya accusing government of backtracking on its 

promises and asking Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati to take back its written undertaking to 

the Centre in this regard. The VHP leaders also condemned BJP-led NDA government's suppression of 

March 15 shila daan programme and demanded enactment of a.law to hand over the land to facilitate 

construction of Ram temple (Asian Age 23.6.02) 

23rd June 

Gujarat violence not a conspiracy, says police (7) 

Ahmedabad: June 22: Despite several pointers that the post-Godhra riots were well planned and had the 

same modus operand! in the entire state, police says the riots were spontaneous and that there was no 

conspiracy involved. It is amazing that though VHP announced a statewide bandh on February 28, no one 

has been caught for planning to target minority community's lives and property, said a senior police officer. 

This, despite common knowledge that many local VHP leaders allegedly led the mobs on that fateful day, 

he added. VHP had reportedly held meetings of its workers in Ahmedabad and other district centres on 

February 27. One DCP said that many people in the mobs had the list of shops they were to target and 

knew exactly which were the Muslim shops, so someone obviously had made the list. (Asian Age 23.6.02) 

24 th June 

Government apathy causes riot aid to rot (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 23: A $ 650,000 shipment of aid for the,riot victims of Gujarat sent by concerned Non 

Resident Indians of Canada is rotting at the Kandla port since May 25, embroiled in typical bureaucratic 

and political hassles. The Gujarat government is doing absolutely nothing from its end to get the shipment 

released and is even dilly-dallying the issuance, of a registration certificate to the NGO to which the 

shipment has been addressed. The shipment has, been sent•• 

by Human Concern International, a 22-year-old human rights group functioning from Canada and it 

contains medical aid, household utility items, clothes and footwear for riot victims. (Asian Age 24.6.02) 

24 th June 

Stop Modi from appointing gram mitras: Gowda (7) 

New Delhi, June 23: Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has urged the Union government to 

immediately intervene and prevent the Gujarat government's move to appoint some one lakh gram 

mitras in the state to propagate Hindutva and prepare ground for elections. "The Gujarat government 

headed oy Narendra Modi has decided to appoint these gram mitrds"who will be posted in all the 18,000 

villages of the state. They will be paid Rs 1,000 per month from the government coffers which will result

in an outflow of crores of rupees of tax payers money. Their specific job will be to propagate the Hindutva 

ideology on the eve of the state elections. 

"The idea clearly is to further polarise the voters on communal basis and consolidate the Hindutva vote 

bank of the BJP," Mr Gowda told The Asian Age. (Asian Age 24.6.02) 

25 th June 

Modi Govt turns the screws on relief camps (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 24: DESPITE OFFICIAL assurances that the riot-hit people living in relief camps would 

not be forced to go back till the process of rehabilitation is complete, the Gujarat Government is resorting 

to many subtle ways to see that they close down as early as possible. 

On Monday, many relief camps received either inadequate ration supplies or none at all. Camp organisers 

said the Behram-pura camp housing 250 families and Gangshohda Kabristan housing 1,500 people has 

been closed down from Monday evening as the ration supplies were stopped in the morning. At the Shah 

Alam camp, the biggest in the state, the organisers refused to accept the ration for just 3,000 people 

saying the number of inmates there still stood at around 4,500. - mostly from Naroda Patiya who are too 

scared to return home. Another 52 families staying in the camp mobbed the Shah Alam camp organisers 

Monday evening as they were told about the stoppage of their rations. The Citizen Relief Service had to 

assure them that their ration needs would be borne by the organisers for some more days. (Hindustan 

Times 25.6.02) 

25 th June 

Call to fight fascist elements (7) 

HYDERABAD, JUNE 24. Muslims will live in "our beloved country" according to the principles of the 

Shariat based on oneness of God, unity of humanity, peace, amity and honesty. They will continue the 

endeavour to call upon people, without distinction, towards love and amity and wean them away from evil. 

This is the crux of the "Hyderabad declaration" issued at the end of the three-day All-India Muslim 

Personal Law Board conference. The 16th session of the Board urged justice-loving citizens, intellectuals 

and journalists to join it in stopping a "handful of terrorists and fascist elements" who were misleading 

people and pushing the country towards strife and lawlessness. While the Gujarat violence had broken all 

previous records of 'State-sponsored terrorism', there were many instances of people and organisations 

proving that humanism still existed. "Let us salute such people and hope in future, better interaction takes 

places between us", said Moulana Syed Rabey Hasni Nadvi, the Board's newly-elected president. (Hindu 

25.6.02) 

25th June 

Hindu partner best insurance in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD, JUNE 24 : THE hospitality industry in Gujarat has been one of the worst-affected in riots 

and as many as 695 hotels and restaurants owned by Muslims were looted and burnt across the state. So 

while Muslims seem to have lost interest in running a business on this side of the river—a 

Hindu-dominated area—it's a different story on the other side where many Muslim owners of relatively 

newer restaurants are looking out for Hindu partners. And those who had Hindu partners all these years 

are trying to make the fact known. President of the Hotel Owners' Assotiation Narendra Brahmbhatt says 

that almost 25 per cent of restaurant and hotel owners have got themselves Hindu partners ever since the 

riots. At the same time 75 per cent of those who had Hindu partners are publicly declaring the fact says 

Brahmbhatt. (Indian Exp 25.6.02) 

26 th June 

Civil rights bodies release reports (7) 

THE MEDICO Friends Circle (MFC) has demanded that the Medical Council of India and Indian Medical 

Association act against doctors who have participated in the Gujarat violence. MFC along with the 

People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) and Vadodara Shanti Abhiyan today released their findings on 

the Gujarat carnage. While the MFC released the Carnage in Gujarat : A Public Health Crisis,' PUCL and 

Vadodara Shanti Abhiyan, released 'Violence in Vadodara' and 'Women's Experience Of Violence in 

Vadodara.' Citing the Sunday Express report on use of drugs to induce confessions from the Godhra

accused, the speakers said that even doctors were being a party to human right violations and that they 

were polarised on communal lines, 

"This was not a Hindu-. Muslim riot but a completely state-engineered affair," asserted Renu Khanna of 

PUCL and Vadodara Shanti Abhiyan. She said that their teams had investigated incidents in Vadodara 

and found that , police were greater perpetrators with their inaction. (Indian Exp 26.6.02) 

26 th June 

Poll pitch: BJP, VHP plan Gujarat yatra (7) 

New Delhi: Indicating that early polls are likely in Gujarat, the BJP intends to organize a gaurav yatra 

(pride march) to propagate the achievements of the Modi government. Pushing forward its Hindutva plank 

in the state, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad also plans to hold a rath yatra in its full grandeur on July 12. 

Though the Gujarat police authorites are not in favour of a rath yatra in view of the situation in the state, 

the VHP is yet to drop the idea, according to sources. They disclosed that the state government was of the 

view that the communal violence in the state has resulted in a "Hindu wave" and the party should 

take advantage of it at the earliest. Though the elections are slated for February next year, strategists in 

the Modi government are in favour of an early poll. They feel that chief minister Narendra Modi has 

become the most popular leader among the Hindu community in the state and no time should be lost to 

take advantage of his popularity. (Asian Age 26.6.02) 

26 th June 

Modi should have quit, violence was political: Shankaracharya (7) 

NEW DELHI, JUNE 25: BREAKING his silence on the Gujarat riots, Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra 

Saraswati Swamigal today said that the violence was triggered by "political reasons" which also ensured 

its end. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said: "(Chief Minister Narendra) Modi did not resign when he 

should have. So what is the point in talking about it now. The damage is done." Shankaracharya 

added: "What happened in Gujarat was wrong, all of it. But the violence has ebbed and 90 per cent of the 

state is peaceful now. Ideally, people should forget all that has happened and try to get on with life, loving 

each other. We cannot keep going back to the past. We should look at the future. How else will life 

proceed?" Stating that there is "unrest both within and without", the Kanchi seer added that "riots happen 

wherever there is tension but it is the duty of the public ; to save innocents^ not help the : attackers. 

(Indian Exp 26.6.02) 

27th June 

NGOs hold Modi responsible (7) 

Baroda, June 26: In what may be called a "bold" attempt, People's Union For Civil Liberties and Vadodara 

Shanti Abhiyan have held chief minister Narendra Modi responsible for the communal riots in the state in a 

198-page report "Violence in Vadodara – a report. Both the organizations which have prepared the report 

after talking to almost 2,000 affected persons in the city, allege that riots were not only 

government-sponsored but in fact the government was party to it. The report has named many senior 

police officials and political leaders of Baroda in connection with various charges. The members have 

alleged that role of security advisor to chief minister K.P.S. Gill has not made much difference and was a 

face saving exercise. (Asian Age 27.6.02) 

27 th June 

Homeless riot-hit now landless (7) 

Vadodara: MONTH after they returned to their damaged houses, 181 families living in Noor Park 

Society in Tarsali have received marching orders. The administration hass woken up to the fact that the 

land on which their houses have stood all along belonged to the government and were hence 

encroachments. It's been less than a month since the families returned from a relief camp. Every house in 

the society had been damaged by a mob that killed one resident and injured two in a frenzy that lasted for 

hours on March 1. After three months in a camp, Noor Park residents were happy to return to whatever 

was left of their houses as action had been taken against miscreants and they had been provided security. 

(Indian Exp 27.6.02) 

27 th June

Modi lectures Gujarat police (7) 

Ahmedabad: Police officers in Gujarat went through a back to academy session with chief minister 

Narendra Modi playing principal. The eight hour long grueling session where Modi met the police officers 

for the first time since he took charge in October 2001, was a meeting with a difference. Armed with the 

list of IPS officers, Modi began the session by taking a roll call and marking the presence of the officers on 

the pretext that he wanted to know them. Some of the officers actually stood up when their names were 

called out. Among other things Modi stressed on avoiding the media and not leaking matters to the Press. 

He is learnt to have specifically mentioned a particular government circular that had been leaked out. 


27 th June 

Fear returns with Gujarat rath yatra (7) 

AHMEDABAD JUNE26" : FOR three months, ,they couldn't return home. Barely a few weeks there, 

and Walled City residents are again living in fear: Of the coming rath yatra. Around daily evening huddles, 

marry have decided to shift elsewhere for some days around July 12 to tide over what the yatra may bring 

in its wake. With rumours rife that the yatra could incite violence, no one is taking any chances. 'Almost 

everyone has decided to leave a couple of days before July 12 and return by next day evening," says 

Samirabanu Ahmed Gulam Ali Shiekh, a resident of Nagoriwad. She lives in a 30-house society, and six 

of these houses belong to Muslims. "We went through hell when a irfob attacked us in the second week of 

March. All of us had to shift to Dariakhan Ghummat camp. We were saved, but what if something 

happens during the yatra? (Indian Exp 27.6.02) 

27 th June 

CM tutors Cops on 'Hindu secularism’ (7) 

Gandhinagar, June 26: NARENDRA MODI has told I.P.S. officers in Gujarat to practice "Indian 

secularism", without paying attention to "pseudo-secular propaganda". He has advised them not to be 

swayed by "pseudo-secular criticism", and not to interact with the "pseudo-secular media" that is out to 

tarnish the image of the country. The chief minister lectured more than 80 I.P.S. officers on policing and 

secularism for over eight hours here on Tuesday night. He blasted the hypocrisy of "pseudo-secularists" 

who campaigned against the government's efforts to shut down madrassas, but condoned the same step 

when it was taken by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the communist chief minister of West Bengal. No one 

need to teach him secularism, Modi said -— for India's spiritual heritage was essentially secular. The chief 

minister criticised officers who he said developed a "know-all" attitude soon after donning the uniform. He 

reminded such officers that the tradition of "Hindu secularism" was superior to "JNU-type of secularism" — 

a dig, apparently, at Left leaders who have had a background at the Delhi's Jawharlal Nehru University. 


27th June 

Ban Modi entry into UK: Rights activists (7) 

New Delhi, June 26: THE GUJARAT carnage has come back to haunt New Delhi again. An initiative 

launched by some prominent scholars of South Asia and human rights activists based in the UK has 

urged the British Government to declare Narendra Modi and members of his ministry personae non 

gratae. If the demand were accepted, Modi and his cabinet would not be allowed to enter the United 

Kingdom. The scholars have also urged British Government to send a strong signal to the India by 

refusing to host Home Minister L.K. Advani, now or in future. The petition has been signed by prominent 

Indians including Lord Megh-nad Desai of the London School of Economics, who is also a member of the 

House of Lords, noted legal affairs specialist Professor Upendra Baxi, Prof Barbara Harris White of the 

Oxford University and Dr Rajeshwari Sunderajan of the Oxford University. At least 28 more scholars 

based in UK have also signed the plea. 

The petitioners contended that "Genocidal events must not be passed over silence by the international 

community, we ask that initiatives for the defence of human rights be supported worldwide". (The 

Hindustan Times 27.6.02) 

27 th June 

Support for rebuilding tomb of Wali Gujarati (7)

AHMEDABAD, JUNE 26. Indian Social Action Forum CINSAF) will support the cause of the reconstruction 

of the tomb of Wall Gujarati, Gujarati poet, which was destroyed during the recent communal riots. The 

INSAF organised a "kavi sammelan" here on Tuesday dedicated to Wali Gujarati, the theme being fighting 

"cultural fascism''. Litterateurs from all over the country participated in the sammelan and expressed their 

resolve to support the cause of reconstruction of the tomb. The initiative to reconstruct the tomb of the 

18th century Sufi saint, considered the father of Gujarati ghazals, was taken by the All-Gujarat Minority 

Association. A function was scheduled for Sunday to lay the foundation stone, but it was disallowed at the 

last moment by police apprehending disturbances. The INSAF national executive member, Saroop Dhruv, 

a cultural activist and poetess from Ahmedabad, said the responsibility to protect the cultural heritage of 

Ahmedabad was not of one association or religion but of the society as a whole. (Hindu 27.6.02) 

28 th June 

Riot victims slam Govt inaction (7) 

New Delhi, June 27: OVER 50 RIOT victims from Gujarat under the aegis of Qaumi Relief Committee sat 

on dharna at Jantar Mantar on Thursday to voice their protest against the Government's failure to provide 

rehabilitation, re-settlement, security compensation. 

The Committee spokesperson, Shaukat Khan Ashrafi Tyrewala said that despite the assurances of 

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of security advisor K P S Gill, the riot victims have 

not been given any relief. Repeated reminders were sent to the Government of Gujarat regarding the 

demands of riot victims, but no heed was paid, the Committee members said. (Hindustan Times 28.6.02) 

28 th June 

Gujarat camps will not be closed, court told (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, JUNE 27. Even as the first heavy showers on Wednesday night and today has 

made life miserable for the riot victims in the relief camps, the Gujarat Government has given an 

undertaking to the High Court not to close down the camps till all the inmates are resettled. : The 

undertaking was given before a Division Bench of the court, comprising the Chief Justice D. S. Sinha and 

Justice J. M. Panchal, on a public interest litigation petition filed by the Citizens for Justice and Peace 

following reports that the Government was pressuring the organisers of the camps to close them down 

without making any alternate arrangements for the 

inmates. Adjourning the hearing for a f month, the court said it would . monitor the Government's actions 

in this direction. The pettioners had pointed out that t the camp organisers were being . I harassed and 

pressured in the name of inspection, causing , problems to the inmates whose houses were yet to be 

repaired (Hindu 28.6.02) 

28th June 

Rains multiply woes of relief camp inmates (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 27: THE FIRST monsoon rains on Wednesday night brought untold miseries to the 

thousands of inmates of the relief camps here. Despite the cairo organisers' best efforts rain shelters have 

not ye been erected at the ramps, which are in any case under indirect pressure to close down at the 

earliest. The overnight rain left most of the 2401-odd inmates of the Danya Khan Ghummat camp hungry 

and sleepless. They were forced to spend the night in the school's corridors as the downpour drenched 

the open ground. Very few could be accommodated in the classroons. Around mid-day, the camp 

organisers were trying to light the wet firewood to cook meals for the inmates. Children were trying to fill 

up the puddles of water in the ground with dry soil. (Hindustan Times 28.6.02) 

30 th June 

State of Gujarat relief camps shocks Sehgal (7) 

Ahmedabad, June 29: INDIAN NATIONAL Army veteran and presidential candidate Lakshmi Sehgal said 

on Saturday that she was horrified to see that relief camps in the city were being closed down without 

having proper arrangements for the rehabilitation of inmates there. On a day's visit to the city, Capt. 

Sehgal visited the Shah Alam and Aman Chowk relief camps where many minorities are still languishing in 

unhygienic conditions created by the last few days of monsoon showers. At the Shah Alam camp, the 

organisers thanked her for caring to visit them and apprised her of the situation prevailing there. They also

submitted a memorandum to the presidential nominee urging her to do something that can expedite the 

rehabilitation work (Hindustan Times 30.6.02) 

30 th June 

Sonia writes to PM on yatra (7) 

NEW DELHI, JUNE 29.The Leader of the Opposition and Congress president, Sonia Gandhi today wrote 

to the Prime Minister, Atal fiehari Vajpayee, seeking his intervention in dissuading the Gujarat Chief 

Minister Narendra Modi, from undertaking the Gaurav Rath Yatra as it could further "damage the already 

sensitive, communal situation in the State." Alarmed" by media reports of the yatras being planned across 

the State every weekend with Mr Modi touring all the districts along with the yatra Ms Gandhi drew Mr. 

Vajpayee’s attention to his resolve to maintain peace and harmony in our society. “I hope that you will take 

the constructive step of dissuading the Gujarat Chief Minister from undertaking the Gaurav Yatra, she 

said. (Hindu 30.6.02) 

1st July 

Ahmedabad rath yatra to follow usual route (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, JUNE 30. The rath yatra in Ahmedabad on July 12 will follow the traditional route 

through the numerous minority-dominated areas despite the recent communal carnage. This was 

decided by the State Government, the police and the Jagannath temple trust, which organise the 

rath yatra in the city every year. The decision has helped remove the differences between the temple trust 

and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad — the former wanted the chariots taken through the western parts 

skirting the sensitive areas in the eastern parts and the latter opposed any change of route. But it would be 

a test for the State Government and the police to ensure peaceful completion of the ceremony (The Hindu 

1.7.02) 

1 st July 

Frayed Bhiwandi turns scuffle into communal clash (7) 

THANE, JUNE 30___:TENSION prevailed in Khadipar area of Bhiwandi in Maharashtra following a fight 

between two individuals which snowballed into a clash between two groups. Before police could bring the 

situation under control, seven people were injured and some shops and establishments torched. Joint 

Commissioner of Police Amba Lal Verma said there was no cause for worry as the situation was under 

control. "There was enmity between two individuals and a verbal altercation between them led to violence. 

Those involved have been booked for rioting," he said. According to DCP Phadtare, the incident took 

place between 7.30 and 8 pm. "Thirty-year-old Gafur Sheikh, a rickshaw driver, and Parshuram Gharat, 

both residents of Knadipur, had a past history of enmity. (Indian Exp 1.7.02) 

1 st July 

Sahgal upset over plight of victims (7) 

Ahmedabad: Left candidate and first woman presidential nominee Captain Lakshmi Sahgal said that she 

was "horrified" to find that the Gujarat government had closed many relief camps without providing 

adequate rehabilitation to the inmates. Addressing mediapersons on Saturday, Sahgal said she was 

shocked to know that except for some help from NGOs and individuals, relief camps were not getting any 

government help. "Riot victims who took shelter in these camps were forced to live with their relatives and 

friends after closure of the camps," she said. She stressed that it was the state government's duty to 

rehabilitate the victims. "I am very unhappy as a freedom fighter to see the condition of people in relief 

camps, she said adding still so many people in the country are not treated and citizens. (Times of India 

1.7.02) 

2nd July 

Church attacked (7) 

A Church has been desecrated in Ranchi with unknown attackers destroying idols of Jesus Christ and 

Mary installed near the gate. The attack on the Nirmala Church in Ranchi’s Lewadih area took place on 

Sunday evening. (The Hindustan Times 2 nd July 2002) 

2 nd July

Conversions spark row in Orissa again(7) 

Bhubaneswar, July 1: RELIGIOUS CONVERSION has yet again led to controversy in Orissa. The 

immediate cause this time is the conversion of 23 tribals in Basmitola village of Mayurbhanj district. The 

tribals, according to officials at the Bangiriposhi police station, had duly submitted affidavits to the district 

collector as required under the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act (OFRA) for changing their religion. 

Mayurbhanj district collector D.K. Singh said: "Conversion is a very sensitive issue and have already 

submitted my report to the government." Predictably, the Hindu right isn't happy. VHP state secretary 

Gouri Prasad Rath said a fact-finding team of the VHP will visit Basmitola. Rath added: "Allurements are 

being used by Christians to convert the tribals. The VHP will initiate steps if OFRA provisions have been 

violated." Allegations and counter-allegations on religious conversions is a regular feature in the state. On 

the Sundargarh reconversions, which saw 143 converted tribal Christians coming back to the Hindu fold 

on June 16, the Global Council of Indian Christians had alleged the involvement of Union Tribal Affairs 

Minister. (The Hindustan Times 2 nd July 2002) 

2 nd July 

Politicians using religion for their vested interests (7) 

New Delhi: Religious leaders in the Capital have condemned the political leadership for exploiting the 

prejudices and misunderstanding of different religions for their vested interests. Perturbed over the 

Gujarat communal carnage and the problems persisting in Kashmir, the religious head organized an 

all-religion meeting here on Sunday evening. The meeting under the banner of Foundation for Religious 

Harmony and Universal Peace, at Seesganj Gurdwara in the Capital, commemorated the martyrdom of 

Guru Teg Bahadur. (Pioneer 2.7.02) 

3rd July 

Forensic report gives new twist to Godhra fire (7) 

Ahmedabad: The mystery over the burning of S-6 compartment of the Sabarmati Express at Godhra on 

February 27, in which 59 passengers were killed and that led to a spate of communal violence in Gujarat, 

has deepened with the forensic report on the incident discounting the possibility that a mob threw 

inflammable material from outside and then set the bogie on fire. 

Tests conducted by the Ahmedabad-based Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) have shown that about 60 

litres of inflammable substance was poured from inside the compartment before it was set on fire. A report 

by FSL's assistant director M.S. Dahiya, which is part of the chargesheet filed in the Godhra case about a 

month ago, is based on a study of the pattern of burns in the compartment and a simulated exercise 

conducted on May 3 to recreate the incident. The report contradicts the view held so far that the mob 

which attacked the train threw inflammable liquid at the compartment using buckets and cans from a 

distance. (The Times of India 3 rd July 2002) 

3 rd July 

Christians march against vandalism (7) 

Ranchi: Christians on Tuesday took out a peace march here condemning the June 29 destruction of 

statues of Mother Mary and Jesus Christ at Samlong near here. Police said the rallyists submitted a 

memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner’s office demanding culprits’ arrest. Some hoodlums 

vandalized the statues the Vatican gifted to a church in 1998. (Indian Exp 3.7.02) 

3rd July 

PM calls off Gaurav Yatras, Modi buckles (7) 

New Delhi: July 2: The VHP sponsored Gujarat Gaurav yatras planned from Thursday across the state 

have been cancelled. The announcement was made in New Delhi on Tuesday evening by Prime Minister 

A.B. Vajpayee after he reviewed the progress of rehabilitation in Gujarat. Earlier a delegation led by former 

Prime Minister I.K. Gujaral met him. It was suggested during both meetings that the yatras may be 

dangerous to the communally sensitive state. (Hindustan Times 3.7.02) 

3 rd July 

Tension in Asind over Urs sheds on Temple premises (7)

TENSION HAS gripped the communally sensitive town of Asind, ahead of the three-day Urs fair at the 

Ba-dia Dargah from July 16. The issue is the tradition of setting up temporary sheds on the adjoining 

Sawai Bhoj Temple premises. Hindu hardliners have this time opposed the practice. A peace committee 

meeting on the issue on Monday has failed to resolve the issue. Meanwhile miscreants have painted the 

Dargah with saffron colour and fixed a trishul atop it, despite police presence. Sources said the incident 

took place after the visit of former Gujarat VHP leader Harish Bhai Bhatt last week. On Friday, Bhatt had 

opposed the setting up of sheds. (Hindustan Times 3.7.02) 

4 th July 

Gujarat yatra legitimate, only put off: Jaitley (7) 

NEW DELHI : 3 JULY: THE BJP today asserted that the 'Gaurav Yatra' planned by its Gujarat state unit 

was a legitimate political activity and clarified that the proposed mobilisational programme has only been 

postponed, not cancelled. Addressing' reporters here, party spokesman Arun Jaitley today said the 

decision to postpone the yatra was taken with a view to "thwarting the attempts of the Opposition and their 

cheerleaders to decontextualise" its political action plan in Parliament. "We did not want the Opposition to 

use against us in Parliament. It was a collective decision of the party," Mr Jaitley said. This assertion is 

significant as it comes in the wake of the speculation in a section of media that the B JP had rolled back 

its yatra because of pressure from the prime minister and other quarters. This cannot but be yet another 

indicator of the new mood of assertiveness in the party. The Economic Times 4 th July 2002) 

4th July 

Inflammable material was poured from inside the compartment (7) 

AHMEDABAD, JULY 3. A report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) on the probabilities of the 

February 27 Godhra train carnage has opened a Pandora's box with many people questioning the Gujarat 

Government's theory of "conspiracy" by the minorities. In a sensational statement, the Gujarat Pradesh 

Congress president, Amarsinh Chaudhary, today pointed an accusing finger at the Sangh Parivar of 

having stage-managed the Godhra train carnage to instigate communal violence in the State. Basing his 

statement on the FSL report that the inflammable material must have been poured from inside the burnt 

S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express, Mr. Chaudhary claimed that the report had negated the Modi 

Government's stand that local Muslims had set fire to the train from outside. Mr. Chaudhary claimed that 

the kind of inflammable material used to burn the train was the same as the one used in burning the 

Muslim properties in the post-God-hra carnage, and that the "same elements who indulged in communal 

carnage were also involved in setting fire to the train." He demanded a thorough inquiry to trace the 

"elements" in the coach and determine who could have set it afire. (Hindu 4.7.02) 

5 th July 

Modi shunts out Godhra DC, SP (7) 

Gandhinagar, : The Gujarat government on Thursday evening transferred as many as 26 IAS officers, 

including the Godhra Collector Jayanti Ravi and Rehabilitation Commissioner Maheshwar Sahu. These 

transfers come a day after the transfer of 23 IPS officers, including Godhra SP Raju Bhargava. The 

decision to transfer two senior officials from Godhra in quick succession seems to indicate that the Modi’s 

ministry is keen to remove all those who were involved with the Godhra district administration at the time 

of the riots. (Hindustan Times 5.7.02) 

5 th July 

Closed camps have 15,000 inmates (7) 

AHMEDABAD JULY4: TEN relief camps and 10,000 inmates: that's District Collector K Sriniyas's official 

figure for Ahmedabad for the PM's ears. According to a study, what he won't hear is that there are 15,000 

more in 15 camps, "officially closed", and hence "officially" out of the government's sight and mind. Harsh 

Mander, the country director of Action Aid and a member of the Forum for Relief and Reconciliation who 

found this in a survey of the relief camps, says tftese 15,000 "invisible" refugees don't get either ration or 

medical help. Mander, who resigned from the IAS over the Gujarat riots and the state administration's 

"indifference" towards them, submitted his report to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Tuesday

night. Organisers of the "closed" camps say they have been taken for a ride by Collector Srinivas, who 

made them write applications requesting closure with oral promises. (Indian Exp 5.7.02) 

6 th July 

Riot victims return home, get killed (7) 

Gandhinagar, July 5: TWO VICTIMS of the communal riots in Gujarat, staying in a relief camp, were 

battered to death by miscreants when they returned to their house in a Vadodara village on Thursday 

night, the police said. The father and son duo of the minority community were staying in the relief camp for 

the past four months. However, following perceptible improvement in the situation, they mustered courage 

to return to their house in Vadodara's Sinor village. The father and son, aged 70 and 25 respectively, were 

sleeping in a make-shift plastic tent in their village as their house was badly damaged in a mob attack. 

The miscreants, armed with sharp weapons, attacked them, the police said. Meanwhile, the State 

Government termed as "misleading" media reports on findings of a probe into the Godhra carnage which 

suggested that combustible substance was probably hurled from inside the train. It, however, said Ram 

Sewaks were attacked with inflammable liquid in a "pre-planned" manner. Hindustan Times 6.7.002) 

6 th July 

Godhra forensic report raises questions (7) 

Ahmedabad, July 5: The investigation into the Godhra train fire has revealed that at least 60 litres of petrol 

was used to torch passenger car S-6 of the Sabarmati Express and, since it was completely charred from 

the inside, it was clear that the intensity of the fire was more inside than outside. The police is now 

investigating whether so much petrol was already there inside the bogey in separate cans or did the 

attackers board the train with the cans when the train halted at Godhra railway station. Additional DGP 

(crime) A.K. Bhargava says the police is trying to ascertain whether the petrol sample from the bogey 

matches, petrol samples from nearby petrol pumps and garages, investigating officials are yet to find out 

the exact source of the petrol used in the incident though an initial investigation did prove that it was not 

stolen or procured from the closest petrol pump or garages in advance. (Asian Age 6.7.02) 

7th July 

Muslims will not observe self-curfew (7) 

Ahmedabad, July 6: Muslims in tire sensitive Dariapur and Shahpur areas of Ahmedabad plan to defy a 

police "request" to observe a "janata curfew" during the rath yatra on July 12. They say that unlike every 

year, when they remain huddled inside their homes, this time they want to come out and "welcome the 

yatra in their respective localities." This stance has put the Ahmedabad police in a.tight spot because the 

police fears this gesture of communal harmony might backfire and result in violence. Every year, Muslims 

in sensitive areas of the walled city observe a voluntary curfew on the day of the rath yatra and do not 

venture out till the yatra passes. All shops and business establishments remain closed. But this year the 

Muslims are not willing to observe a self-imposed curfew. (Asian Age 7.7.02) 

7 th July 

Post-Godhra violence: Nine accused of arson acquitted (7) 

VADODARA: In what is believed to be the first judgement in Gujarat in a case of post-Godhra violence, a 

court on Saturday acquitted nine persons accused of torching shops belonging to Muslims in Lunawada of 

the Panchmahals on February 27. All have been acquitted for lack of evidence. The Lunawada police had 

registered a complaint following the incident which took place in a Hindu locality after the Muslim owners 

had pulled down shutters early sensing tension in the wake the train carnage in Godhra. The police 

arrested nine Hindus from the scene of crime but could not shore up their case with independent 

eye-witnesses. (Indian Exp 7.7.02) 

7 th July 

Temple refuses to pitch tent big enough for all (7) 

ASIND : JULY 6: TENSION is building up again in Asind town of Rajasthan where an ancient Kalandari 

mosque was demolished by Gujjars on July 27 last year. Like that time, the provocation was die Urs 

—with tents being set afire by Gujjars led by Mansukh Singh, president of die Ra-jesh Pilot brigade. This 

year, despite four peace committee meetings, the Sawai Bhoj Mandir Trust, on whose premises the

dargah is located, has refused to allow Muslims to erect tents during the three-day Urs beginning July 18. 

Says chairman LaxmiLal Gujjar: "I met Advani a week ago. He asked us to settle the issue peacefully. But 

it's our land, so me government is nobody to interfere. They can celebrate Urs without pitching tents on 

our land." (Indian Exp 7.7.02) 

10 th July 

Muslims fill up camps for yatra (7) 

Ahmedabad, July 9: Scared Muslims are taking refuge in the relief camps in fear of violence during the 

annual Jagannath Rathyatra, to be held on Friday in Ahmedabad. Refugees are wary of staying in their 

homes and feel that relief camps are a better option. Riot victims who had recently shifted to their homes 

after prolonged at the relief camps in Ahmedabad have rushed back to the camps to avoid any fresh 

onslaught of violence. The 14-km route of the annual rathyatra passes through sensitive Ahmedabad 

erupt again. Ms Nurbibi Ganchi, who stayed at Madhav Mill Compound relief camp for over two months 

before moving to her reconstructed home at Jhalamuri chali at Saraspur, is back at the camp. Giving 

reasons for her move, Ms Ganchi said that she did not want to be targeted again. (Asian Age 10.7.02) 

11 th July 

Muslims on yatra route have begun to pack their bags (7) 

AHMEDABAD.JULYIO : FEARING violence during the Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 12, many Muslim 

residents, especially in sensitive areas like Dariapur and Shahpur, have packed their bags and moved to 

"safer" areas. The few that have remained are also set to follow suit. At Dariapur's Nagina Pol, locked 

homes greet visitors. Shabirabiwi Habib Khan Pathan, who lost the youngest of her four sons in police 

firing during the post-Godhra riots, is not taking any chances. "I have been living here with my family for 

the last 60 years. Never before did I feel the need to move out during the Rath Yatra. But this year, after 

losing my son during the riots, I do not want any other member of my family to meet the same fate. We 

don't know what's going to happen but since there are rumours that things may go out of hand, we thought 

it best to move out," she said. (Indian Exp 11.7.02) 

11th July 

Sahgal blames Gujarat Govt for violence (7) 

MUMBAl, JULY 10. The Left parties' presidential nominee, Lakshmi Sahgal, said here today that the 

atrocities committed in Gujarat were worse than those inflicted by the Japanese in World War II. At a 

'Meet the Press' programme, Dr. Sahgal said the Gujarat Government did not call the Army in time, did 

not deploy them properly or give them adequate orders and thus aided the violence. She said it was a 

different matter whether she won or lost but her candidature demonstrated even to the outside world that 

there was a voice in India which was secular and anti-nuclear. The Indian National Army of Subhash Bose 

of which she was an officer, had lost on the battlefield but its action brought the country freedom. To a 

question, she said the communists had opposed the action of Subhash Bose because they did not have 

enough information and were victims of British propaganda. (Hindu 11.7.02) 

12th July 

Muslims move out of yatra route (7) 

Ahmedabad: Niyaz Mohammed Khan, a retired Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation employee, is a worried 

man. Apprehensive about the safety of his family, Khan has decided to temporarily shift to a 'safer' place a 

day before the Rath Yatra rolls out from Jagannath temple. "My elder daughter is concerned about 

everyone's safety and has asked us to come over to her place," says Khan, with memories of post-Godhra 

violence still fresh in his mind. Though he quickly adds that nothing of that sort will happen again, he also 

does not want to take any chances. 

His concerns about the safety of the family and the women-folk were confirmed by Mirza Abdul Kadir, a 

cloth merchant in Dariapur area. "We are not sure about our women's safety under these circumstances. 

Naroda-Patia and Gulbarg society incidents happened in the presence of police," says Kadir. Around 50 

per cent of the families in Nagina Pole, Bukhari Mohalla, Punjabi Hakim-Ki-Gali, Mumbai Chawl, 

Dhalgarwad and Chandan Talawadi have shifted to Kalupur, Juhapura and other minority-dominated 

areas as a precautionary measure. "We feel our women and children are unsafe when tales of 

post-Godhra violence remind us about the role of the police," said Abdul Hamid, a resident of Nagina A

man paints an elephan outside Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad on Thursday. Around eleven elephants 

are expected to take part in the Rath Yatra (H.Times, July 12, 2002) 

12th July 

3 accused admit setting fire to train at Godhra (7) 

Baroda, July 11: Three accused in the Sabarmati Express carnage case, arrested by the Godhra, police 

on Wednesday, have reportedly confessed that they carried inflammable material into the S-6 coach and 

later set it on fire. This is the first confession which gives credence to the Forensic Science Laboratory that 

about 60 litres of petrol was used and the coach was set on fire from the inside. The arrest of these three 

persons is the latest in the Godhra case, in which 68 persons were earlier booked under various charges 

for setting the Sabarmati Express coach on fire and burning 59 persons to death. Although no official 

confirmation of this confession is yet available, police sources admitted that a "major breakthrough in the 

Sabarmati Express case can soon be expected." Mehmood Yakub Bhopa, 35, Hassan Ahmed Lalu, 23, 

and Ramzan Bin Yamin, 32, were arrested from Signal Falia on, Wednesday in connection with the 

Godhra carnage. They were produced before the railway court and have been remanded to the police 

custody till July. (Asian Age, July 12, 2002) 

13 th July 

Dialogue between RSS and 'Muslim representatives' condemned. (7) 

THE ALL India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawiirat (AIMMM) lias condemned, the dialogue arranged by the 

National Commission for Minorities (NCM) between the KSS-VIIP and "Muslim representatives" on July 15 

to bring about reconciliation between two communities. 

Calling upon (ho NCM to desist from being a party to "operation cover-up". AIMMM president Syed 

Shaliabuddin said thq Maulanas "handpicked" for the dialogue did not carry "am; weight within the Muslim 

community”. In a statement issued on Friday, Mr Shuhabuddin said; the AIMMM was not against a, frank 

and sincere dialogue, "with due preparatory work between the representative cross-section of the 

leadership of both communities in various fields of activity". Mr Shaliabuddin said the Sangh .Parivar could 

nut be regarded as the sole representative, of the Hindu community. "The Sangh Parivar and specially the 

VHP and its militant wing Kajrang Dal arc believed to, have been associated with planning and execution 

of the recent genocidal programme in Gujarat and the purpose of the exercise at this stage is to cover up 

and whitewash their crimes against, the nation and to restore their, standing among the people." he. said. 

(Pioneer 13-702) 

13th July 

Ahmedabad rath yatra peaceful (7) 

AHMEDABAD, JULY 12. The Gujarat administration, police and the people heaved a sigh of relief as the 

125th rath yatra of Lord Jagannath ended peacefully in Ahmedabad today after passing through the 

sensitive traditional route amid unprecedented security. Reports said that the yatra was also peaceful in 

Bhavnagar, the second most sensitive city, Vadodara, and other 'major centres of the State. The yatra, 

however, was not without hiccups. Even after a night-long combing operation in different parts of 

Ahmedabad, in which pistols and live cartridges were recovered and five persons arrested in the Da-riapur 

locality, police continued to search sensitive areas before the "rath yatra" started afitfc' seized five 

local-made "racket launchers," nine country-made guns, 12 live cartridges, 20 bombs and other 

equipment in Shahpur and arrested 10 persons, who the Crime Branch said, "belonged to some suicide 

squad." Responding to the appeal of the police authorities, the size of the yatra was not only reduced to 

one-third, but the" temple trust also ensured that the yatra was completed in time, with all the three main 

chariots returning to the temple before sunset. Normally, the rath yatra ends around midnight. (Hindu 

13.7.02) 

14 th July 

Gujarat police fires at mob (7) 

Baroda, July 13: Two persons were injured in police firing and several others were injured in an incident of 

stone pelting in Petlad town of Anand district during the Rathyatra procession, Unconfirmed reports said 

that 22 persons were injured. The police opened fire after heavy stone pelting started on Rathyatra 

procession passing through the minority dominated areas around 7 pm on Friday. ' Speaking to The Asian

Age, Anand district superintendent 'of police B.D. Waghela said, "The incident took place near Sherpura 

and Nariyapada area. Police lobbed teargas shells and opened fire to control the situation. Two persons 

were -injured in police firing and they were shifted to Borsad civil hospital for treatment." One of the injured 

persons was identified as Dilkit-bano Munnabhai Malek, 40. (Asian Age 14.7.02) 

14 th July 

Tension in Gujarat areas after yatras (7) 

Kheda/Petlad: While peace prevailed in the entire state, it was central Gujarat that witnessed communal 

flare-ups on the day of the Jagan-nath rath yatra. Both Kheda and Petlad towns witnessed pitched battles 

between two communities on Friday night and the situation was tense even on Saturday as curfew 

continued in Kheda. In Petlad, things went out of control after the rath yatra was attacked by a mob in the 

Nariapada area. Following the incident, riots broke out in the Sherpura area when the rath yatra reached 

there. The police resorted to firing and lobbed teargas shells, injuring two persons. The police in Petlad 

said a "janata curfew" call given by the minority community leaders was not adhered to. "There were 

several people who came out on the streets to see what was happening. Some irate youngsters 

participating in the procession might have used derogatory slogans or gestures that led to stone pelting," 

said Anand district superintendent of police B D Vaghela. (Times of India 14.7.02) 

14 th July 

First Gujarat verdict is Not Guilty, courtesy the cops (7) 

LUNAVMDA (GUJARAT) JULY 13: IF this is a test case for justice, the victims have reason to worry. For, 

in the first verdict delivered in the Gujarat riots last week, all — ——— --nine people arrested for setting 

shops owned by Muslims on fire here were set free. This, came after an unusually speedy trial that has 

raised several questions over the-police's, sketchy chargesheet and its lax approach to the case. (Indian 

Exp 14.7.02) 

15th July 

Families returning home from camps. (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, JULY 14. The peaceful completion of the 125th rath yatra on Friday, which largely owes 

its success to the alertness of the Ahmedabad crime branch police, is likely to hasten the process of the 

dissolution of the Gujarat Assembly and the holding of early elections in the State. The homeward journey 

of the apprehensive Muslim families has already begun, reassured as they are with the peaceful passage 

of the yatra. "They have started trickling back but in the next few days many of them will be returning 

home," said the organiser of the Dariakhan Ghummat relief camp, Ataullah Khan. Only the residents of the 

worst-hit areas of Naro-da-Patiya, Chamanpura and a few other localities, whose houses were totally 

destroyed in the carnage and are yet to be repaired for want of compensation from the Government, are 

still staying put in the relief camps. (Hindu 15-7-02) 

15 th July 

Muslim-Hindu divide likely to hamper J&K distict body. (7) 

Srinagar, July 14: Regional and religious bias is fast overwhelming the politics in Jammu and Kashmir, 

and the latest issue on which the leaderships from Hindu-majority Jammu and Muslim-majority Valley are 

at loggerheads is the proposed Chenab Valley Hill Development Council. 

It is different that the autonomous body, which has yet to see the light of the day, is apparently meant for 

the betterment of otherwise unprivileged and less developed mountainous Doda district. However the 

BJP's state unit, which draws strength mainly from the Jammu region, has threatened of "bloodshed" over 

the issue. Ruling National Conference in majority .in the Assembly is determined to see the legislation on 

Chenab Valley Hill Development Council 'through during brief session next week. Doda, with a population 

of 7 lakhs, is a Muslim-majority district. BJP's state unit president Daya Krishan Kotwal, who hails from the 

Doda district, has accused the NC leadership of driving a communal wedge among the two communities 

in the Jammu region. According to him, there is a conspiracy behind the approval of the bill on the creation 

of the council by a select committee of the Assembly. "Any attempt to demoralise the minorities of Doda 

district would have dangerous ramifications," he threatened. (Asian Age 15-7-02) 

16 th July

Ghettoisation came to rescue during Godhra’ (7) 

Godhra, July 15: Living in ghettos is not a progressive form of dwelling in any society but officials who 

handled the communal situation in Godhra say this is certainly one of the main reasons why the Sabarmati 

Express massacre did not instigate much violence in Godhra after February 27. Surprisingly, Godhra town 

did not witness much violence, as expected after the Sabarmati Express massacre. Instead, mobs went 

on rampage in nearby towns of Lunawada, Kalol and Halol and other parts of the state while Godhra 

remained relatively incident free.Social workers say the timely and proper handling of the incident by DSP 

Raju Bhar-gav, Rapid Action Force and then district collector Jayanti Ravi was certainly one reason since 

the town is communally notorious. However, the natural ghettoisation of communities like Ghanchi 

Muslims, Hindus and Sindhis is what prevented incidents of mass killing, arson and loot, unlike other parts 

of the state. (Asian Age, 16-7-02) 

16 th July 

NCM brings Hindus, Muslims together for communal amity. (7) 

New Delhi, July 15 : IN WHAT was billed as an "ice-breaking" exercise to foster communal harmony, the 

National Commission for Minorities (NCM) on Monday brought to the negotiating table representatives of 

Hindu and Muslim communities. At times, the air of optimism was vitiated somewhat by the underlying 

scepticism - on both sides. There were doubts whether there could be any meeting point between the 

communities on issues such as Ayodhya. VHP hardliner Praveen Togadia reportedly remarked: "Even 

Gandhiji had participated in a dialogue to resolve Hindu-Muslim disputes, which led to the creation of 

Pakistan. Let us see what happens now." 

But it was just the beginning of a complex exercise, which couldn't have gone on without some expression 

of apprehensions. Regardless of the initial hiccups, the interlocutors agreed that it would be a good idea to 

jointly tour Gujarat to instill some sense of security among the riot victims. (Hindustan Times, 16-7-02) 

16 th July 

Dara Singh on hungerstrike (7) 

Bbubaneswar, July 15: Dara Singh, the prime accused in the Graham Staines murder case, has launched 

yet another huhgerstrike. This time, he has demanded replacement of the trial judge in the murder case. 

Dara Singh, who is currently lodged at Jharpada jail in Bhubaneswar, launched a hungerstrike along with 

six other accused in the case. On Friday he wrote a letter to the Chief ' Justice of Orissa High Court saying 

he might not get justice if the present judge continued in the trial case. In his letter addressed to Chief 

Justice EK. Balasubrama-niam on July 11, Dara Singh expressed the apprehension that justice might get 

subverted as the trial judge, Mahendranath Patnaik, was not making submissions in, his favour during the 

trial. "We want another judge," said Dara and six others in their demand. The prime accused in the 

Staines murder case was today supposed to come to the sessions court to stand trial. But he and 

six'others could not be brought to the court as their condition deteriorated, forcing the sessions judge to 

adjourn the proceedings. Only six of the 13 accused were present in court. (Telegraph 16.7.02) 

16th July 

Gujarat back in news as blast kills two (7) 

VADODARA: Two persons were killed at least 11 others seriously injured when ex-plosives stashed in a 

motorcycle's carrier exploded at Delol village in Kalol taluka of Panchmahals district this evening. The 

police believe the explosion could be arevenge attack as six persons were burnt alive in the village in the 

post-Godhra violence. Another blast rocked Melol village of the same taluka in the morning, but there was 

no casualty. Officials said the blast at Delol involved a Suzuki motorcycle parked near a school in 

Sutharwada area. Agitated villagers hurled stones at a police vehicle which arrived after the blast. Two 

persons were reportedly injured in the stone-throwing. (Indian Exp 16.7.02) 

17 th July 

Law-abiding Muslims targeted, says Imam. (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 16. - Molvi Mohammad Mouzzam Ahmed, Naib Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, 

Fatehpuri, today issued an appeal to all law-abiding Indians to join forces to defeat the opportunistic forces 

which were trying to divide the country for petty and selfish ends. In a statement on communal violence in 

Gujarat and injustice done to the minority community, the Naib Shahi Imam said "in times of such grave

moral dilemma, the country needs the healing touch of a fair, just and visionary leadership; neither 

criminals nor cowards can be entrusted with the fate of this great nation". The Molvi said the law-abiding 

common Muslim folk of Gujarat had been targeted by the state-sponsored vandals and arsonists who 

looted, raped and murdered indiscriminately. He also criticised the Congress. "The opposition Congress 

party in Gujarat has also done precious little to stand by the Muslim community in its hour of need. It is 

almost as if they are afraid of upsetting the fundamentalists among the majority community," he said while 

admiring the role played by the supercop, K.P.S. Gill, for reining in mischievous elements. (Hindu, 170702) 

17 th July 

LPG blasts a common agenda of rioters? (7) 

Ahmedabad/Vadodara: More time may be needed to establish whether or not riots in Gujarat were 

pre-planned. But every time an investigator looks at the pattern of attacks, the widespread use of cooking 

gas cylinders appears to be part of a larger conspiracy to foment trouble in the state. Cooking gas 

cylinders were increasingly used by mobs to blow up places of worship, factories, houses and business 

establishments across the state. And what is surprising is that never before had gas cylinders been put to 

such deadly use. Also, investigators wonder how the mobs in Ahmedabad, Vado-dara, Himmatnagar, 

Halol and Mehsana could think along similar lines — using cylinders as weapons. This question has been 

troubling many police officials who are trying to establish the pattern behind the riots. (Times of India 

17.7.02) 

17 th July 

Minority rights not absolute, Centre tells SC (7) 

New Delhi: The Centre has told the Supreme Court that minority communities may be entitled to set up 

educational institutions and administer them but such a right could not be an absolute one. 

Supporting reasonable restrictions on the minority's right to administer such institutions, solicitor-general 

Harish N Salve told an 11-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice B.N. Kirpal that though Article 30 confers 

the right to the minorities, it is not so wide as to block state laws which are enacted to achieve secular 

objectives. Elaborating his submission during the hearing of about 200 petitions raising the issue of the 

minority's right to administer educational institutions, Salve said if the right under Article 30 was made 

absolute, then "even if a minority educational institution taught secession or armed revolution, the 

government could not interfere in the management". "Nobody can be allowed to do something against 

public order under the garb of the right to profess religion," Salve said, adding: "Where the question of 

religion is concerned, a total hands off approach for the government could not be perceived, for the 

majority nor the minority" Since the Constitution permits legislative intervention regarding management 

and administration of "secular schools", Salve said it would be absurd to say that the same would not be 

permissible in minority educational institutions. (Times of India 17.7.02) 

19th July 

Minority-run institutes can’t seek Central aid (7) 

New Delhi, July 18: THE CENTRE on Thursday said educational institutions run by minorities cannot seek 

aid from the government as a matter of right. Representing the Centre, Solicitor General Harish Salve told 

an eleven-judge bench of the Supreme Court that Article 30 (1) of the Constitution does not confer on 

minority institutions the right to receive aid. Salve said the government could attach "secular" conditions to 

a minority institution, which receives its grant. If the institution does not.get aid, it cannot say its rights have 

been violated. ,x However, the Solicitor General said the conditions should not be such so as to compel 

the institution to surrender its management to the government. The Supreme Court bench headed by 

Chief Justice B.N. Kirpal was hearing about 200 petitions on the extent of the rights of the religious and 

linguistic minorities in administering their educational institutions. (Hindustan Times 19.7.002) 

18 th July 

Minorities Commission takes up cause of Pandits (7) 

NEW DELHI 17JULY: THE National Commission for Minorities, which until now has championed the 

cause of religious minorities, today took up the case of Kashmir! Pandits, demanding their resettlement in 

Kashmir valley. The NCM chairman, Justice Mohammad Shameem, today met deputy prime minister L K 

Advani to convey the Commission's concern over the plight of Kashmiri Pandits displaced over the last

one and a half decade of militancy. Suggesting that a beginning must be made towards resettlement of 

the minority community in the Valley, the NCM proposes to send a team to J&K soon to explore the 

possibility. The NCM has set an initial target of resettling at least 50-100 families displaced from the 

Valley. (Economic Times 18.7.02) 

20 th July 

Aided institutes open for all: SC (7) 

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has held that a minority educational institution was obliged to take 

students from other communities once it seeks aid from the government. But it could retain its minority 

character without changing the management. This was observed by Chief Justice B N Kirpal in a case 

related to rights of minority institutions in respect of grants\aid. The Tamil Nadu government told the 

Supreme Court that once a minority educational institution receives aid from the government, it loses its 

right to admit students only from the minority group by which the institution was set up. Addressing an 

11-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice Kirpal, counsel K K Venugopal said acceptance of aid from the 

government would make it mandatory for the minority institution to open the seats to other communities. 


20 th July 

Not wanting to appear poll-shy, Congress says impose President’s Rule (7) 

NEW DELHI, GANDHINGAR, JULY 19: THREE months ago, his party ignoring widespread criticism 

over the worst riots in a decade in which about 1,000 were killed, told Gujarat Chief Minister that he could 

dissolve the House and go for early elections. Narendra Modi did that today drawing the battlelines once 

again over Gujarat. While the B JP is now mounting pressure on the Election Commission for a 

September poll, the Opposition wants President’s Rule to ensure that the electoral rolls aren’t tampered 

with under a caretaker Modi and an RSS Governor. (Indian Exp 20.7.02) 

21st July 

Two Christian missionaries sentenced for conversion, 1 posthumously (7) 

TWO CHRISTIAN missionaries were sentenced to six months jail with a fine of Rs 500 each on charges 

of conversion by First Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) of Surguja district in Chhattisgarh 

State. One of the convicted missionaries, Father KL Bridget (a foreign national), was awarded the 

sentence posthumously. First ADJ, Ambikapur TH Burman confirmed the order given by the then Chief 

Judicial Magistrate (CJMJ, Ambikapur CL Patel on January 22, 1996. 

Sister Vridhi Ekka (44), is the other defendant to the suit who was sent to Central jail in the tribal district of 

Surguja. The ruling has evoked a mixed reaction as all Christian missionaries protested in Surguja district 

by keeping their educational institutions closed on Friday. The Christian community has taken the 

judgement with a pinch of salt. A report quoting jthe Bishop of Ambikapur, Father Patras Minj, says the 

First ADJ's ' ruling would be challenged in the Chhattisgarh High Court. . Father Minj also expressed 

anguish over the present Government led by Chief Minister Ajit Jogi. The report says that 

"Christians were getting a raw deal in the present regime" (Pioneer 21.7.02) 

21 st July 

Marathi Jews are Moses’ kin, says study (7) 

LONDON: More than 2,000 years after they first claimed to have set foot in India, the mystery of the 

world's most obscure Jewish community — the Marathi-speaking Bene Israel — may finally have been 

solved with genetic carbon-dating revealing they carry the unusual Moses gene that would make them, 

literally, the original children of Israel. Four years of DNA tests on the 4,000-strong Bene Israel, now 

mainly based in Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Ahmed-abad, indicates they are probable descendants of a 

small group of hereditary Israelite priests or Cohanim, according to new results exclusively made available 

to the Sunday Times of India. The priests are scattered world- a wide but genetically related in a 

distinctive fashion that leaves just a billion to one chance of a mistake in identifying who the Bene Israel 

really are, says Tudor Parfitt, Jewish Studies professor at London's School of Oriental and African Studies. 


21 st July

Hurriyat leaders held in Srinagar (7) 

SRINAGAR, JULY 20.While three senior leaders of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, including its 

chairman, were placed under house arrest, Javed Mir and Bilal Lone and 10 women were among dozens 

taken into custody when they tried to take out a march against the Qasim Nagar massacre. In Jammu, the 

senior Hurriyat member and JKLF chairman, Yasin Malik, was released by a POTA court but rearrested 

under the Public Safety Act. The Hurriyat had plans to take out a procession in Srinagar to protest the 

massacre of labourers in Qasim Nagar a week ago. However, police, as alleged by the alliance, placed 

the Hurriyat chairman, Abdul Gani Bhat, Mirwaiz Umar Fa-rooq and Moulvi Abbas Ansari under house 

arrest. (Hindu 21.7.02) 

22 nd July 

UK Labour MPs to visit Gujarat for clearer picture (7) 

London: In an indication of their intense and continuing interest in the aftermath of the Gujarat violence, 

eight MPs of Britain's governing Labour Party have said they will visit the state to get "a clearer picture of 

the situation on the ground". The MPs, who include some from Muslim constituencies, such as Terry 

Rooney of Bradford and Fabian Hamilton of Leeds, have dismissed the Indian government's oft-stated 

concern that British politicians are making domestic capital out of foreign issues, with one eye on the 

Muslim votebank. In March, India criticised the British high commission's leaked report about the Gujarat 

violence and asked other countries to mind their own business. (Times of India 22.7.02) 

22 nd July 

Nun in Jail, conversions stir town (7) 

Raipur, July 21: Conversions are again creating a controversy, this time in Chhattisgarh. Christian bodies 

in Ambikapur, district headquarters of Sarguja, today observed a bandh in missionary schools to protest 

against a district court order last week upholding imprisonment of a nun on charges of forced conversion. 

The Shiv Sena and the BJP called the bandh – organized to express solidarity with nun Vrishi Ekka – a 

provocative step and staged dharnas outside schools. BJP legislature party chief Nand Kumar Sai said 

that Christian organizations had no business to organize a bandh against the verdict. (Indian Exp 22.7.02) 

22nd July 

Dutt launches forum to spread peace, harmony (7) 

New Delhi, July 21: IN TIMES of hate and communal strife, it is perhaps even more important to talk of 

social amity and peace. Filmstar-turned Congressman Sunil Dutt seems to be guided by this principle 

when he formally launched the 'Sadbha-vana Ke Sipahi' (soldiers of peace and harmony) on Sunday in the 

presence of personalities like Manmohan Singh, Sharmila Tagore, Kamleshwar and Nir-mala Deshpande. 

Meeting here, the 21-member Central Advisory Board of the forum, which Dutt heads as convenor, 

identified Gujarat and J&K, among some other regions, as the main trouble-spots from where its 

protagonists should initiate their programme of fighting fundamentalist forces and to spread messages of 

peace, goodwill and harmony Although the violence in Gujarat had prompted Congress president Sonia 

Gandhi to underline the need for such a platform, Dutt was emphatic that the Congress sponsored forum 

and the movement woul,d be apolitical. (Hindustan Times 22.7.02) 

22 nd July 

Christian missionaries protest against jail sentence (7) 

Bhopal: THE CONTROVERSY over the closure of educational institutions by Christian missionaries in 

tribal district of Surguja has further snowballed as educational institutions run by Christian missionaries 

remained closed at district headquarter of Ambikapur (1000 kilometres east of Bhopal) and entire Surguja 

on July 19. Students who reached different schools on that day were sent back home. The undeclared 

general strike by Christian missionaries in the Chhattisgarh State was observed to protest the jail 

sentence to Sister Vridhi Ekka (44). She was sentenced to six months jail with a fine of Rs 500, on charge 

of luring 94 Hindu Oraon tribals to convert into Christianity in the 1980s. Secretary of the Surguja and 

Correa Christian Association (SCCA) B Kuzoor in a statement issued in Ambikapur has asserted that the 

missionaries in no way has committed Contempt of Court by closing their schools on Friday. Mr Kuzoor 

said that educational 'institutions were Closed for a day to express solidarity with Sister Vridhi Ekka said 

Mr. B. Kuzoor. (Pioneer 22.7.02)

24 th July 

Gujarat is not ready for polls: Sahmat (7) 

New Delhi, July 23: Asserting that the situation in Gujarat is far from normal and a peaceful rathyatra is no 

yardstick to judge normalcy, Sahmat has said that it will approach the Election Commission later this week 

against holding early Assembly polls in the riot-torn state. "While the situation in Ahmedabad appears to 

be improving, a deeper look makes it evident that nothing has changed on the ground, particularly in the 

villages," SAHMAT said, releasing a survey report on the Panchmahals and Dahod districts of Gujarat. 

The report, "State of Ruins," has been brought out by Mr Gauhar Raza and Ms Shabnam Hashmi for two 

NGOs — Sahmat and Prashant. It states that the riots were premeditated and well-organised and cannot 

be construed as a spontaneous reaction to anything. Mr Raza said the victims had revealed that members 

of the mobs, running into thousands, wore saffron bands and used inflammables, including petrol and a 

"white powdery substance." (Asian Age 24.7.02) 

24 th July 

What normal? Gujarat’s as bad as it was on Feb 27-28 (7) 

Ahmedabad-based Jesuit priest, Father CedricPrakash, was in NewDelhi last week to speak at a 

SAHMAT meet. And last month, he was one of the three persons from India invited by the US 

Commission on International Religious Freedom to give his version of the Gujarat carnage. He not only 

gave a three-page written testimony to that commission but was also cross-examined by a 14-member 

high-powered committee. Associated with several Christian organisations, Prakash is the director of an 

Ahmedabad based human rights centre, Prashant. During an interview with HUMKA QURAISHI, he 

stressed that though he had witnessed several riots, the Gujarat riots have been the worst ever and that 

the situation in Ahmedabad is far from "normal", as claimed by the government. (Indian Exp 24.7.02) 

25th July 

Advani says Modi best CM in 50 years (7) 

New Delhi, July 24: Deputy prime minister L.K. Advani on Wednesday described Gujarat chief minister 

Narendra Modi's handling of the riots as the best job done by any chief minister in the last 50 years. He 

added that the situation in the state was conducive to elections. The remark, made in his reply after the 

marathon debate on Gujarat in the Rajya Sabha, angered the entire Opposition as Mr Advani tried to 

absolve the Centre and the state governments of responsibility for the Gujarat riots. Not satisfied with Mr 

Advani's reply to the clarification sought by the members, the entire Opposition staged a walkout. Mr 

Advani was visibly angry as the Opposition raised objections several times during his reply. The objections 

even led to the adjournment of the House for 15 minutes as the Opposition refused to heed the Chair. 


25 th July 

Constitutional compulsion to hold elections in Gujarat, BJP tells EC (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 24. The Bharatiya Janata Party today told the Election Commission that it was now a 

"constitutional and democratic imperative that elections be held in Gujarat at the earliest" and emphasised 

that Article 174 of the Constitution made the holding of early elections a "constitutional compulsion" which 

the Commission cannot disregard. A five-member party delegation led by its president, Venkaiah Naidu, 

met the three Election Commissioners, J.M. Lyngdoh, T.S. Krishnamur-thy and B.B. Tandon, for about 30 

minutes this morning after which the leaders said the Commission had assured them of an early decision. 

The party was at pains to point out that it did not need to and did not want to meet the Election 

Commission as after the dissolution of the Gujarat Assembly it was, in any case, the Commission's duty to 

hold elections. However, the BJP wanted to counter the high-pitched campaign by other political parties, 

especially the Congress, against holding of early polls. (Hindu 25.7.02) 

25 th July 

Narayanan says onus of peace on majority (7) 

New Delhi: Taking a gentle but pointed swipe at those , who have used "the poison of communalism" to 

cause "so much violence and hatred in some parts of our country", outgoing President K R Narayanan 

said on Wednesday that "the Hindus, who form the majority, (need) to speak out in the traditional spirit of

the Hindu religion". He emphasised that India must deal with its Muslim minority "in a civilised manner", 

ensuring them "security and the rights of citizens in a democratic state". Narayanan's direct reference to 

Muslim victims was a first for any high state functionary since the Gujarat carnage. In all his televised 

statements on the subject, Prime Minister Vajpayee has refrained from saying that Muslims had been 

targeted in the violence there. Addressing the nation on the eve of laying down office, Narayanan said his 

"parting appeal" to citizens was that they must "guard our traditions of tolerance for that is the soul of our 

culture and civilization, that is the spirit of our Constitution and that is also the secret of success of our 

democracy. (Times of India 25.7.02) 

25 th July 

Church attackers confess to priest (7) 

ISLAMABAD, JULY 24. Four Pakistani militants have confessed to a parish priest on Tuesday that they 

murdered 17 members of his congregation in a machine-gun attack. The men, members of the banned 

Islamic extremist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, boasted of their involvement in the worst massacre 

of Christians in Pakistan since Partition almost 55 years ago. They met Father Roccus Patras in a 

police cell after being arrested in the town of Vehari in Punjab province. According to the priest, all of the 

accused expressed pride in their attack on worshippers gathered at St Dominic's Roman Catholic church 

in Bahawalpur last October. 

"They said they were satis-fled with what they had done," said Father Patras. "They said it was because of 

the American attack on Afghanistan. They said a lot of Muslims were killed there but nobody was taking 

any steps to protest, so that's why they planned to kill Christians here in Pakistan." Eight masked men 

riding motorcycles raked the congregation at St Dominic's with automatic gunfire as they arrived for a 

Sunday service. (Hindu 25.7.02) 

26 th July 

Minority rights an entitlement. (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 25. The Attorney-General, Soli Sorabjee, today differed with the Centre and told the 

Supreme Court that the right conferred on the minorities under the Constitution was not a concession but 

their entitlement because of the vulnerable position in which they were placed. 

He was making his submissions before a 11-Judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice, B.N. Kirpal, which 

is hearing a batch of over 200 petitions on the rights of the minorities to establish and administer 

educational institutions. Mr. Sorabjee, who was asked to assist the court in the proceedings, made it clear 

that the right of the minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice was 

absolute and could not be tinkered with by any outside agency. 

submitted that "there is no question of any confrontation with the Government of India nor any rift between 

him and the Solicitor-General nor any pressure by the Government as has been mischievously reported iti, 

one national daily. This is wishful thinking-'app wild imagining." 

Mr. Sorabjee inaê It clear that he was not appearing for or against the Government or any of the parties 

and he was making the submissions pursuant to the court's directions. Appearing for the Centre, the 

Solicitor-general, Harish Salve, had; earlier asserted that secular laws were designed to obtain secular 

objects and were not designed to directiy impair the rights under Article 30. It would not be a violation even 

if these tended to encroach upon the rights of the minorities to administer the institution. (Hindustan 

Times, 26-07-2002) 

26th July 

Minorities out of focus in Modi poll picture. (7) 

Ahmedabad, July 21: If the Gujarat Assembly elections are held in October as desired by chief minister 

Narendra Modi, a large section of the minority community may not be able to vote.Not merely the 

20,000-odd inmates residing in 10 official and an equal number of unofficial relief camps, but also 

hundreds of thousands of riot victims, who have either migrated from the city or are living in rented houses 

or putting up with relatives, will be deprived of their democratic right. 

Camp organisers say it is next to impossible to rehabilitate all the inmates in two months. Even a section 

of the BJP opposed to early elections agrees with the Congress and the camp organisers that so long as 

there are refugees, the situation cannot be described as normal. On paper, only 10 camps are functioning 

in Ahmedabad after some were shut down by the government to emonstrate that the riot victims were 

returning home. However, unofficially and without overnment assistance, 10 more are operating. "The

condition of some of these is bad," said Shauketkhan Pathan, secretary, Kaumi Relief Committee. 

Election is the last thing on the minds of the riot victims still living in relief camps, partly because they have 

no expectation from it. In the last polls, many from the minority community had voted for the BJP, which 

had promised a riot-free state. With the Congress taking up the cause of relief camp inhabitants who, 

without an address, might not be able to vote, those in charge of the camps — and speaking on behalf of 

the community — said they would ensure that the BJP is defeated. The Congress has already brought the 

issue to the notice of Governor S.S. Bhandari. Tomorrow, it will narrate the situation to the Election 

Commission, which will decide when the elections are to be held. (Telegraph, 26-0-7-2002) 

26 th July 

Opposition asks Advani for an answer to 14 Gujarat queries. (7) 

New Delhi, July 25: The Opposition MPs joined forces on Thursday and disrupted the Lok Sabha 

proceedings for nearly 10 minutes after the Question Hour to express their dissatisfaction with deputy 

prime minister L.K. Advani's reply on Tuesday about the Gujarat issue. As soon as the Question Hour 

finished, Congress chief whip Priya Ran) an Das Munshi insisted that Mr Advani had to reply to 14 

questions posed by the Opposition either on Thursday itself, or Friday or on Monday. He stood up and told 

the Chair, "We will not keep quiet." Taking a cue from him, the other Opposition MPs also started 

protesting that Mr Advani had not responded to many of their queries in the House on Tuesday night, 

while replying to a discussion on relief and rehabilitation in riot-hit Gujarat. (Asian Age, 26-07-2002) 

27 th July 

Unaided minority institutions can reserve all seats. (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 26. The Attorney-General, Soli So-rabjee, today submitted before the 11-Judge Bench 

of the Supreme Court that 'unaided' minority educational institutions (MEIs) could reserve for admission 

upto 100 per cent of the seats for their communities. Concluding his arguments before the Bench headed 

by the Chief Justice, B.N. Kirpal, Mr. So-rabjee said the right of administration and management under 

Article 30 of the Constitution also comprised the right to admit students of a particular community for 

which the institution had been established. 

Referring to the arguments of some of the petitioners that MEIs could provide admission to students 

belonging to their community even up-to 100 per cent, the Attorney General said such a proposition could 

be accepted if the process of admission was fait and transparent and not taint- ed by nepotism or other 

extraneous considerations. To a question from the Bench whether an 'aided' MEI could give weightage to 

its community the AG said it would be permissible and not hit by Article 29 (2), if such a preference was 

rational and not disproportionate.He maintained that what was rational, whether it was disproportionate or 

not, would depend on the facts and circumstances prevailing in a particular MEI. Mr. Sorabjee clarified 

that his view on the right of MEIs was not different from that of the Union Government and the 

submissions made by the ' Solicitor General, Harish Salve, earlier. He said he had never argued that the 

right under Article 30 was absolute as certain regulations could be imposed by the State.(Hindu, 

27-7-2002) 

27th July 

Nudged by court, Soli speaks his mind: rebuts Govt. on minority rights. (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 26 : PRODDED repeatedly by the judges, Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee today shed 

his self-proclaimed neutrality and expressed an opinion contrary to the Government's on whether an aided 

minority institution could reserve 50 per cent of the seats for students of its community. While the 

Government had contended that such an institution should be debarred from reserving any seats on 

religious or linguistic grounds, Sorabjee took the position that the 50% per cent ceiling the court had set in 

the St Stephen's case should be removed and tne extent of reservation should depend on "the facts and ' 

circumstances of the case." This happened after the 11-judge Supreme Court bench hearing the case 

over minority rights told Sorabjee, "We will take our own decision. But you tell us what your stand is, not 

just what the rival viewpoints are." (Indian Express, 27-7-2002) 

29 th July 

Curfew clamped in Gujarat town (7)

AHMEDABAD, JULY 28. An indefinite curfew has been clamped in Prantij town in Sabarkantha district in 

north Gujarat following a communal clash today. About 10 shops were set afire by mobs that also indulged 

in heavy brick-batting. At least three persons were injured in the violence. Police could not say what 

sparked the disturbances but said curfew was imposed as a precautionary measure. They had to burst 

tear gas to bring the situation under control. 

In Ahmedabad the police arrested 18 persons following an explosion in a water pipeline in a house in Dani 

Limda locality while it was being repaired. (Hindu 29.7.02) 

30 th July 

Minority institutions: Joshi tells Salve to rebut Soli in court (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 29: THE Centre has asked Solicitor-General Harish Salve to rebut the submissions of 

Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee in the minority institutions' case in the Supreme Court. In a letter to Salve, 

Union Human Resources Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi has endorsed the views expressed 

by him before the 11-judge bench of the Supreme Court in the matter. Pointing out that the Union Cabinet 

had approved his submissions, Joshi has requested Salve "to take appropriate steps to clarify to the Court 

that the stand of the Union is as had been presented by you (Salve), and also to rebut the submissions of 

the Attorney-General to the extent (that) they are inconsistent with the stand of the Union." Last week, 

Sorabjee had expressed an opinion contrary to the Centre's on whether an aided minority institution could 

reserve 50 per cent of its seats for students belonging to its community. (Indian Express 30.7.02) 

30 th July 

EC to test Modi’s claim on Gujarat ground (7) 

NEW DELHI, JULY 29: THE Election Commission has deputed a nine-member team to the riot-hit areas 

of Gujarat to assess whether the law and order situation is conducive and the state machinery ready for 

early elections. According to EC sources, the team headed by deputy election commissioners A.N. Jha 

and S. Mendiratta will start functioning on July 31 from Ahmedabad with a tentative deadline of six days. 

They are expected to file a report on return to the Capital based on which a final decision on the polls will 

be taken. The team will break up into three groups which will visit as many riot-hit areas as possible. One 

of their concerns is to account for the number of voters who have lost their lives during the riots and revise 

the electoral list accordingly. (Indian Express 30.7.02) 

30th July 

NGO donates houses for riot victims (7) 

Ahmedabad: FOR MANY moving into a new house would mean a day of celebrations. 

But when 17 widows in their early twenties entered their new homes built by an NGO at Qutab-A-Alam 

Nagar near Ahmedabad, there was no music or feast. The colony, Vidhva Basti, has been built For 17 

widows, all in their early 20s, who lost their husbands in the communal riots that engulfed Gujarat after 

the Godhra massacre. Hailing from Naroda-Patiya, the locality that suffered most in the communal 

violence, the widows have been allotted houses on a priority basis by the NGO. Entering her new house, 

with her four children Aishya Bibi said:"We got this house after spending four months in camps, but my 

husband would not be with us". Aishya's husband was killed in police firing. (Pioneer 30.7.02) 

31 st July 

Centre against grace marks for minorities (7) 

New Delhi: The Union government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that granting grace marks to 

students of a minority community in a state-aided minority educational institution (MEI) could amount to 

violation of the Constitution. Replying to Attorney-General Soli Sorabjee's submissions before a Bench 

headed by Chief Justice B N Kirpal, solicitor-general Harish N Salve said: "Givipg preference to minority 

students by granting extra marks may not be permissible under Article 29(2)." Article 29 (2) stipulates: "No 

citizen shall be denied admission to 'any' educational institution maintained by the state or receiving state 

funds on grounds of religion, race, caste, language or any of them." However, Sorabjee had earlier said 

that it would be permissible and not hit by Article 29(2) provided the preference given was rational and not 

disproportionate. "What is rational, whether it is disproportionate or not, depends on the facts and 

circumstances prevailing in a particular minority educational institution." (Times of India 31.7.02)

1 st Aug 

EC teams visit Ahmedabad (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, JULY 31. Teams of observers of the Election Commission today visited several 

riot-affected areas in Ahmedabad to elicit the people's views on early Assembly elections in Gujarat. A 

nine-member team, which arrived here late last night, divided itself into three groups and visited some 

relief camps, the localities affected by riots and some other areas which were under curfew for long 

periods during the disturbances. While one team visited Shah Alam, Na-roda-Patiya, Gulmarg 

Society-Chamanpura, the three worst-hit areas in the city, as well as Amraiwadi, Ramol Janatanagar, 

Isanpur, Dani Limda, and some parts of Kalupur, the second team visited Jamalpur, Shahpur, 

Sankalitnagar relief camp in Ju-hapura, Rakhial and Gomtipur and the third team, Khanpur, Mirzapur and 

Idgah. Later in the evening, the observers held a meeting with the Government officials in Gandhinagar to 

learn about the relief and rehabilitation measures being taken by the administration for the riot-hit, 

apparently to cross-check the reports the team had collected from the affected people during the day. 

(Hindu 1.8.02) 

2 nd Aug 

Refugees thrown out of camp, spend night on streets (7) 

Ahmedabad, August 1: IF NARENDRA Modi thinks he can convince the Election Commission to hold 

early elections in Gujarat, he has a lot to cover up. While a nine-member EC delegation went around the 

districts of Mehsana, Sabarkantha, Vadodara and Bhavnagar, a group of minorities were forced to leave 

their relief camp and spend the night on the streets. On Wednesday evening, authorities at the Quresh 

Hall camp near Mirzapur forced nearly 150 people, including women and children, to leave the camp. 

Their fault: they had complained of unhygienic conditions in the camp. Last Friday, around 2,500 people 

were shifted from the Dariya Khan camp to the Quresh Hall camp. The Dariya Khan — which was set up 

in a municipal school building—had to be vacated since classes were about to begin. The condition at the 

Quresh Hall camp was something the refugees weren't prepared for. "There are only two toilets for 

thousands of us and the basement where we were stay is stinking. It is also full of mosquitoes," said 

Mumtaz Bibi. She says she slept better on the pavement than she had while at the Dariya Khan camp. 


4th Aug 

Rehabilitation before polls, cry riot victims (7) 

Ahmedabad: Riot victims today told the Election Commission team touring Gujarat not to hold polls till 

they are rehabilitated. The nine member team headed by deputy election commissioner A.N. Jha split up 

into three sub teams to visit the Shah-e-Alam relief camp. Gulbarg Society and Naroda Patia where over 

120 people were massacred on February 28, a day after the Godhra carnage. As the team was leaving 

the Shah-e-Alam camp that houses about 3000 victims from Znaroda Gam, Naroda Patia, Shahpur 

Sabarmati, Maninanagar and Champanmpura, some of the residents shouted : Election nahi makan 

chahiye, Election nahi roti chahiye (We need food and housing not elections). (Times of India 4.8.02) 

5 th Aug 

It was war in Gujarat. (7) 

Bangalore: Terming the recent communal carnage in Gujarat as nothing short of a war in terms of 

suffering and misery undergone by the affected, National Human Rights Commission chairman J S Verma 

on Sunday asked Prime Minister A B Vajpayee to translate his "rhetoric" on religious intolerance into 

action. Verma said those affected by the Gujarat incidents could not return to their homes for "whatever 

reasons", and stated that they had lost their kith and kin in large numbers. "How is it different from war ?", 

he asked. "The effect remains the same," he said. "How can this (communal riots on a large-scale) 

happen in this country? I never hope to witness this in my life," he said, inaugurating a national Roundtable 

Conference on Communalism and Human Rights organised by the NHRC and the National Law School of 

India University here. Indicating that the situation had not returned to normal as yet, he said "Gujarat 

continues to haunt us even now. I only hope the agony does not go on much longer." He said he was 

happy to read that the Prime Minister (on Jul 31) had expressed anguish over religious intolerance, 

without referring to Gujarat (Times of India, 05.08.2002)

5 th Aug 

Were Godhra victims kar sevaks? (7) 

New Delhi: All along, the government has been maintaining that most of the 58 persons killed when the 

S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express was set ablaze in Godhra were kar sevaks. But according to highlyplaced 

railway sources, the reservation for the entire coach was from Lucknow and not Faizabad, which is 

about 120 km before Lucknow. The investigators are yet to track the railway traffic department had only 

recently been asked to look up the reservation slips of the passengers booked in S-6 so that traffic 

inspectors could go to their houses and verify whether they had actually travelled. While the passengers 

could provide crucial evidence about how the fire started — especially now that forensic reports say 

i n f l a m m a b l e 

material was poured from inside — the rail authorities are only interested only in handling claim forms. 

(Times of India, 05.08.2002) 

7 th Aug 

Pandya quits Modi Govt. (7) 

August 6: THE FACTIONAL war in the Gujarat BJP is getting more and more intense. Minister of State 

for Revenue Haren Pandya resigned from Chief Minister Narendra Modi's council of ministers on Tuesday. 

Panndya had been Issued a show cause notice after a minister told an NGO-sponsored panel of 

judges that Modi had instructed his administration to be lenient with Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists who 

were Instigat ing communal riots-after fee Godhra incident. Pandya denied he had appeared before the 

panel. But the needle of suspicion -pointed his way because he, , was a rebel in the Modi) regime and had 

refused to va cate his Ellisbridge assembly seat for Modi. Pandya had won this seat by a record 78 per 

cent of the vote. (Hindustan Times 7.8.002) 

8th Aug 

CEC going to Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi: Chief Election Commis sioner James Lyngdoh and his two fel low election commissioners, T S 

Krishnamurthy and B B Tandon, are leaving for Ahmedabad on Thursday night for a two-day visit to 

review as sembly poll preparedness in the state. They will spend Friday in Ahmed abad and Saturday in 

Vadodara, the two cities that were affected the most in the long spell of communal vio lence. The aim of 

the unusual visit — it is extremely rare for all three commis sioners to together go to a state for an 

inspection — is to assess for them selves the situation and how ready the poll machinery is to conduct free 

and fair elections, says the Election Com mission (EC) secretariat here. The decision for this step comes 

af ter more than a fortnight of a resolute refusal by the EC (the assembly was abruptly dissolved by chief 

minister Narendra Modi on July 19) to commit itself to urgent pleas from state ad ministration and the BJP 

national leadership for holding early elections. In that period, Lyngdoh and his col leagues have been 

hearing, without comment, delegations pleading the case for and against a quick poll. (Times of India 

8.8.02) 

8 th Aug 

Autocratic Modi faces revlt (7) 

Gandhinagar, Aug. 7: Senior BJP leader and incharge of party affairs in Gujarat Arun Jaitley is rushing to 

Ahmedabad on Thursday to try and control anti-Modi dis sidents. Intense dissidence has cropped up in 

Gujarat unit of the BJP against chief minister Narendra Modi because of his autocratic approach. Gujarat 

Congress president Shankarsinh Vaghela has claimed that 12 BJP MLAs, fed up with Mr Modi, have 

offered to join the Congress. Barely 24 hours after senior BJP leader Haren Pandya resigned from the 

Modi min istry in protest against his autocratic attitude, the chief minister has started facing dissidence 

from party MLAs who feel that Mr Modi's decision to dissolve the Assembly is "too rash" and "aimed at 

consoli dating own position only at the cost of the party." (Asian Age 8.8.02) 

9 th Aug 

Gujarat BJP plans to resume Gaurav Yatra from end of August (7) 

Aug. 8: The Gujarat BJP on Thursday decided to resume its Gaurav Yatra which had been cancelled 

earlier by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee due to concerns about the law and order situation in the 

State. The BJP state unit has also decided to urge the Election Commission to hold Assembly elections in

Gujarat in September. The BJP's central observer for Gujarat, Mr Ramdas Agarwal, stressed that the 

yatra would kick off the party's election campaign. Details of a fresh route of the yatra are being dis cussed 

and the BJP wants the yatra to start before August-end. (Asian Age 9.8.02) 

10 th Aug 

Riot victims protest non-payment of compensation (7) 

Ahmedabad, August 9: EVEN AS the Election Commis sion members visited destroyed minority homes 

and relief camps, a rally of nearly 2,000 people on Friday protested against the alleged non-payment 

of compensation to riot victims. Significantly, not all who took part in the rally were inmates of relief camps. 

Many of the par ticipants came from far off places like Dahod and Sanjeli where relief camps have 

officially been closed and "peace" has returned. The rally passed through only minority-dominated areas. 

"We were not allowed to take out the rally through the main city areas like Ashram poad or C.G.Road in 

western Ahmedabad as the po lice felt it would not be safe for us", said a spokes person of the Society for 

promotion of Ratio nal Thinking (SPRAT), one of the sponsors of the rally. Those who took part in the ral ly 

carried half burnt belongings like scooters, household goods, clothes, books and electrical goods. Some 

placards carried by the rallyists were enlarged pho tocopies of compensation cheques worth Rs 100 and 

Rs 180 (Hindustan Times 10.8.02) 

10 th Aug 

EC sees empty houses in Gulbarg, frightened riot victims in Naroda (7) 

AHMEDABAD, AUGUST 9: REFUSING guides from the lo cal administration, Chief Election 

Commissioner J M Lyngdoh and Election Commissioners T S Krish-namurthy and B B landon trudged 

through the riot-affected areas in Ahmedabad today asking questions and listening to what the victims had 

to say on holding polls in the state. "It's too delicate a thing to speak about now ... I won't say anything 

here. A statement will be issued after we reach Delhi," Lyngdoh main tained. The team first visited Gulbarg 

Society, scene of the massacre of several residents, including former MP Ehsan Jafri, only to find that not 

a single person had returned to live in the colony. Voter list in hand, Lyngdoh and the commissioners tried 

to locate at least some residents at their addresses, but in vain. (Indian Express 10.8.02) 

11th Aug 

Lyngdoh reprimands Vadodara officials (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, Aug. 10. — The Chief Election Commissioner, Mr J M Lyngdoh, today reprimanded 

Vado-dara district officials for providing him with inaccurate information about ri ots in the district. The EC 

team today toured Vadoda town and the district for a final assess ment of the situation. It met Vadodara 

district collector Mr Bhagesh Jha and police commissioner Mr DT Tuteja. The election commissioners 

visited Best Bakery where 14 people had been burnt to death and spoke to the resi dents. Mr Lyngdoh 

rapped Mr Jha for saving that the violence at Best Bak ery was "sporadic". The CEC said: "How can you 

say the situation has improved? What kind of stories have been telling me ? ... You should be ashamed of 

yourself?" (Statesman 11.8.02) 

12 th Aug 

Long list of missing minority voters worrying EC officials (7) 

NEW DELHI, AUGUST 11: THE Election Commission is ex pected to take a final decision on con ducting 

polls in Gujarat by Wednesday. Though the EC has not revealed its mind, the BJP seems quite rattled by 

the way Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh made news in Gujarat. Senior party leaders were 

today fielded to virtually tell the EC that its job was to conduct elec tions, and only that. While Lyngdoh, who 

returned with his team to New Delhi today after a three-day tour of AhmedaJâd and Vado-lara, said a 

decision would come in a few days, it is learnt that the conclusions of the nine-member EC team that 

visited the state earlier may be reinforced in the second tour. One of the facts the team found, and which 

may influence the final decision, is the long list of voters from the minority community who are missing, 

especially in the two cities worst hit by the riots. (Indian Express 12.8.02) 

12 th Aug 

Curbs on media during Kalam’s visit (7)

BANDHINAGAR, AUG. 11. The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's visit to Gujarat from tomor row close on 

the heels of the three-day study tour by the Chief Election Commis sioner and his team has put the State 

ad ministration on tenterhooks. The State authorities were baffled why the CEC, J. M. Lyngdoh, and the 

two Elec tion Commissioners, T. S. Krishnamurthy, and B. B. Tandon, decided to visit the State even after 

sending a nine-member fact-finding team. Now they are equally unnerv ed over Dr. Kalam's desire for an 

interac tion with the riot victims in some relief camps. Apparently enraged over Mr. Lyngdoh's reprimand of 

the Vadodara Collector and other officials in full view of the media, the authorities have taken the short cut 

— ban the media from covering the President's g, visit to sensitive relief camps. f? Of the four places Dr. 

Kalam is due to visit in Ahmedabad, the media would be allowed to cover the Sabarmati Ashram, where 

he would pay tributes to the Father of the Nation, and Naroda-Patiya where about 90 persons were burnt 

alive during the riots. In none of the places is the Presi dent expected to do any talking and the media 

would be kept at a distance "for se curity reasons". (Hindu 12.8.02) 

13 th Aug 

Experts praise CEC for independent Gujarat action (7) 

New Delhi, Aug. 12: Eminent constitutional experts have come out in strong support of the Chief 

Election Commis sioner, Mr J.M. Lyngdoh, on his Gujarat visit. Attacking the BJP for taking exception to 

his focus on relief and reha bilitation before announcing the election schedule for the strife-torn state, the 

experts have categorically stated that the CEC is an independent and autonomous constitution al body 

which is not subordinate to the government. Speaking to The Asian Age, eminent lawyer Fali S Nariman 

said, The Chief Election Commissioner is a constitutional authority which is wholly independent. It is 

expected to act independently. He asserted that nobody can exercise any sort of control over this body. 

He also pointed out that whatever the CEC says has to be treated as something coming from a person 

who is at par with a Supreme Court judge. (Asian Age 13.8.02) 

13 th Aug 

Kalam to Modi: Heal wounds (7) 

Ahmedabad, Aug. 12: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Monday visited more riot-scarred areas in 

Ahmedabad than any other VIP. Among the places he visited was Naroda Patiya, where more than 80 

peo ple were torched to death. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi accompanied President Kalam 

throughout the day. It was Mr Modi's first visit to Naroda Patiya. After personally interacting with scores of 

riot victims, President Kalam categorically told the administration to speed up rehabilitation work and provide 

a "healing touch" to the victims. President Kalam's first official visit after becoming President was 

marked by poignant moments as riot vic tims shared their sorrow with the country's First Citizen. He is the 

first VIP to visit Naroda Patiya five-and-a-half months after the carnage. Not worried about protocol, he 

visited the remnants of the homes of the victims who poured their hearts out to him. He even interacted 

with riot vic tims in an open forum and was visibly upset by hoardings like "Kalam ko Ahmedabad ke 

dukhiyo ka salaam" and "Give us dignity or kill us." (Asian Age 13.8.02) 

14th Aug 

Back to the future in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, Aug. 13: It was back to square one on Tuesday, a day after President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 

visited riot-scarred areas in Ahmedabad and offered solace and hope to the victims. Riot victims who had 

lost their family members and their homes huddled in relief camps because they felt terribly inse cure 

within the four walls of what were once their homes. Mohammed Yasin, a victim who suffered nearly 90 

per cent burns in the riots, was assured of total medical treat ment by Dr Kalam when he met him on 

Monday. Yasin does not live in the Haj House, the relief camp where 2,000 people are still languishing. He 

lives in Rakhial, and since the President was not scheduled to visit that area, Yasin was brought to the 

camp by his rel atives. But a day after Dr Kalam left, Yasin too left for his Rakhial home. (Asian Age 

14.8.02) 

14 th Aug 

Narayanan: Riots left me helpless (7) 

(New Delhi, Aug. 13: Former president K.R. Narayanan said on Tuesday that he felt "helpless" on the 

Gujarat issue and that the riots had left him sad, agonised and ashamed. Mr Narayanan broke his silence

on the Gujarat carnage in a television interview where he said that the issue of communalisation has troubled 

him the most. "As a President, I have often felt helpless, when so many delegations come to me and 

tell their woes and I can not do anything about it. Gujarat was a major example of help lessness." He said 

something like Gujarat and the related 'communal issues have trou bled him the most because it had 

larger implications. "It affects the future of nation, unity of nation and I was most affected by events like 

that," he said and in an apparent attack against the protagonists of Hindutva, Mr Narayanan said the 

country was in need of an "Inditva" ideology. (Asian Age 14.8.02) 

14 th Aug 

Modi Govt may move court for early polls (7) 

Gandhinagar: The ruling BJP is report edly preparing for a legal battle if the Election Commission (EC) 

does not grant its request for holding early elec tions in October. The government, it is learnt, anticipates 

that the EC may take a "middle path" by declaring elections in early December. But that is not acceptable 

to the ruling BJP. Grounds for challenging the im pending EC order are being prepared in the state capital, 

in coordination with the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. The officials already feel that the Chief Elec tion 

Commissioner J M Lyngdoh is in no mood to allow elections in the next cou ple of months. Elections are 

due in the state in Feb ruary 2003, but chief minister Narendra Modi, while tendering his resignation on July 

19, had requested for elections in September or October. Top sources in the government said, if the EC 

turns down the early election plea on grounds of law and order, it will not stand in the court of law at a time 

when the EC has allowed elections in Jammu and Kash mir. However , the latest news that the EC is 

having a second look at the J&K polls has caused concern in the BJP cir cles here. There is a feeling in the 

gov ernment circles that the EC may actual ly not take the law and order line while postponing the Gujarat 

elections. It may actually raise the issue of complaints about many people being struck off the electoral 

rolls. (Times of India 14.8.02) 

16 th Aug 

EC decision on Gujarat election by Saturday (7) 

New Delhi: One week after their whirl wind tour of the riot-affected areas in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, the 

three elec tion commissioners are said to be close to reaching a decision on the scheduling of elections in 

Gujarat. According to Election Commission (EC) sources, chief election commissioner J M Lyngdoh might 

an nounce the verdict as early as Friday or Saturday Despite the intense pressure being brought to bear by 

the BJP — which this week accused the EC of being "biased" — the three commissioners are likely to 

take a decision purely on the basis of what they saw and learned during their visit to the state. And the 

indications so far suggest that an early election — as desired by Gu jarat chief minister Narendra Modi — 

is unlikely Contrary to BJP spokesman Arun Jaitley's claim that "98 per cent of Gujarat was unaffected by 

the violence", local intelli gence reports provided to the election com missioners in Ahmedabad said at least 

154 of the 182 assembly segments in the state had been affected by the riots. The intelli gence 

presentation also stated that almost one lakh voters have been "disenfran chised". (Times of India 16.8.02) 

16th Aug 

Police survey gave a grim picture to CEC (7) 

Ahmedabad: A police survey on the Gujarat riots opposes the view of Arun Jaitley, BJP in-charge of the 

state, that the condition of the state is 98 per cent normal. The report was presented before the Chief 

Elec tion Commissioner J M Lyngdoh during his re cent visit and going by it, state officials say the sit uation 

is not conducive for early polls. At least 154 of the 182 assembly constituencies of Gujarat have been 

affected in the riots, the re port said. Almost one lakh voters have been dis enfranchised. Nearly 992 

villages and 151 towns under 225 po lice stations have been direct victims of the com munal riots which 

makes them "extra commu nally sensitive'V'If this is the situation, then on voting day, political parties would 

escort their vot ers to the booths and compel them to vote, which would provoke the rival parties and lead 

to a con flagration," said a top police officer. (Times of India 16.8.02) 

17 th Aug 

Poll panel cites law and order breakdown as reason for delay (7) 

NEW DELHI, Aug. 16. -There are several key reasons for the Election Commission's decision to put off 

polls in Gujarat, the most important be ing, in its unanimous view, the absence of a climate of law and

order and freedom from fear. In a detailed 40-page expo sition of why it is opposed to holding state 

Assembly elec tions soon, the EC also speaks of the incomplete status of state electoral rolls, the "basic 

document for the conduct of any election," and the contra dictory nature of some of the information 

furnished by the state government, including on the extent of the riots and the government's decision to 

put off panchayat and laluka elections because of the mon soons, and then the wide spread drought. The 

Full Commission, com prising the chief election com missioner, Mr J M Lyngdoh, and the election 

commission ers, Mr T S Krishnamurthy and Mr B B Tandon, were unanimous and scathing in finding 

conditions in Gujarat not fit for conducting early elections. (Statesman 17.8.02) 

18 th Aug 

Riot victims contented with poll decision, await relief (7) 

Ahmedabad/Vadodara: Riot victims across Gujarat have commended the Elec tion Commission (EC) for 

de ferring elections in the state, saying they were more con cerned about rehabilitation and not polls. "The 

EC's decision is a slap in the Modi govern ment's face. Modi was trying to lead everyone into believ ing that 

everything is nor mal. Ask people like us who were left with nothing after the riots, and we will tell you how 

normal these six months have been?" says Salim Mustafa, a riot victim from Makarpura in Vadodara. He 

said until proper reha bilitation is carried out, nothing can be normal. "But unfortunately, other than howling 

for elections, Modi does not seem to be con cerned about much else," he adds. Mansoor Bhai, a relief 

camp organiser from Dahod, said, "How can you possibly hold elections when such a large number of 

people don't even have homes? Lyngdoh is right, no one in the govern ment and administration is making 

sincere efforts to re habilitate the affected peo ple." "We are happy that, at least, there is someone who has 

sympathised with our situation and dared to tell the state government that they were lying about us," said 

Salma Begum, a riot victim from Indira Nagar. (Times of India 18.8.02) 

19 th Aug 

Centre to refer EC decision on Gujarat polls to President (7) 

NEW DELHI, AUG. 18. Responding to the Elec tion Commission's firm no to early Assemb ly polls in 

Gujarat, the Union Cabinet today decided to make a Presidential reference to seek the Supreme Court's 

opinion on the EC's interpretation of Article 174 of the Con stitution under which there should not be a gap 

of more than six months between two Assembly sessions. The Presidential reference would be made 

under Article 143, which provides for the advisory jurisdiction of the apex court. The court's opinion will be 

sought on whether the EC could recommend imposi tion of President's rule in a State where it felt polls 

could not be held, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Sushma Swaraj, told a press conference 

here while briefing reporters on the Cabinet decision. The Presidential reference seeking the opinion of 

the apex court would cover in terpretations of three crucial constitutional provisions — Articles 174, 324 

and 356. "Is Article 174 of the Constitution manda tory? All other questions flow from this and deserve 

clarifications. These questions go much beyond Gujarat. A reference will be made to the President who 

will forward it to the Supreme Court for advice," Ms. Swaraj said. (Hindu 19.8.02) 

20th Aug 

Kalam seeks SC view on Gujarat (7) 

NEW DELHI, Aug. 19. — President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam today made a reference to the Supreme Court 

under Article 143 of the Constitution to seek the Court's, opinion on the Constitutional val idity of the 

Election Commission's decision on de ferring the Gujarat Assembly elections. The Cabi net had sought the 

Presidential reference at its meeting yesterday. According to official sources, the Cabinet reso lution was 

sent to the President this morning. Dr Kalam, after going through the contents of the resolution, held 

consultations with officials be fore sending it to the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court is likely to 

take up the matter within a day or two in or der to fix a date for the hearing and to constitute the Bench. 

The solicitor-general, Mr Harish Salve, is to bring up the Gujarat issue before Chief Jus tice Mr BN Kirpal 

tomorrow or the day after. Experts believe the Supreme Court has three options: to return the case without 

hearing it, to hear it and not interfere with the Election Com mission's verdict, or pass judgment. Article 143 

deals with the power of the President to consult the Supreme Court. "If at any time it appears ... that a 

question of law or fact has arisen, or is likely to arise, which is of such a nature and of such public 

importance that it is expedient to obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court upon it, he may re fer the 

question to that Court for consultation . (The Statesman 20.8.02)

21 st Aug 

Gujarat BJP revives yatra, eyes pool gains (Rath to roll on Sept.3). (7) 

Ahmedabad, August 20 : UNFAZED BY the Prime Minis ter's annoyance, which in July forced a 

postponement of the Gujarat Gaurav Yatra, the state BJP decided to revive the pro gramme on September 

3. 

State BJP president Rajen-drasinh Rana announced here on Tuesday that the party de cided to revive the 

Gaurav Yatra to kick off its election cam paign. He also said that the situ ation was different now, and the 

yatra would not be called off. Though Rana said that the revival of the yatra had the ap proval of the BJP 

high com mand, he ruled out the partici pation of the Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister, who 

represents the Gandhinagar constituency in Parliament. In July, the yatra was to have been flagged off 

from the tem ple town of Ambaji in north Gujarat. But this time around it will start from Phagvel in Kheda 

district and stop for the nights at Himatnagar after passing thorugh the sensitive towns of Kapadvanj, Kalol 

and Prantij, which witnessed anti Mulsim violence after the Godhra killings. (Hindustan Times, 21.8.2002) 

21 st Aug 

Another Gujarat in the making: NCP. (7) 

New Delhi : The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday expressed apprehensions that the BJP 

was "readytn repeat" a Gujarat-like situation in the entire country. "1 fear another Gujarat is in the making. 

According to reports, now its (BJP) cadres are identifying houses of minorities in Jaipur, as they did in 

Gujarat before the riots, I am apprehensive of an other riot in Rajasthan and demand immediate action 

against those in volved in the conspiracy," NCP gen eral secretary Tariq Anwar said. Mr Anwar said the 

recent polit ical developments in the country showed that the BJP was all out to implement its "hidden 

agenda", which it had kept under wraps so far. "The party (BJP) seems lo be in a great hurry to implement 

its hidden agenda as its regime in the Centre is about to come lo an end within two years and thus it is 

busy in throwing away all norms, rules and regulations to achieve its hid den objective." he alleged. Mr 

Anwar said the NCP was try ing to forgo a third front in Gujarat with all "like-minded" parties as an 

alternative to the BJP and Congress in the forthcoming Assembly elec tions. "We are trying to form a front 

with like-minded parties as a third option for the people in the Slate where (here is a two-party system. The 

NCP general secretary said, lie said talks wore being held with par ties of former Prime Ministers HI) Deve 

Gowda and Chandrashekhar and former Union Minister Rain Vilas Paswan besides other small parties. 

On whether a third front would help the BJP, he said. "1 don't think so. People arc neither happy with the 

BJP nor the Congress in the State." Mr Anwar replied in the negative when asked if talks had been held 

with the Samajwadi Party on the proposed front. (Pioneer, 21.8.2002) 

21st Aug 

SC receives Gujarat poll reference. (7) 

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday received from President Kalam a three-point reference 

seeking its opinion on the legality of the Election Commission's controversial observation that President's 

rule might have to be imposed in Gujarat because assembly polls cannot be held within the stipulated 

time-frame. . Chief Justice B N Kirpal, who is likely to return from l abroad on August 26, will set up at 

least a five-judge Bench ' to answer the reference involving significant constitutional issues relating to the 

r wide powers of the EC under : Article 324 as also the constitutional mandate under Article 174 that 

there should not be a gap of six months between two sessions of the House. (Times of India, 21. 8. 2002) 

22 nd Aug 

Is Lyngdoh from Italy, asks Modi. (7) 

Ahmedabad, Aug. 21: Wnat's in a name? A lot, it seems. Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi strongly 

believes that Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh, who is against holding Assembly polls in Gujarat 

right now, has taken this stand simply because of his name — James Michael Lyngdoh. Mr Lyngdoh's 

name reveals he is Christian. This, according to Mr. Modi, means that Mr Lyngdoh is a Congress agent 

since its president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, is, "after all, a Christian." At a nondescript village in Baroda district, 

Mr Modi, addressing a massive tribal rally, reportedly joked about how Mr Lyngdoh and Mrs Gandhi could 

be "meeting each other in church." The government, how ever, denied this. "Someone asked me, 'Has 

Lyngdoh come from Italy,'" Mr Modi said at the rally, adding, "I said, 'Someone" will have to ask Rajiv

Gandhi." In the last seven days, the Gujarat chief minister has shifted his focus of attack from the national 

press and secularists to Mr Lyngdoh. Mr Modi always calls Mr Lyngdoh by his full name at the public 

rallies he addresses. "My government is the most popular one and I am the best chief minister of India. 

This is a matter of gaurav (pride) for all of us. But still we are not getting elections," he said. 

Mr Modi's reference to the Congress chief as "Italy-born Sonia" was hailed by applause by over 20,000 

tribals who attended the rally. The BJP's vanvasi kendras in the tribal belt are very active and have 

started a concerted campaign to "recon vert adivasis from Christians to vanvasis." The communal riots in 

Gujarat saw tribals actively participating in the pogrom against the Muslims. (Asian Age, 22.8.2002) 

22nd Aug 

Godhra carnage: Railways release passenger list (7) 

NEW DELHI, AUC. 21. After much dilly-dallying, the Railways has-come out with the list of passengers 

who had reservation in the S-6 compartment of the Sabarmati Express which was torched by mis creants 

at Godhra, resulting in the death of 58 persons. The incident had sparked communal riots that engulfed 

most parts of Gujarat for a prolonged spell. Significantly, the list of reserved passengers reveals that only 

four of the 56 passengers who had booked themselves in the S-6 compartment had died, with nine injured 

and seven missing. The Railway Ministry figures and subsequent inquiry show that as many as 32 of the 

56 listed passengers are alive. The Ministry had detailed about 40 inspectors and 100 other staff to conduct 

the inquiry. (Hindu 22.8.02) 

23 rd Aug 

VHP lawyers for riot-hit(7) 

Ahmedabad: Dilipbhai Trivedi, state general-secretary of the Vishwa Hin du Parishad, is also a public 

prosecu tor in Mehsana, pleading in courts on behalf of Muslim riot victims. Several other public 

prosecutors owing allegiance to the BJP and the VHP, will be entrusted with the re sponsibility of 

representing riot vic tims in courts all over the state. Many of them are office-bearers. In Ahmedabad, it is 

reported that at least nine of the 16 public prosecu tors are active workers of Sangh Parivar groups. 

Among the prosecutor panel in Ahmedabad are two VHP members, who also fought cases of the riot-accused 

free. There are apprehensions that their ideological leanings could derail the process of justice. For, 

in many cases, the accused and the public prosecutor belong to the same organisation. Yusuf Charkha, a 

Godhra lawyer, says, "you should see some of these government pleaders in action. In stead of pinning 

down the accused, they seem to be pleading their cases." (Times of India 23.8.02) 

23rd Aug 

Armitage likely to discuss Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, Aug. 22: "I have great admiration for Hinduism. Historically, Hinduism had been the most 

tolerant and peaceful faith. The violence in Gujarat was not because of Hinduism. It was a result of 

extremism. extremism is a religion in itself. Converts to this faith include ***fUndus, Muslims, Christians 

and many others. But Gujarat arises when the elements of the extremist faith enter the govern ment, or the 

government is con trolled by the followers of extremism," were the opening remarks of Mr Najid Husain, 

son-in-law of slain Congress leader Ehsan Jafri, before the US Commission on International Religious 

Freedom. US deputy secretary of state Richard Armitage is expected to take cognisance of the 

strongly-worded letter written to him by the commission on August 15 to "publicly state the profound 

concern" of the Bush adminis tration about the "widespread killing of Muslims in the state of Gujarat." 


23 rd Aug 

Shankaracharya is Cong’s weapon for BJP’s Hindutva war (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, AUGUST 22 : AS Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi stri dently raises the pitch 

slamming Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh and referring to his Christian faith, the Congress, 

led by former RSS member Shankersinh Vaghela, is using theBJP's own weapon— sants and seers 

to counter the Hindutva card. Govardhan Puri Shankaracharya Swami Adhokshjanand Tirthji is 

camping at Vaghela's native village of Vasan near Gandhinagar, ostensibly to de liver religious discourses 

for the Hindu chaturmas of fast ing and prayer. (Indian Exp 23.8.02)

23 rd Aug 

NHRC rebuffs George, says yatra law and order Modi’s responsibility (7) 

New Delhi August 22: A Day after Defence Minister George Fernandes said National Human Rights 

Commission has "no right" to stay BJP's 'gaurav yatra the Commis sion today maintained that the Gujarat 

government will be answerable for any act of omission or commis sion that results in human rights 

violations before or after the yatra. "The Commission stands by its earlier order that the state 

government and administration was re sponsible for ensuring safety and security of its people and it 

expects that all due care will be taken by the state government to prevent situations arising that have the 

potential to endanger lives and prop erty; NHRC sources said. (Indian Exp 23.8.002) 

23 rd Aug 

Keshubhai may flag off Gujarat Gaurav Yatra (7) 

New Delhi, August 22: THE BJP leadership is toying with the idea of urging former Chief Minister 

Keshubhai Pa tel to flag off the Gujarat Gaurav Yatra to project unity in the party. The idea is to mollify the 

supporters of Patel, who are re senting the party's decision to project Chief Minister Naren-dra Modi as an 

icon. BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley will be visiting Ahmedabad on August 26 to attend the 

first-meeting of the BJP's com mittee for campaign and elec tion management. Sources said Jaitley and 

Gujarat state-in-charge Ramdas Agarwal would speak to Patel soon. The yatra, which begins from 

September 3, is to cover all the 182 Assembly constituencies though only the first two days' itinerary has 

been released yet. On August 21, BJP chief Venkaiah Naidu held discus sions with Gujarat leaders before 

appointing 12 members to the campaign panel. They in clude state BJP chief Rajen-drasinh Rana, 

Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Kashiram Rana, Harin Pathak and Vallabhbhai Kathiria, state 

ministers Ashok Bhatt and Suresh Mehta. Venkaiah also lashed out at the Congress on Thursday for 

Sonia Gandhi's criticism of the 'Gaurav Yatra'. (Hindustan Times 23.8.02) 

24th Aug 

Joshi criticises Modi for attack on CEC. (7) 

Nagpur/New Delhi, August 23 : UNION HUMAN Resources De velopment Minister M.M. Joshi on Friday 

admonished Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for his intemperate attack on Chief Election 

Commissioner (CEC) J.M. Lyngdoh. The CEC himself dismissed criticism of the Election Commission's 

(EC's) decision on the Gujarat elections as "despicable" in a television interview. 

Modi had insinuated that Lyngdoh's ruling against hold ing early elections in Gujarat was made because he 

was a Christian and, therefore, biased in favour of the minori ties. He had also insinuated that the CEC 

was acting in tandem with Congress presi dent Sonia Gandhi who is also a Christian. Joshi, who was in 

Nagpur to attend a national conference organised by the RSS-spon-sored Vishwa Samwad Kendra, told 

reporters, "No one, (not even a) chief minister, should make such remarks against a constitutional 

authority." In the same breath, Joshi criticised Lyngdoh for saying politicians can do anything. In a 

television interview, Lyngdoh described the criti cism of the EC order on Gujarat as the "gossip of menials". 

He said a politician with a "liberal education was a disappearing creature". (Hindustan 24.8.2002) 

24 th Aug 

Gujarat riots indefensible: Advani. (7) 

London- Nearly six months after Gujarat began to burn. Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani has said sorry 

that it happened at all, describing it as “indefensible” and “a blot on my government.” Advani’s apology was 

delivered here on Thursday night before the critical gaze of a packed room of Indian and foreign 

journalists, even as secularist South Asian campaigners conducted a noisy street protest just yards away, 

against the man they described as a “murderer, “author of Gujarat” and “ruthless exploiter of religious 

minorities. (Times of India, 24.8.2002) 

26th Aug 

Another account of Godhra. (7) 

Ahmedabad: A 19-year-old Hindu boy has recorded a statement be fore a Judicial magistrate giving a 

graphic eye witness account of how the train, was burnt. He had voluntarily recorded the statement around 

the end of July, and since then, has gone into hiding. The boy, a resident of Singhal Falia, has blamed 

Razzak Kurkur a local hotelier, for providing the container of Inflammable liquid which was used to set the

train on fire from the inside. His statement does not mention municipality chief Mohammed Hussain Kalota 

and Haji Billal, who have been booked by the police. Kurkur is absconding. The boy’s 8 page statement is 

significant because he was a member of one of the four Hindu families staying in Singal Falia and knew 

the whole Ghanchi Muslim neighbourhood. “His statement was the best part of the investigations carried 

out so far,” said police source. Many analysis, however, think that the boy has been set up. In his 

statement, the boy said that day, he had reached the station, where he worked in a teashop, around 7 

a.m. As Sabarmati Express came in he could hear shouts of Jai shri Ram”. A little later, he found that 

another vendor, siddique Bakkar, had been beaten up by kar sevaks. Some kar sevaks grabbed him and 

told him to shout. “Jai shri Ram”. The boy compiled just as the train started moving. (Times of India, 

26.8.2002) 

27 th Aug 

SC issues notices on Gujarat polls, hearing on Thursday (7) 

NEW DELHI, Aug. 26. — The Su preme Court today launched the process of dealing with the presiden tial 

reference on the deferment of As sembly elections in Gujarat by issuing notice to the Election Commission, 

all state governments and six national political parties. The notice is return able on Thursday. On that day, 

the five-member Con stitution Bench (coram. Kirpal, CJ, Khare, Balakrishnan, Bhan, Pasayat, JJ) will fix 

the schedule for hearing the views of those to whom the notice has been issued. When the presidential 

reference came up for a preliminary hearing to day, the Bench declined to immediate ly commit itself to an 

expeditious dis posal of the matter. "We will take care of that when fixing the schedule" the Chief Justice 

told the Solicitor-Gener al, Mr Harish N Salve, who drew at tention to the urgency of the issue. The Court 

also rejected a plea to in volve the regional political parties in the proceedings as that would be "un wieldy" 

and make it difficult to control the proceedings, the CJI observed. (Statesman 27.8.02) 

28 th Aug 

Godhra victims left in lurch. (7) 

Ahmedabad, Aug. 27 : Six months after what triggered off communal violence in the state, the focus has 

increas ingly shifted on investigations into the Godhra carnage but family members of 58 kar sevaks, who 

lost their lives, continue to live a miserable life with even the Vishwa Hindu Parishad ignoring them. The 

families have not received the claims from the Railways either". The Panchal sisters, who lost their 

parents and two sib lings, could be a case apart for whom the VHP purchased a house but life for several 

other families is not the same after sole bread earners died in the carnage. The Sonis, the Rawals and the 

Brahmbhatts are just cases in point. Similarly, Navin Brahmbhatt, who lost his wife Niru, says he does not 

want any thing. "The VHP has not cared for us," he claims. Neighbours say Niru was the only bread earner 

as Navin has some health problems. Mother-in-law Narmada is at loss of words when she says that the 

VHP has only provid ed them food grains and edi ble oil for two months. An amount of Rs 60,000 received 

from the state government has been used for clearing out standing debts. When The Asian Age con tacted 

VHP leader Dr Jaideep Patel, he fumed saying. "VHP knows what type of care has to be taken". "If they 

have complains, they will tell us. Only few days ago we helped the Vyas family with medicines." he says. 

"We had decided to give ration for four months," he says but when questioned as to why in some cases 

ration was given for one or two months, he avers that they gave ar. But for families like that of the Sonis 

that lost both father and son, such help does not make much of a difference. Pension of the head of the 

family Hasmukhbhai, who died, is yet to start and till then mother and daughter sur vive on the amount 

received from the government. (Asian Aged, 28.8.2002) 

28 th Aug 

Why the train stopped again at Godhra. (7) 

Ahmedabad: Fresh light has been shed on how the Sabarmati Ex press came to a grinding halt after 

leaving Godhra railway station on February 27 this year, sparking off some of the worst communal riots 

ever seen in India. A rickshaw-puller, who doubled up as a cigarette vendor on the plat form, has 

reportedly confessed be fore a judicial magistrate that he had turned the disc of the train to re lease the 

vacuum, bringing it to a stop for the second time. The train had been stopped for the first time when kar 

sevaks pulled the chain to enable their colleagues, who were left behind on the plat form, to get in. The 

21-year-old from Polan Bazar, requesting anonymity, has reportedly admitted that he was provoked by 

some people shouting on the platform that a "a Muslim girl had been pulled inside the Sabarmati 

Express". This, he claims in the last para graph of his testimony, was a "ru mour" circulated by an accused.

He claims in his testimony that a fracas broke out on the platform be cause the kar sevaks had a payment 

dispute with a tea vendor, Siddique Bakr and also beat up a rickshaw-puller. Times of India, 28.8.2002) 

29 th Aug 

Opposition to unite against BJP in Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi: In a politically significant decision, the Con gress and most of the Oppo sition parties have 

agreed to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unitedly in Gujarat, ensuring straight con tests in the 

assembly elec tions. Meeting over dinner on Tuesday, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, CPM veteran 

Jyoti Basu, RJD chief Laloo Yadav. former Prime Minis ters V P Singh, H D Deve Gowda and I K Gujral 

came to an agreement that to meet the BJP challenge in the vio lence- scarred state, it was of utmost 

importance for the secular forces to unite. "We are of the view that the secular parties will have to unite to 

fight the BJP on a one-on-one basis," Congress leader Manmohan Singh lat er said. The dinner, hosted by 

CPM parliamentary party leader Somnath Chatterjee at the behest of Basu, marked the first step towards 

Opposition consolidation before a string of state assembly elections leading to the 2004 general elections. 

However, the absence of Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh as well as representatives of Left 

Front partners RSP and Forward Bloc raised doubts about the resolve of the Opposition to build a grand 

alliance. (Times of India 29.8.02) 

29th Aug 

BJP losing grip over Gujarat, says study (7) 

NEW DELHI, AUGUST28 : A RECENT sur vey, commis sioned by the BJP leadership, pre dicts only 

a simple majority for the party if immediate Assem bly polls were held in Gujarat. The survey gives the 

party 96 out of 182 seats—a majority of only five — and cautions it against an erosion in its sup port base 

hereafter. This is not the first time the BJP has commissioned such a survey. It carried out one in April in 

the state besides one in Goa before Assembly polls. A Delhi-based company commis sioned for the 

exercise inter viewed 11,700 odd voters in the state between August 17- 20. The survey claims that polls in 

April would have enabled the party to repeat its 1998 perfor mance, when it bagged 117 seats, compared 

to 53 of the Congress. However, the Con gress is catching up fast and is currently tipped to get 77 seats 

with others getting seven. The BJP share in the vote would be 48.1 per cent, com pared to 42.5 per cent of 

the Congress and 9.4 pc of Independents and others, it claims. (Indian Exp 29.8.02) 

2 nd Aug 

BJP loses link to Rajasthan minorities (7) 

Jaipur, Aug. 5: Mr Bhairon Singh Shekhawat's departure from Rajasthan's political scene will be a great 

setback to the BJP as far as its rela tions with the minority com munity is concerned. Mr Shekhawat was the 

only leader in that party whom Muslims would trust without any reservation. During his three tenures as 

chief minister of the state, he had endeared himself to Mus lims by his actions and made a large number of 

friends within the minority communi ty. After the swearing-in cere mony as chief minister during his second 

tenure, a journalist had asked Mr Shekhawat how he would carry the minorities with him in the backdrop 

of the fact that he belonged to a party whom Muslims could hardly trust. Mr Shekhawat had then said that 

every citi zen was equal. His subse quent actions proved that he religiously followed the Raj Dharam 

without fear and favour. (Asian Age 2.8.020) 

3 rd Aug 

Cases on minority institutions and syllabus. Two verdicts on hold Delhi, (7) 

New Delhi, Aug. 2: The Supreme Court today reserved "judgments' in two cases: minority Educational 

institutions and proposed changes in textbooks. The 11-member Constitution bench of the Supreme Court 

the largest ever in 30 years - reserved judgment after the conclusion of a marathon argument on whether 

the "absolute right" of management of minority institutions lies with their respective bodies. The bench, 

presided over by Chief Justice of India B.N. Kirpal, has heard arguments for about three months on over 

200 different petitions from almost every part of the country. (Telegraph, 03.08.2002) 

20th Aug 

Conversion rattles Sikhs (7)

Bhilai, August 19: RUMOURS ABOUT conver sions among the Sikh com munity in Bhilai and Durg are 

threatening to snowball into a controversy. The Durg-Bhilai Kendriya Sikh Panchayat, a newly constituted 

body, confirmed that some mem bers of the community have indeed adopted Chris tianity and are 

convincing others to follow suit. The incident has rattled the community no end. "The anxiety has forced us 

to seek advice from the New Delhi and Amritsar branches of Sikh Dharma Prachaar Committee. We are 

trying to alert mem bers of our community in Chhattisgarh as this may be a conspiracy," chairman of the 

Sikh Panchayat, Harbhajan Singh Lal, told the Hindustan Times. "We will also conduct door-to-door 

surveys to identify how many Sikh families are under the influ ence of Christianity and ap prise our senior 

religious leaders. It is for the first time in the country that Sikhs have been allured successfully. We have 

taken the matter seriously and are probing it, he added. (Hindustan Times 20.8.02) 

12 th Aug 

Twelve dalits converted. (7) 

Raigarh: Twelve people from nine dalit families were converted to Christianity in a village in Raigarh 

district, official sources said on Monday. Confirming the conver sions, government offi cials said that the 

ceremo ny at Giriguda village took place on August 10 in the presence of two priests from Bhilai and New 

Delhi.. (Asian Age 20.8.02) 

21 st Auyg 

RSS, Christian leaders hold talks. (7) 

KOTTAYAM, Aug. 20. An interaction between the top RSS functionaries and a few prominent members 

of the Christian laity was held at Pala today. The RSS leaders reiterated their stand and the members of 

the Christian laity expressed their individual perspectives towards the issues that had been selected for 

the agenda which included conversion, minority rights, national churches, dalit Christians and flow of 

foreign money. Setting the tone of RSS representatives, K. S. Sudarshan, said the main irritant in creating 

a cordial relationship between the RSS and the Christian community was the issue of conversion. 

According to him, there were two types of religions--the non-aggressive and aggressive. Non-aggressive 

religions such as [udaism and Hinduism do not believe in conversion while the aggressive ones, including 

Christianity, believe in imposing religion on others. He alleged conversions were not held in a peaceful 

manner and violence was involved in them. He said the foreign funds were channelled into the country 

with a motive, often political. He named the Baptist Church which, according to him, was involved in the 

insurgencies in North-East. Mr. Sudarshan reiterated his calls for a 'national church' or a confederation of 

churches in India. lie questioned the very concept of 'minority rights' and stressed the need to integrate 

with the national mainstream, where there will be only one set of rights. (Hindu, 21.8.2002) 

21st Aug 

Black Book on Gujarat riots ready for print. (7) 

New Delhi, Aug. 20: Former ICSSR chief M.L. Sondhi and senior ICSSR fellow Apratim Mukarji have just 

finished editing The Black Book on Gujarat in which well known academics, columnists, secu rity advisors 

and foreign policy experts from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Harvard University and other foreign 

organisations have written on the Gujarat riots. The book has articles by the pro-Gujart 

fessor of sociology at JNU Imtiaz Ahmad, chairman of the Conflict Management Group in Harvard, Roger 

Fisher, professor Emeritus of Stanford University S. Henry Rowen, senior advocate of the Supreme Court 

Fall Nariman, global Entrepreneurs Kanwal S. Rckhi, former member of Parliament R.K. Ainin, senior 

journalists A.N. Dar and Satish Misra, director of the Institute for Conflict Management in New Delhi, Ajai 

Sahni, senior fellow of the Indian Council of Philosophy Research Madhuri Santanam Sondhi and Mr 

Mukarji and Mr. Sondhi themselves. (Asian Age, 21.8.2002) 

21 st Aug 

Kalam seeks SC view on Gujarat. (7) 

NEW DELHI, Aug. 19. — President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam today made a reference to the Supreme Court 

under Article 143 of the Constitution to seek the Court's, opinion on the Constitutional val idity of the 

Election Commission's decision on de ferring the Gujarat Assembly elections. The Cabi net had sought the 

Presidential reference at its meeting yesterday. According to official sources, the Cabinet reso lution was 

sent lo the President this morning. Dr Kalam, after going through the contents of the resolution, held

con-'sultations with officials be fore sending it to the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court is likely lo 

take up the matter within a day or two in or der to fix a date for the hearing and to constitute the Bench. 

The solicitor-general, Mr Harish Salve, is to bring up the Gujaral issue before Chief Jus tice Mr BN Kirpal 

tomorrow or the day after. (Statesman, 21.8.2002) 

21 st Aug 

BJP alleges spate of conversions in Chhattisgarh. (7) 

RAIPUR, AUG. 20. The State unit of the BIP has decided to send a detailed report to the Centre on the 

spate of conversions to Christianity in Chhattisgarh. Describing it as a continua tion of the task undertaken 

by Christian missionaries in Eu rope and Africa in the 17th and 18th centuries, the Leader of the 

Opposition in the State As sembly, Nand Kumar Sai, al leged today that the conversions were receiving administrative 

patronage under the present Government. He told The Hindu that his party would prepare an 

elaborate re port on the role of the Govern ment machinery in promoting the conversions and send it to the 

Centre. The decision was taken after reports of 13 tribal families embracing Christianity in Mirigamuda 

village of Rai-garh district on August 16 ar rived here yesterday. Police have admitted conver sions having 

taken place but said only 21 persons had embraced Christianity. A priest, I. C.John, was specially sent to 

Raigarh for baptism. On the other hand, there have been re ports of some lower caste Sikh families 

embracing Christianity in Durg district. Taking a seri ous note of the situation, the Sikh Panchayat had 

sought ad vice from the New Delhi and Amritsar offices of the Sikh Dharma Prachar Committee to tackle 

the issue. The panchayat had also undertaken a door-to-door survey of the Sikh families to ascertain how 

many of them were being lured into embrac ing Christianity. About half-a-dozen families who were reportedly 

being persuaded to embrace Christianity had been identified. The Sikh Panchayat would now 

alert the members of their community in Chhattis garh against conversions. (Hindu, 21.8.2002) 

22 nd Aug 

22. convert to Christianity. (7) 

Raipur: Twenty-two persons, including seven women belonging to Satnami community (SC), converted to 

Christianity at Mirigunda village, in Raigarh district recently. The converted families have sent written 

communication to the district magistrate, SDM and the SO(police) claiming they changed their religion 

voluntarily and with out any allurement, in the presence of two priests who had come from Delhi on August 

10. They claimed they had changed their reli gion after reading the Bible and there was no pressure on 

them. Official sources also con firmed the conversions. Last month, two priests and a nun were sen tenced 

to imprisonment on the charge of forcible conversion by a Raigarh court. Meanwhile, a controversy has 

erupted in Durg district following reports of conversion to Christianity by some Sikh members. Kendriya 

Sikh panchayat chairman Harbha-jan Singh said they had complained to the Sikh Prachar Samiti at 

Amritsar about this. (Times of India, 22.8.2002) 

22nd Aug 

NCM objects to conversions. (7) 

New Delhi: Acting on the basis of news reports about the conversion of some Sikh families to Christianity 

in Bhilai, National Commission for Minorities (NCM) vice-chairperson Tarlochan Singh has written to 

Christian leaders "to desist from this activity to avoid tension between two minority communities". Singh's 

letter, addressed to H G Varghese Marcoorilos, president of the National Council of Churches in India, and 

Vincent M Concessao, president, Catholic Bishop Council of India, says: "Conversion is a se rious issue 

with all communities and there has already been tension be tween various communities in India in the 

recent past because of this. We do not want that the two minority communities, Sikh and Chris tians, 

should now try to make efforts to denounce each other and try to get numerical strength through 

conversion." Citing recent incidents in Punjab and Bhilai where "Christian mis sionaries fully supported with 

medical teams have been going around many villages alluring poor Sikh families to adopt Christianity", 

Singh said: "The Indian Constitution allows freedom of expression and we all should adhere to this 

principle." However, Henry D'Souza, convener of the media cell of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of 

India, denied any conversion by force. (Times of India, 22.8.2002) 

23 rd Aug 

VHP converts six families. (7)

Malda, Aug. 22: Sakiruddin became Samlran and Michael became-Raja as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad 

(VHP) and Bajrang Dal con verted one Muslim and five Christian famines in a yagna in Habibpur block 

today. The district administration had no clue about the conversion ' even hours after it took place at the 

Bharat Sevashram Sangha Ashram at Tajpur village, about 30 km from Malda. The Christ-' -ian families, 

all of them tribal, were from Serampore and Kendua villages under the Habibpur police station, while the 

Muslim fam ily was from Suryadighi in Gajol. "We have not received any information on any conversion. 

But, we will take action if anyone has converted anybody against their will," district magistrate Ashok Bala 

said. Superintendent of police Pankaj Dutta said he had not heard about it. "We got no prior information 

that any conversion would take place in any village," he said. VHP district president Parameshwar 

Mushaddi, who was pre sent at the ceremony, said 15 people from six famines were conver ted at the 

ashram. "They converted on their own. We only helped them," he said. But the converted families told a 

different tale. Sakiruddin Sabji, a labourer, who converted with his wife and - two children, said he had 

been assured that his children would be given "free education" at the ashram school at Tajpur. Sakiruddin 

said he had changed his and his family's first-and-last names in an affidavit on August 16. While the man 

became Samiran Choudhury, his wife Barm Begam became Bandana. Raja Hansda, who gave up his 

Christian name today, said VHP officials had told him his family would get "a lot of benefits" from "the 

Indian government if we become Hindus". "They have al ready given us these new clothes," he said, 

holding them out. At Tajpur, lying along the Malda-Habibpur state highway, the ceremony began around 

11 am at the sprawling ashram, with puja and yagna. The 15 were converted separately, to the shouts of 

jai Sri Ram. The puja ended around 3 pm, with all the families treated to a sumptuous vegetarian meal. 

(Times of India, 23. 8. 2002) 

24 th Aug 

Family finds acceptance after embracing Islam…. (7) 

Mewat (Gurgaon), Aug 23 : AFTER YEARS of dis crimination in his native Tadakpur village, Mohar Singh 

and his family are now considered equals. The family is among the 40 Hindus who adopted Is lam in this 

Muslim domi nated region in the last month. His new name is Jamalludin. Ever since, his family has been 

the centre of a controversy with the VHP claiming the family was forced to convert. They however refute 

the charge. "Where were these Hindu leaders when we were being discrimi nated against everyday? None 

of them even thought of us when we were Hindus. Then, why so much hue and cry when we have chosen 

Is lam," asks Javed, son of Jamulludin. (Hindustan Times, 24.8.2002) 

25 th Aug 

Church cries foul (7) 

THE BHARATIYA Janata Party Government in Goa as well as at the Centre has once again come under a 

clout of being anti-mi norities, this time over an issue of shifting of a five-century-old Christian church, 

supposedly for national security purpose. The Christian community in Goa is agitated over the Defence 

Ministry's directive to shift the Church of Our Lady of Brotas, built in 1500 AD on the Anjadiv island in 

Goa-Karnataka border area, due to the Sea Bird — Asia's biggest naval project built by the Indian 

Government. While Sea Bird, in a letter sent by its station commander Comdr BR Rao to the Catholic 

Association of Goa, has already instructed to shift the Church bv May 2003, BJP Chief Minister Manohar 

Parrikar and Opposition leader and former Congress CM, Pratapsing Rane, have also supported the 

move, giving a nasty shock to the church and the Christian com munity there. Pioneer 25.8.02) 

27 th Aug 

Archbishop condemns reported conversions (7) 

NEW DELHI, AUG. 26. l:aced with a letter of protest from the National (Commission for Minorities (MCM) 

on reports of conversion of Sikhs to Christianity in Bhilai, the Delhi Archbishop, Vincent M. Concessao, 

has responded with a condemnation of conversion by "force 1 e>r unworthy means" while reiterating dielundamental 

Right of every Indian to propagate one's faith. Responding to the NCCY1 Vice-Chairman, 

Tailochan Singh's letter to the Catholic Bishops' Conference' of India in his capacity as its vice-president, 

Archbishop Concessao has pleaded ignorance of the cases brought to his notice'. However, he has 

expressed willingness to make enquiries and inform the Commission accordingly. (Hindu 27.8.02) 

28th Aug

A Peace pilgrimage: Catholicos. (7) 

KOTTAYAM, AUG. 27. Catholicos Baselius Mar Thorna Mathews II, the supreme head of the Malankara 

Orthodox Syrian Church, has said that he was ready to have a rethink on the controversial journey to the 

St. Mary's Church, Manarcadu, scheduled for August 31, provided the "appropriate authorities" gave him 

the "necessary assurances" on the issue. Speaking to The Hindu, after marathon discussions with 

various delegations who had approached him with peace initiatives, at the Catholicate Palace here today, 

the Catholicos made it clear that his journey to the church (where the opposing Jacobite faction has a 

brute majority) was not a move to antagonise anyone or an attempt to "capture" the church, but a 

pilgrimage in peace. According to him, while the peace initiative by the head of various sister churches 

was a welcome move, he personally felt that the time had already run out for such moves. The need of the 

hour was to get the final verdict of the Supreme Court on the Samba case implemented, he pointed out. 

The pontiff allayed fears expressed by the Jacobite faction regarding the conduct of the Ettu Nombu 

Perunal (the feast of St. Mary), which begins on September 1, and said it would be conducted as before. 

(Hindu, 28.8.2002) 

30 th Aug 

George sings secular tune at Swiss meet (7) 

AFTER LENDING his services to the Sangh Parivar as a fire fighter in the Graham Staines murder and 

the Gujarat riots. De fence Minister George Fer-nandes has chosen an in nocuous conference in dis tant 

Switzerland to speak out for the need to "protect minorities" from "majoritarian agendas". Speaking at the 

Interna tional Conference of Fed eralism 2002 at St Gallen on Thursday. Fernandes emphatically said, 

"India is not one civilisation but multiple." The speech is expected to create some ripples in the NDA, of 

which he is the convenor. 

"The key to India's suc cess as a federal democra cy is the recognition of its diversities. Acceptance of all 

religions and different ways of life is the corner-stone of India's civilisational heritage and polity," the 

Defence Minister said, addressing a work session on 'Civil Society and Con flict Management: Reli gion and 

Linguistic Diver sities - Case of India'. The MoD on Thursday distributed copies of this speech to the 

media. Making a case for the "protection of minority groups against majoritarian agendas", he said the 

underlying message of the freedom struggle under Mahatma Gandhi was that "no group was privileged 

even if it happened to be in a huge majority". "Gandhi's politics was fully secular and his basic appeal to 

the people was made on economic, politi cal and moral grounds and never on religious grounds." 


2 nd September 

Centre’s date for polls in Gujarat unlikely to stay. (7) 

New Delhi: The Supreme Court's opinion on the llth Presidential reference will be signif icant in the context 

of interpretation of Ar ticle 174 in relation to Article 324 of the Con stitution. But it may not help in holding 

elec tions in Gujarat by October 6, the date the Centre insists on. The reference made under Article 143 

(1) refers merely to three Articles — 174,324 and 356 — but it does not indicate the fact which resulted in 

the reference. Even in the Ayodhya reference, to which the court had declined to an swer, the question of 

fact was not mentioned. Therefore, it would not be incorrect to say that the opinion would be dealing with 

the powers of the Election Com mission (EC) to hold free and fair polls. It would explain the importance of 

"free and fair polls" and also demarcate the areas for the executive, the legislature and the EC. Under the 

circumstances, political expedi ency would have little say. Much depends on EC's report enumerating the 

reasons for not holding polls by October 6. Free and fair polls are a must for democra cy. EC alone is 

authorised by the Constitution to determine whether polls would be possible on a given day. The 

Constitution-makers nev er handed over this power to the executive, the legislature or the judiciary. The 

difference in perception regarding "free and fair polls" is obvious. So, consider ing the arguments that are 

awaited by the counsel for six national parties, the Centre, the state governments, the EC, and the attorney-general, 

the task of forming an opinion would be as gigantic as reviewing the three crucial 

Constitutional provisions. (Times of India, 2.9.02) 

Vaghela Forces Modi to Defer Yatra. (7)

Ahmedabad, Sept. 1: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's personal pride received a major jolt on 

Sunday with his ambitious Gaurav Yatra being postponed for the second time "in order to avoid a 

confrontation with the communal Congress." The Congress has said the second postponement of the 

yatra exposes the BJP, which has lost mass sup port. The BJP has blamed the Congress for compelling it 

to post pone the yatra. Gujarat BJP activists are annoyed with Mr Modi and state BJP Rajendrasing Rana 

for post ponding the yatra “under threats by Shankasinh Vaghela. However, the chief minister’s office and 

the state BJP maintained the decision to postpone for yatra has been taken by the BJP to set an example 

of “mature leadership.” The Gaurave Rathyatra, aimed at “spreading the truth ;about Godhra and Modi’s 

historical achievements,” was to be flagged off on September 3 from at Phagvel. (Asian Age, 2.9.02) 

Minorities left out of Gujarat Congress poll committees. (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 1: The Congress is trying hard to attract the Hindu vote-bank in Gujarat and is shying 

away from inducting minority leaders in its fight against the BJP and the Sangh Parivar in the riot-hit state 

ahead of the crucial Assembly polls. Minority leaders have been completely left out of various Congress 

committees formed to monitor the Assembly elections in Gujarat. The AICC has constituted eight committees 

— planning and strategy, finance, campaign, manifesto, media, publicity, grievances and election 

man agement. But, barring two members, the minorities are hardly seen in the list of over 80 leaders 

incorporated in these committees. (Asian Age, 2.9.02) 

Finally, Nanavati visits Godhra Station to verify facts. (7) 

GODHRA, SEPTEMBER 1 : SIX months after the Godhra carnage, the two-member Nanavati Commission, 

constituted to probe the incident, spent more than an hour at the Godhra Railway Station to day 

for an on-the-spot verification of evidences and statements placed before it. Justice G.T. Nanavati and 

Justice K.G. Shah had also called all advocates—who are appearing before the Commission on behalf of 

various agencies, in cluding the police, NGOs and re ligious organisations — to the scene of the carnage. 

When asked later whether the Commission would be able to meet the December 5 deadline. Justice Shah 

said: "It depends on all the people involved in the hear ing. If the advocates do not seek adjournments 

frequently and all official agencies make submissions fast, we will be able to meet the deadline." While 

walking down Platform 1 of the station, Justice Nanavati and Justice Shah sought informa tion on when 

and how pelted stones went up to Cabin A Justice Nanavati even climbed up to Cabin A, which is a few 

metres away from the spot where the S6 coach was set afire on February 28. The Commission tried to 

verify-the statement given by railway staff present in Cabin A that day who said they could not sec the mob 

when it torched the train because their view was blocked by a tree. They stood at the spot where the 

coach was set on fire and looked up at Cabin A but didn't find their view blocked by anything. (Indian 

Express, 2.9.02) 

3 rd September 

Vaghela too plays Hindutva card (7) 

Phagvel, September 2: UNTIL SUNDAY, perhaps no one in Gujarat knew how to use the Hindutva card 

as adeptly as Narendra Modi. Certainly not the Congress, a party restrained by its "secular" credentials. 

But by Monday morning, Shankersinh Vaghela, a former BJP rebel turned Congress leader, had rewritten 

the rules of the game. The result: a dormant and nondescript band of devout kshatriyas, who pray to the 

legendary protector of cows Bhatiji Maharaj, became a front for the state Congress to launch its most 

aggressive religious campaign ever in Gujarat - the Bhatiji Sena Rath Yatra. On Monday, thousands of 

Congress and Seva Dal leaders and workers discarded their traditional party colours to don the canary 

yellow scarf of the Bhatiji Maharaj clan. (Hindustan Times 3.9.02) 

SC: Gujarat can wait (7) 

New Delhi: In a setback to the BJP's attempt to ensure early elections in Gujarat, the Supreme Court on 

Monday declared that "there is nothing wrong in holding (the) Gujarat polls in November-December" as 

the Election Commission had indicated it was prepared to do. Stating that a decision on the Presidential 

reference before October 6 "is impossible for all practical purposes", the five-judge Constitutional Bench 

set September 17 as the date on which hearings on the matter would commence. The SC's ruling has 

forced the BJP into a corner since all along it has insisted that under Article 174 of the Constitution, the 

new Gujarat assembly must be convened by October 6 since its last meeting was on April 6. Though party 

spokesman Arun Jaitley said on Monday that there was no question of imposing President's rule, legal

experts say chief minister Narendra Modi would have to step down on October 6. Constitutional lawyer 

Shanti Bhushan said the President would have to invoke Article 356 of the Constitution in the light of the 

Bommai judgment to pave way for Central rule in Gujarat after the October deadline. (Times of India 

3.9.02) 

Advani cosies up to Kanshi as Ayodhya deadline nears (7) 

Lucknow, September 2: THE JOINT rally of Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani and BSP national president 

Kanshi Ram, scheduled here for the end of the month, comes suspiciously close to the expiry of the 

Supreme Court deadline to the Mayawati Government to revive proceedings against Advani and his 

co-accused in the Ayodhya demolition case. Coincidence? Maybe. The speculation doing the rounds here 

is that the Uttar Pradesh Government is set to seek more time from the apex court, for another look at the 

case. The Government's preoccupation with the Assembly's Budget now underway could be an excuse, 

though whether the court will buy it is anybody's guess. The Supreme Court has earlier taken serious note 

of the State Government's dilly-dallying over the case. Chief Minister Mayawati, when asked about the 

case, said she had been "busy with the Budget session." But sources said the issue is pending before the 

Law Department. (Hindustan Times 3.9.02) 

4 th September 

Vaghela: I;m better Hindu than Modi (7) 

Phagvel (Gujarat), Sept. 3: Gujarat Congress chief Shankarsinh Vaghela sent a clear message on 

Tuesday from this nondescript village that the BJP alone is not the guardian of Hindutva. Mr Vaghela 

challenged chief minister Narendra Modi to prove his Hindutva credentials and exhorted Phagvel villagers 

to ban "anti-Hindu Modi's entry to this sacred place." The Congress organised a function at Phagvel on 

Tuesday where Mr Vaghela "offered" a 52-yard traditional dhaja (Hag) at the memorial of Bhatiji, a 

Kshatriya who had laid down his life protecting cows being slaughtered. Originally, the BJP was also 

scheduled to flag off its ambitious Gaurav Yatra from Phagvel which falls under Mi Vaghela' s 

parliamentary constitucncy. (Asian Age 4.9.02) 


Congress calls for detention of VHP leaders (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 4. The Congress today called for the detention of the leaders of the Vishwa Hindu 

Parishad for describing the Gujarat carnage as a "successful experiment" and threatening to replicate it 

nationwide. Though the Congress was quick to react to reports of the VHP international working 

president, Ashok Singhal, making such comments at a meeting in Amritsar on Tuesday, the action 

sought by the party against what it calls "evidence" of the Sangh agenda is a considerable 

climbdown from earlier demands for a ban on the saffron outfit. Quizzed about this apparent climbdown, 

the party spokesman, Anand Sharma, said: "We are testing the Government; let us see what action it 

takes in the wake of this confession by Mr. Singhal and the threat held out by him for the future." In 

particular, the Congress is keen to see how the Home Ministry under the Deputy Prime Minister, L. K. 

Advani, reacts to Mr. Singhal's statements. (Hindu 5.9.02) 

6th September 

Attitude to Gujarat victims shocking (7) 

JAIPUR, SEPT. 5. More than the alleged complicity and abetment of State authorities in the Gujarat 

carnage, it is the BJP-led Slate Government's disregard for providing relief and rehabilitation to the 

survivors and its attempt to subvert the few efforts at the community level that is shocking and threatens 

the country's survival as a secular and pluralist democracy. Expressing this view at a public lecture on 

"Communalisation of society", the Executive Director of Action Aid India, Harsh Mander - who had 

resigned from the Indian Administrative Service in protest against the violence in Gujarat -- said here on 

Wednesday that there was a "calculated plan" behind the State Government's refusal to give shelter to the 

survivors. "The strategy was aimed at ensuring that the refugees disperse from the camps put up by the 

Muslim community, facilitating the Government to claim that the situation had normalised in which the 

Assembly elections could be held," Mr. Mander said. (Hindu 6.9.02) 

8 th September

Bajrang hand in Gujarat anti-Muslim conspiracy? (7) 

Ahemdabad, Sept. 7 : THE POSSIBILITY that the Gujarat political establishment is targetting Muslims has 

gained greater credence after a state intelligence bureau (SIB) report suggested that weapons found on 

18 Muslims, who are now Jail, were made at the behest of a Bajrang Dal activist. The policemen who 

made the arrest were given cash awards by the state government. SIB chief Shreekumar has sent a letter 

to Ahmedabad police commissioner K.R. Kaushik saying the weapons found on the 18 Muslims had been 

manufactured on the instructions of Prafuldas Manibhai Patel, a former Vishwa Hindu Parishad worker 

and chief of Bajrang Dal in Vadgam taluk (in Sabarkantha district). (Hindustan Times, 8.9.2002) 


Modi Targets White Skin Sonia (7) 

Ahmedabad/Phagvel, Sept 8: Giving a clarion call to Hindus, the BJP flagged off its election campaign in 

the form of the Gaurav Rathyatra with state chief minister Narendra Modi igniting Hindu passions and 

raking up the issue of Mrs Sonia Gandhi's foreign origins. Whether at Phagvel or Kashmir, it was going to 

the BJP all the way, the party declared. The yatra, which was aimed at spreading awareness about 

Gujarat's "achievements" (under BJP rule), thus became a tool to attack the Congress. Over one lakh 

people in the nondescript village of Phagvel, part of the parliamentary constituency of state Congress 

President Shankarsinh Vagheia, cheered Mr Modi, who was introduced to them as their "Hindu Hraday 

Samrat" hero. The chief minister, launching a caustic attack against Mrs Sonia Gandhi, even invoked the 

name of Mahatma Gandhi, noting that Gandhi had "waged a fight to ensure that the ‘goras' left India." He 

said: "Bapu spent his life spreading the message that gori chamdi valo ko desh mein se nikalo but inhone 

(Congress) to abhi Italian ki beti ko laake bitha diya. (Mahatma Gandhi and his Congress fought to drive 

out the English from the country, but the Congress has now got an Italian's daughter to run the country). 


11 TH September 

Modi in danger of violating poll code. (7) 

New Delhi: If chief minister Narendra Modi is to attack Congress president So nia Gandhi on her race once 

the polls are notified, he stands to lose a great deal. During his gaurav yatra, Modi has re ferred to Sonia 

as a gori chamdi wait, but has not as yet referred to her race specif ically. Should he do so once the 

elections have been notified, the EC can rule him out of court. Railing against Sonia because of the 

colour of her skin or indeed her place of birth or her pre-marriage nationality would be a breach of the 

model code of conduct, sources said. The code says candidates must not canvass for votes on the basis 

of attacking someone's reli gion, caste, community or race. Even personal abuse of a rival is barred. The 

code, regulating party behaviour and putting numerous clamps on state authority till the poll is over, is 

unique to India but lacks legal backing. It was cre ated in 1968 by a unanimous decision of all political 

parties, a unanimity period ically reaffirmed. The EC enforces the code and has done so all along through 

moral persua sion alone. (Times of India, 11.9.2002) 

BJP tells CM to pipe down. (7) 

New Delhi: An embarrassed Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday sought to distance itself from Gujarat 

chief minister Narendra Modi’s latest diatribe against the minorities. Disassociating itself from Modi's 

intemperate outburst, party presi dent Venkaiah Naidu called up Modi on Tuesday morning and ex pressed 

his displeasure over the re marks. The chief min ister was told to refrain from making such "nega tive 

statements". Addressing public meet ings during his ongoing 'gaurav yatra', Modi exhorted his supporters 

to "teach a lesson to those who believe in multiplying themselves". Stepping up his attack against the 

Mus lims, Modi remarked "we do not want to keep run ning relief camps for pro ducing children". Modi's 

openly commu nal remarks resulted in some consternation in the BJP here. The matter was discussed at 

length by par ty office bearers at a meet ing specially convened by Venkaiah Naidu. A gener al consensus 

that emerged during the meeting was that such remarks do not reflect well on the party and should be 

avoided. "The party president spoke to Modi and asked whether he had made the comments. He also 

asked him to avoid making such statements in future," par ty general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told 

mediapersons here. (Times of India, 11.9.2002) 

United we win, divided we lose: Paswan. (7)

New Delhi : LOK JANSHAKTI chief Ram Vilas Paswan on Monday lamented dilly dallying by Congress in 

forging uni ty of "secular" forces in Gujarat, cautioning it that lack of unity with in the "secular" forces is 

bound to be advantageous to the BJP. "Congress is adopting an ostrich-like complacency in forging unity 

of secular forces in Gujarat on the eve of impending State Assembly elec tions. This is bound to prove 

benefi cial to the BJP-led communal forces in the State during the forthcoming elections in November 

/December." he said while addressing a newspersons conference. "Congress is the largest secular party 

in the country. It owes moral responsibility to forge unity of secular forces well in time to ensure that there 

is no division of secular votes in the impending Gujarat elec tions, which the BJP feels is a lab oratory to 

test their communal the ory," said Mr Paswan. (Pioneer, 11.9.2002) 

Modi under fire for ‘minority bashing’, (7) 

New Delhi : GUJARAT CHIEF Minister Narendra Modi has once again come under fire from various 

quarters for his snide re marks on Muslim community. While the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) 

has tak en strong exception to the mi nority bashing by Mr Modi, po litical parties condemned his "low level" 

and "vulgar" views. The NCM, in a brief state ment, said, "such utterances go against the law of the land." 

While reminding Mr Modi that India was a secular state, the statement said Mr Modi's speeches pertaining 

to a mi nority were "inflammatory". The NCM has called for the full text of his speeches Before it 

contemplates any action. Mr Modi in his speech in the course of his Gaurav Yalra. said that "those who 

believe in multiplying population should be taught a lesson." He also made several other unchari table 

remarks against the Muslims. Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said Mr Modi's reported 

statements against Muslims were intended to spread communal distress and haired. He charged that the 

BJP's "hidden agenda" had now become its election man ifesto. (Pioneer, 11.9.2002) 


Vaghela brings Gujarat yatra battle to capital (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 11: After challenging Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi on his home turf, Gujarat 

PCC chief Shankarsinh Vagehla raised the war cry in New Delhi and threatened that "so-called Guarav 

Yatra would have to pass over our dead bodies" if there was commu nal violence. He attacked the BJP for 

raising the foreign origin issue, saying that Congress president Sonia Gandhi did not need any certificate 

from the saffron camp. He pointed out that "foreign er Sonia Gandhi" had managed to bring 14 states 

under the Congress rule, while the swadeshi BJP was losing in all the state elec tions. (Asian Age 12.9.02) 

The virus rides on the yatra (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, SEPT. 11. The overwhelming response the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi's 

"gaurav rath yathra" received during the first leg of its journey through the riot-hit central and north regions 

seems to indicate the percolation of the communal virus in the State. A loud cheer went up in the air 

everytime Mr. Modi referred to the post-Godhra riots, suggesting that people were convinced of the role 

played by the ruling party in the mayhem and were appreciative of its "unlawful actions". More than 

personal popularity, his image as the "saviour of Hindus" seems to have attracted a large number of 

people to Mr. Modi's meetings. And he took full advantage of the show. He expressed "sympathy" for the 

riot-hits — describing the events as "unfortunate and condemnable" — but the stress was on the Godhra 

carnage which he said led to the riots. He claimed that the State people would not allow the Congress to 

come to "Gandhinagar via Godhra". His attack was focussed on all those who tried to come to the aid of 

the affected. (Hindu 12.9.02) 

Mayawati justifies Modi’s yatra (7) 

JAIPUR, SEPT. 11. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, has justified her Gujarat coun terpart, 

Narendra Modi, in tak ing out the "Gaurav Yatra". She also defended her coalition partner, the BJP, while 

talking about the communal carnage in the wake of the Godhra killings in Gujarat. "Every party has got a 

right to have its own campaigns in whichever style they find suit able. In fact, the whole issue of killings in 

Gujarat started with the Godhra incident," she said talking to newspersons here on Tuesday. Ms. 

Mayawati was on a two day visit to the Rajasthan capital to address the training camp of Bahujan Samaj 

Party (BSP) workers. Ms. Mayawati, also the na tional vice president of the BSP, is here to relaunch her 

party in Rajasthan after some senior functionaries of the State unit deserted it recently. Interestingly, both 

the BSP and the B1P today had their pro grammes at the same venue, the Birla auditorium complex, of 

course, in different auditoriums. (Hindu 12.9.02)


India secular, not theocratic: BJP (7) 

New Delhi: The BJP said on Monday that it would now remind Congress president Sonia Gandhi daily that 

India was a "secular, not a theocratic state". Giving a new spin to its "no-foreigner for high office" 

campaign, BJP general secretary Rajnath Singh, asked her to refrain from tarnishing the country's image 

for the "sake of vested political interest". He had earlier flagged off Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's 

Gaurav yatra from Phagvel in Gujarat. He had said the yatra had been launched to restore the pride of 

Gujarat which had been tarnished by the Congress following the violence that ensued in the wake of the 

Godhra carnage. The Congress, however, termed Modi's campaign as one focussed solely on dividing 

people on communal lines. Rajnath said: "We request Sonia Gandhi to maintain a balance and not indulge 

in politics to fulfil vested political interests and thereby tarnish the nation's image. It seems to me that 

Gandhi has forgotten that India is not a theocratic state but a secular one." (Times of India 10.9.02) 

RSS wants Art 25 clarified for better religious harmony (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 9 : RSS chief K.S. Sudarshan has asked the Minority Commission to suggest 

to the Centre the need for a legislation against conversions. This, he said, would ensure good relations 

among communities. Sudarshan’s remark, published in an interview to RSS mouthpiece Panchjanya, 

came in the wake of reports that some Sikh families had converted to Christianity in Chhattisgarh. Minority 

Commission member Tarlochan Singh, in another interview carried alongside Sudarshan's piece, alleged 

that Article 25 of the Constitution was being misused to carry out conversions. This Article, according to 

Singh, gives one "the right to propagate one’s faith, not convert. Singh recalled that he had pleaded with 

the Constitution Review Commission ,for a proper explanation of this Article and a clarification that it does 

hot allow conversions. (Indian Express 10.9.02) 


Deprivation affects Muslims more (7) 

Muslims in India suffer from substantially greater economic deprivation than Hindus. The divide is far 

greater in urban In dia, where a proportionately larger number of Muslims re side. This is the portrait of 

India's two main religious groups as re vealed in the results of the 55th round countrywide survey conducted 

in 1999-2000 by the Na tional Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), the au tonomous body of the 

Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. It is the same 'official' NSSO surveys which yield 

usually re liable estimates of consumption expenditure, employment and other characteristics that are 

routinely used as inputs for pol icy-making by the Government. Some of the main findings of the survey 

are: The NSSO estimates show that a larger proportion of Mus lims than Hindus suffer from low levels of 

consumption. The best summary economic measure is how much a person spends on food, clothing, 

enter tainment and other items of consumption. Average con sumption expenditure by each member of a 

family was less than Rs. 300 a month in 29 per cent of rural Muslims, while the corresponding proportion 

for rural Hindus was 26 per cent. (These are people who belong to the bottom 20 per cent, grouped 

according to con sumption.) (Hindu 12.9.02) 

13th September 

Musharraf rakes up Gujarat killings (7) 

NEW YORK, SEPT. 12. The Pakistan President, Pervez Musharraf, today targeted "Hindu fanaticism" at 

the United Nations General Assembly and called on the international community to hold accountable those 

re sponsible for the murder of 2,000 Muslims in Gujarat. Leaving no window of an opportunity for 

reconciliation between India and Pa kistan, Gen. Musharraf used the General Assembly to put forward 

most of his old arguments against New Delhi, but signif icantly added Gujarat to his long list. "Last 

February, an estimated 2,000 in nocent Muslims were massacred in Guj arat with the complicity of BJP 

State leaders... The international community must act to oppose extremism with the same determination 

it displayed in combating terrorism, religious bigotry, ethnic cleansing and fascist tendencies elsewhere in 

the world, he said. 9Hindu 13.9.02) 

Hunt is on for the controversial Modi tapes (7) 

Ahmedabad: Looking for the Modi tapes? These tapes can shed light on the Gujarat chief ministers 

reported attack on the minorities during the gauray yatra. But only a few know where to find them. And

even if one does, it is too risky a venture, especially if he is in the government. The National Commission 

for Minorities (NCM)'s re quest to the Gujarat govern ment to provide it a tran script or tape of Narendra 

Modi's controversial gaurav yatra speech in Bhechraji has sent the officials in a tizzy. While the yatra 

organisers have denied that Modi has made any objectionable re marks, BJP general secre tary Arun 

Jaitley said there were "inaccuracies" in the print media's reporting of the speech. But sources sug gest 

that there was conclu sive evidence to prove that Modi indeed went overboard while talking about the minorities 

"multiplying them selves". The two videographers who were present during Modi's speech were 

actually commissioned by the state BJP. So, the officials do not know how to lay their hands on the tapes, 

knowing well that they could be used for criminal proceedings against the chief minister. (Times of India 

13.9.02) 


Minorities panel wanted Modi’s speech, govt says sorry (7) 

GANDHINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: FORMER Chief Minis ter Keshubhai Patel says that if Narendra Modi 

made the anti-Muslim remarks, as re ported, it is "unfortunate." Patel, or for that matter the National 

Commission for Minorities which asked for a copy of Modi's speech, may never know. For, the state 

government today expressed its inability to send the transcript. Chief Minister's Principal Secre tary P K 

Mishra told The In dian Express: "Since the gov ernment has neither any tapes nor a transcript of the CM's 

speech, it is not in a po sition to send the same to the NCM." (Indian Express 14.9.02) 

15TH September 

Modi will stay CM if BJP wins: Venkaiah (7) 

Sundernagar, September 14: A DAY after BJP leader Keshubhai Patel said Narendra Modi might not 

be chief minister if the party came back to power in Gujarat, BJP president Venkaiah Naidu said Modi 

would hold the same office if the party won. Naidu denied that Patel had said anything against Modi. 

Patel's was only a "justified comment" that the elected MLAs would de cide the next chief minister of 

Gujarat. Naidu also denied differ ence of opinion within the party on the decision to hold the Assembly 

elections un der Modi's leadership. Naidu, who was in Hi-machal Pradesh's Mandi district to kick off the 

BJP's campaign for the state elec tions, told mediapersons that reports of differences within the party 

existed "only in newspapers, not on the ground". (Hindustan Times 15.9.02) 

Gujarat victims facing starvation: NRIs (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPT. l4.Raising an alarm over the grim situation in the strife-torn Gujarat, a group of NRIs 

from the U.S. today de plored the Government machinery for "fail ing to provide much relief to the victims of 

communal riots and disbursing paltry amount of money in the name of rehabilitation". Speaking to the 

press here at the end of their nine-day "Sadbhavana Mission" to Gujarat and New Delhi, 12 delegates 

from New York, North Carolina, Chicago, Dela ware, Washington, Maryland, New Jersey, Michigan and 

California expressed their deep anguish over what has been happen ing over the past six months in 

Gujarat un der the "State Government's patronage". The delegation included Nishrin Hussain, daughter of 

the former Congress MP, Ahsan Jafri, who was killed in the riots. "During our visit to different parts of the 

riot-hit State, we found the situation to be far more grim than what is being reported in the media. With the 

Government remov ing relief camps, victims are on the verge of starvation as they have no means of livelihood. 

Though there are some relief camps being run by different organisations but no official help is 

reaching them," said the del egation leader, Shrikumar Poddar. (Hindu 15.9.02) 

Gujarat events a shame: PM (7) 

NEW YORK, SEPT. 14. The Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, has reiterated that the Gujarat riots 

were not a "good thing." Addressing members of the In dian community at a reception on Friday night, Mr. 

Vajpayee said that wherever he went, there was a discussion on Guj arat. The Gujaratis themselves said 

that they indulged in riots every two years, but this was "not good." "A situation should not be created at 

home which forces us to bow our heads in shame be fore others (abroad)," Mr. Vaj payee said. In what was 

a distinct aside in his otherwise general speech on India and In dians living abroad, he sought to reinforce 

his "moderate" im age in the light of the happen ings in Gujarat. Earlier, Mr. Vajpayee was told by a 

delegation of the American Federation of Muslims from In dia (AFMI) that there was need to ensure that 

India's secular, pluralistic status was not com promised. Attacking the Rash-triya Swayamsevak Sangh 

and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the AFMI chief, A. Rahman Nakedar, said the authorities had al lowed a

"free hand" to killers and looters in Gujarat. "We are disappointed with the Gujarat Government's handling 

of re lief, rehabilitation and compen sation for victims of the carnage. (Hindu 15.9.02) 

Land largesse (7) 

GANDHI NAGAR : SEPTEMBER 14: GUJARAT Chief Minister Narendra Modi does not need a gaurav 

yatra to make BJP MPs and MLAs and government offi cials proud of him. His largesse with land is 

enough. On Monday, Modi's gov ernment gave away residen tial plots at concession to 13 MPs, 54 MLAs 

and over 1,600 government employ ees, including officers, in Gandhinagar. And not all the elected 

representatives who benefited were from the rul ing party. The Congress too gained — three MPs and 

some MLAs got land. The BJP beneficiaries in clude party spokesman and the Chief Minister's friend Arun 

Jaitley, Jayanti Barot, Haribhai Chaudnary, Babubhai Katara, Lalit Patel, Dipak Patel, Savita Sharda, 

Bhupendra Solanki, Jayaben Thakkar and Bhavna Dave (ex-MP). The allotees from the Congress are 

Pravin Rashtrapal, Madhusudan Mistry and Savsi Makwana. The plots were allotted through a draw of lots 

car ried out in the presence of Narottam Patel, Minister for Capital Project, at the Gand hinagar District 

Collectorate. (Indian Express 15.9.02) 

NRI team on Gujarat mission was threatened (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 14: Thirteen NRIs from California, Michigan, New Jersey, Virginia, Washington DC, New 

York and Maryland, who were on a five-day sadbhavana mission to Gujarat were threatened and nearly 

assaulted by local villagers of Denrol near Godhra while the delegation were urging people to let uprooted 

Muslim families of the village return to their homes. Delegation members told The Asian Age: "Our leader 

Shrikumar Poddar was talking to the villagers in Dehrol where over 74 Muslim families were driven out. 

We were telling the villagers to create a situation whereby these families could return. But suddenly, we 

were gheraod and the people got aggressive. They told Mr Poddar 'If you come back, your dead body will 

leave the village,' when he suggest ed the Muslim families should be allowed to return to the village." 



Tapes capture rabid speeches made by Modi (7) 

Ahmedabad:The Gujarat government went into dam age-control mode even as Narendra Modi's 

statements against Muslims — first reported by The Times of India — came into sharp focus with a 

television channel playing the relevant audio tapes throughout Sunday. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 

representatives al leged that the tapes were doctored. "This is a conspiracy by anti-Gujarat forces and the 

Congress," was the general refrain of the BJP men. A state minister remarked, "There has been a trend in 

Gujarat of delivering such speeches for the past 40 years." Modi, who was in Amreli on Sunday for the 

second leg of his yatra, neither ac knowledged nor denied mak ing anti-minority statements at Bechraji. 

State BJP president Rajen-drasinh Rana explained that Modi was talking in the larg er context of the 

economic development of the state and the effect that a large popula tion has on it. (Times of India 

16.9.02) 

TV tapes prove Modi attacked Muslims (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 15: Brushing aside the evidence produced by a television channel on 

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's derogatory remarks on Muslims, and ignoring 

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's censure of the state administration following the 

Gujarat carnage, deputy prime minister L.K. Advani on Sunday stood firmly behind Mr 

Modi and said his "Gaurav Yatra" was an example to be followed by the BJP. The VHP, 

meanwhile, has decid ed to bring out another "yatra" in support of Mr Modi in Gujarat. 


Five crore Gujaratis will chop off Miya Musharraf hands (7) 

Ahmedabad, Sept. 15: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi stooped down to a deplorable new low in 

political rhgetoric on Sunday while warning Miya Musharfaf that if he does not stoppointing his dirty finger 

towards Gujarat, five crore people of Gujarat will not hesitate to chop off his hand and teach him a lesson.

Besides this the chief minister has got advertisements published in newspapers asking the public to 

decide between Modi and Musharraf. (Asian Age 16.9.02) 


NCM in a bind over tapes of Modi’s speech (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 16. Anxious to keep away from the rough-and-tumble of politics, the National 

Commission for Minorities (NCM) today finds itself in a bind as the Gujarat Govern ment is yet to respond 

to its demand for the tapes/tran script of the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi's speech during the first leg of 

the controversial 'gaurav rath yatra'. Nearly a week after the NCM asked the State administration for a 

copy of Mr. Modi's speech in which he reportedly distort ed the family planning slogan to rail against the 

minority community, the commission is yet to decide its next move but is certain that it does not want to 

ask the BJP for the text. ' At today's 'routine' meeting of the NCM, members appar ently decided to give the 

State Government 'reasonable time' to respond before taking fur ther action. They refused to disclose how 

long the commission would wait for a formal response from the State administration which is said to have 

already commu nicated verbally its inability to do the needful as the 'yatra' was a political function and was 

not organised by the Govern ment. (Hindu 17.9.02) 

Modi’s remarks are history: BJP (7) 

New Delhi: Taking cue from Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's stout defence of Gujarat chief minister 

Narendra Modi's gaurav yatra on Sunday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a conscious 

decision not to pursue the matter regard ing his controversial anti-minor ity statements. "As far as the issue 

regarding Modi and his speeches are con cerned, it is a closed chapter," BJP president Venkaiah Naidu 

said on Monday Meanwhile, the National Com mission for Minorities (NCM) said it was yet to receive the 

text and tape of Modi's speech made last week. NCM vice-chairperson Tarlochan Singh said: "We want 

the original text and tape from the state government. We are waiting for them." The Central BJP, initially 

de fensive and embarrassed about Modi's intemperate remarks, now appears to have decided to give 

him a free hand. When the media first reported how Modi, in his rallies, had urged the peo ple to teach a 

lesson to "those who believe in multiplying them selves", the BJP had sought to distance itself from his 

diatribe. Naidu had called up Modi and urged him to exercise restraint in his speeches. But Modi had 

maintained that he had been mis quoted. (Times of India 17.9.02) 


Kolkata police in knots over beards (7) 

Kolkata:The Kolkata police has locked horns with the West Bengal Minority Commission over the question 

of allowing Muslim policemen to sport a flowing beard. The issue snowballed after a Muslim constable 

was suspended for refusing to shave his beard. His suspension was however, revoked after the minority 

commission intervened. But far from setting the controversy at rest, the incident has sparked off a furious 

debate. West Bengal Minority Commission chairman KM Yusuf has called for amendments to police 

service rules to accommodate religious considerations. (Pioneer 18.9.02) 

Thankyou, says Mayawati; Babri’s Big Three accused breathe more easy (7) 

LUCKNOW, NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 17: JUST a week before the Supreme Court's deadline for 

issuing a fresh notifica tion on the Babri Masjid case was to expire, Chief Minister Mayawati today 

announced that she had decided against it. This will ob viously go a long way in cementing her rela tionship 

with the BJP—at least, for now. For, it's a major reprieve for Deputy Prirne Minister L K Advani, Human 

Re source Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi, Sports Minister Uma Bharti and a number of other 

BJP and VHP leaders accused in the Babri Masjid demo lition case. Ativani is scheduled to share the dais 

with Mayawati and Kanshi Ram in Lucknow at a public meet ing on September 28. Mayawati claimed that 

her decision does n't mean that "the ac cused leaders in the Ayodhya case will es cape trial." She said that 

they could be tried in (an)other court than the one where the "earlier notification was quashed on a technical 

error on February 12, 2000." (Indian Express 18.9.02) 

No need for special court on Ayodhya, says Mayawati (7)

LUCKNOW, SEPT. 17. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, today castigated her polit ical 

adversaries for creating "unnecessary noise" over issu ing a fresh notification in the Babri Masjid 

demolition case on the ground that this was neces sary to prosecute the Bharatiya Janata Party and 

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders who have since been discharged following an Allahabad High Court 

judgment. The State Government has taken the stand that the trial of the BJP and VHP leaders, includ ing 

the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, and the Union Min ister for Human Resource De velopment, Murli 

Manohar Joshi, could continue even with out a fresh notification being is sued. This trial could take place either 

in a competent court in Faizabad or the special court constituted at Rae Bareli by the then State 

Government during the Governorship of Motilal Vora. The Government did not feel the necessity for 

issuing a fresh notification for the trial of the accused in the special court in Lucknow. Talking to newspersons 

here after the State Govern ment made its stand known on the issue in the Supreme Court during the 

day, Ms. Mayawati said the Government had delib erated on the legal aspects in great detail and arrived at 

the conclusion that there was nei ther the necessity nor propriety for constituting a special court for trial of 

the accused. (Hindu 18.9.02) 

Final rounds to go to tribals, women (7) 

AKMEDABAD, SEPTEMBER 17 : FORGET KHAM. For caretaker Chief Minister Narendra Modi relies 

more on his KHAW—Kshatriya, Harijan, Adivasi and Women — vote-bank. His Gaurav Yatra covered the 

Kshatriya- and Dalit-dominated seats in the first two phases. Now, phases III and IV will concentrate on 

tribals and women. The third leg will com mence from Unai Mata tem ple in tribal Valsad district on 

September 21. And the fourth —that kicks off on September 28 from Ambaji — will woo women. The party 

has organ ised a women's convention at Ambaji that day. The third leg will cover entire tribal south Gujarat. 

On the inaugural day, a public rally will be held at Unai. Jayanti Kevat, a convenor of the south Gujarat 

phase of the Yatra, says, "We are plan ning a big rally at Unai. One lakh people are expected" 

"We are targetting people according to their areas. (Indian Express 18.9.02) 

Gujarat: SC presses fast forward (7) 

New Delhi: Sept. 17: HAVING already put the Gujarat reference on the fast track, the Supreme Court 

today raised the possibility of giving its opinion before October 6, sparing the Centre the burden of 

deciding by itself whether it was obliged to impose President’s Rule in the state on that date. A five judge 

bench headed by Chief Justice B.N. Kirpal announced that it would wrap up the hearings of the Gujarat 

reference by September 26 and told all the states and political parties – more than 30 – to adhere to this 

schedule. The Centre and the Election Commission are the only ones to be given as much time as they 

wanted. (Asian Age 18.9.02) 

Gujarat Congress quiet on Modi tirade (7) 

Ahmedabad, Sept. 17: The silence of the Gujarat Congress over chief minister Narendra Modi's 

inflammatory remarks against the minorities has irked the secularists and human rights activists in the 

state. 

A number of Gujarat human rights and minorities organisations have sought President A.P.J. Abdul 

Kalam's intervention in the issue. Human rights activists in Gujarat are surprised that either the Supreme 

Court or the Gujarat high court have not initiated any suo moto action against Mr Modi. However, the 

Gujarat unit of the Congress insists that it is contemplating some legal action against the chief minister. 

Although Gujarat Congress president Shankarsinh Vaghela maintains that he is dis cussing the legalities of 

the issue with the party high command, his legal cell president Magan Baarot said, It is the Muslims of 

Gujarat who have been most hurt by the remarks. (Asian Age 18.9.02) 

Elections within six months rule mandatory: Centre (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 17. The Centre today sub mitted in the Supreme Court, hearing the three-point 

Presidential reference on Gujarat, that Article 174 (1) of the Constitution — which provides that there 

should not be a gap of more than six months between two sessions of an Assembly — was mandatory 

and to be complied with strictly. Appearing for the Centre, the Solicitor-General, Harish Salve, told a 

five-judge Bench, headed by Chief Justice B. N. Kirpal, that if, for some reasons, Article 174 could not be 

complied with, the Council of Minis ters could continue in office for six months from the date of dissolution 

of the Assemb ly as per Article 164 (according to which any Minister could remain in office for six months 

without being elected). Mr. Salve also referred to the Election Commission's stand that its order dated

August 16 (that the President would then step in ... if Article 174 could not be com plied with) was passed 

without any refer ence to Article 356 and it was just a passing reference. (Hindu 18.9.02) 

Curfew in Gujarat town (7) 

AHMEDABAD, SEPT. 17. An indefi nite curfew was clamped in Borsad in Anand district in central Gujarat 

following outbreak of communal violence this morn ing. One person was killed and several others were 

injured in police firing and stone-throw ing. A minor accident involving persons of rival communities turned 

into a clash, reports said.. A report reaching here said the disturbances started last evening after a bicycle 

and a scooter collided. Though nei ther of them sustained any in jury, a scuffle ensued between two, who 

happened to belong to rival communities, with each blaming the other for the acci dent. Soon people from 

both the communities gathered and indulged in heavy stone throw ing on each other. (Hindu 18.9.02) 


New chairman for State Minorities Commission (7) 

JAIPUR, SEPT 18: The Rajasthan Government has appointed Hafiz Mohammed, party MLA from 

Bhilwara district, as the new Chairman of the State Minorities Commission. The post of the Chairman has 

been lying vacant for some months after the tenure of the former incumbent, Nizam Mohammed ended. 

Two other significant appointments cleared by the State Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, today are those of 

the former Minister, Madan Kaur, and a writer, Ved Vyas, as chairpersons of the State Warehousing 

Corporation and the Rajasthan Sahitya Academy respectively. (Hindu 19.9.02) 

Muslim organization threatens to stage protest (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 18. The Jamait Ulama-i-Hind today threatened to launch a civil dis obedience 

movement on October 2, against the "failure" of the Vajpayee Government to reassure the minorities 

about its com mitment to the values of the Constitution. The Jamait chief, Maulana Asad Madani, said the 

organisation, which stood commit ted to correcting the deviations of the Gov ernment from the path set 

out in the Constitution by non-violent democratic protest, was forced to take recourse to the path since 

the Prime Minister had not re sponded to its demands. The movement would be termed: "save the country 

and the nation" and on the day, Jamait supporters from various parts of the country would arrive here to 

court arrest. (Hindu 19.9.02) 

Gujarat Govt. ready to make Modi tape public (7) 

AHMEDABAD, SEPT. 18. After con sistently maintaining that there was no audio tape of the Gujarat Chief 

Minister, Narendra Mo di's controversial anti-minority remarks, the State Government said today that it was 

willing to make it public. "We can make it (the tape) public, we have no intention to hide anything. If 

anyone asks for the tape we can give it," the Government spokesman, Purshottam Rupala, told 

pressper-sons. The apparent change of tact came close on the heels of the transfer of three top State 

after the leak of a departmental letter warning of a "dangerous fallout" of Mr. Modi's inflam matory 

speeches and airing of the tape by a TV channel on Sunday. (Gubdy 19.9.02) 

Modi shifts 3 IPS officers for speaking the truth (7) 

Gandhinagar/New Delhi, September 18: LATE ON Tuesday night, the Gujarat government passed orders 

to transfer three senior officers of the state intelli gence bureau. Additional DG Intelli gence R.B. 

Shreekumar, DIG P. Radhakrishnan and SP Sanjeev Bhatt were the victims. Officially, the transfers are 

routine, but the unofficial — and immediate — cause was a letter the intelligence bureau wrote to the 

Additional Chief Secretary Ashok Narain last week, contradicting a statement Chief Minis ter Narendra 

Modi made to the Nation al Commission on Minorities. The commission had asked Modi for a recording of 

a speech he had made at Besraji on September 9, day two of the Gaurav Yatra, where, according to media 

reports he had made anti-Muslim remarks. Modi said he did not have the recording. But the bureau's 

letter said they did have tapes of the speech, which had, indeed, been anti-Muslim. (Hindustan Times 

19.9.02) 

BJP backs Modi, PM sidelined on the issue (7) 

New Delhi, Sept 18: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has yet again been snubbed by his party on the 

Modi issue. The BJP, which seemed to prevaricate and vacillate for a while over Gujarat chief min ister

Narendra Modi's vitu perative anti-minority utter ances during his current Gaurav Yatra. is now clearly 

backing him to the hilt. When reports appeared in the media about Mr Modi describing the relief camps for 

riot victims as child-producing factories, there was an outcry against such a com munal campaign. Certain 

allies of die National Democ ratic Alliance also raised objections. Immediately thereafter, party spokesman 

and general secretary Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi told die media that party president M. Venkaiah Naidu had 

tele phoned Mr Modi and raised this issue with him. (Asian Age 19.9.02) 

EC makes strong case for Central rule in Gujarat (7) 

New Delhi, September 18: MAKING A strong plea before the Supreme Court for returning the presidential 

reference on Gujarat without giving any opin ion, the Election Commission on Wednesday said Central rule 

was inevitable in a state where polls cannot be held within six months after the last sitting of the dissolved 

assembly. Concluding his reply before the Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice B.N. Kirpal, EC 

counsel K.K. Venugopal submit ted that the questions raised in the reference were "hypotheti cal" to law 

with regard to the ap plicability of Articles 174 and 324 of the Constitution, and so it should be returned 

without opinion. He said if elections could not be held due to natural calamity or serious law and order 

situation in a state within the six-month peri od as prescribed under Article 174, then "the court should perceive 

that the safety valve is pro vided under Article 356 for im posing President's rule to avoid any 

constitutional crisis". (Hindustan Times 19.9.02) 


Minority body wants Modi Yatra be stopped (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 19: The Save India Front, an organisa tion of Dalits and minorities, has called for an 

immediate end to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's Gaurav Yatra and has sought his trial under 

criminal law. Talking to reporters, nation al chairman of the All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations 

Udit Raj said that the National Human Rights Commission, National Minorities Commission, European 

Union and other groups have all come out with findings that the Gujarat gov ernment machinerv under Mr 

Modi is responsible for "ghastly, barbaric and inhu man acts." Giving details of a meet organised by the 

Confedera tion and Jamiat — Ulama-i-Hind on Sunday, Mr Raj said the, participants have resolved ' that 

RSS,' VHP and, 'Bajrang Dal, along with such other organizations should be banned immediately. 


Jamiat to launch drive for Muslims (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 19: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, the organisa tion that had fought for free dom along with 

Gandhiji, has decided to launch a "second satyagraha" from October 2, to "seek justice for the minorities 

in the secular, independent India." Announcing the decision in New Delhi, Maulana Asad Madani — the 

octogenarian president of the Jamiat, who was once a Rajya Sabha member with help from the Congress 

— said he had sought an audience with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to seek his help to put an 

end to the anti-Muslim propaganda in the country and get proper representation in jobs and legislatures, 

but the Prime Minister refused to meet him. He has therefore, decided to launch a satyagraha from the 

birthday of the Father of the Nation. (Asian Age 20.9.02) 

Gujarat: Day of surprises in SC (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 19: THE proceedings of the Gujarat reference today sprang surprises as the 

BJP did not toe the Centre's new line on the extent to which an election can be postponed while the 

Congress party con tradicted not just the Centre but also the Election Commis sion on that issue. The 

Supreme Court, on its part, said that it may not reply to the controversial question in the reference about 

whether the EC can ever factor in Arti cle 356 while framing an elec tion schedule. This is because the EC, 

according to the court changed its stand by clarifying that its decision to postpone the Gujarat election was 

taken without reference to Article 356. (Indian Express 20.9.02) 

Gaurav Yatra tapes yet to reach NCM (7) 

New Delhi, September 19: THE GUJARAT government has agreed to provide the National Commission 

for Minorities (NCM) tapes of Chief Minister Narendra Modi's "minority bashing" speech during his ongoing 

'gaurav yatra'. The commission, which adopted a wait-and-watch policy following the Modi dispensation's 

initial reluc tance to provide the tapes on the plea that it did not keep a tab on what was stated at a party 

function, had not how ever received the tapes till Thursday evening. "In view of the state gov ernment's

changed stand, we expect to receive the tapes in the next few days. The panel's next course of action 

would be decided af ter the tapes are examined," vice-chairman Tarlochan Singh said. (Hindustan Times 

20.9.02) 

21 st September 

Two die after riots in Vadodara (7) 

Vadodara: Blood and gore, communal tension and death came back to haunt Vado dara on Friday as 

riotous mobs, belonging to two com munities, clashed at various places after an altercation between 

namaazis and mem bers of a Ganpati procession in the afternoon snowballed into a bloody battle. Two 

per sons died and 28 are injured. While the flare-up follow ing the altercation in Fatehpura area was soon 

con trolled, clashes began in var ious pockets in the evening and continued till late in the night. Most of the 

injuries were due to gun shots, stab bing and stone pelting. Police had to fire several rounds and resort to 

tear shells but failed to control the mobs. (Times of India 21.9.02) 

22 nd September 

Christian, Sikh leaders plan coordination panel (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPT. 21. With a view to ironing out the rough spots between the minority communities, 

Christian and Sikh religious leaders have mooted a proposal to form a "coordination committee." A 

decision to this effect was taken at a meeting on Friday between leaders of the two communi ties under the 

aegis of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Though the meeting had been organised in the 

wake of reports of conversion of Sikhs to Chris tianity in Jharkhand and Punjab, the matter ap parently did 

not come at the meeting. Instead, representatives of the two communi ties dwelt on other irritants and 

concluded that it would be best to set up a "coordination commit tee" with representation from all the 

minority communities. (Hindu 22.9.02) 

23rd September 

VHP’s re-conversion plan spells trouble (7) 

Wayanad, Sept. 22: AFTER A month-long training, the VHP's 80-odd Hindu mission aries are ready to take 

on Chris tian missionaries in the tribal areas of Wayanad. "Prevent north-easternisation of south at any 

cost" is the direc tive to the new recruits, who have fanned out in groups to the backward areas. Fuelled by 

their success, the VHP is planning to 'export' its brand to other parts of the coun try. "About eighty per cent 

of the 42,000-odd Christian missionar ies are from Kerala. We want warriors from the same battle ground 

to check them," VHP state organising secretary Kummanam Rajasekharan explains when asked why the 

concept was launched from Kerala. The mood in the VHP is up-beat. The outfit claims they have 

prevented possible conversions and those who left the fold are coming back in large numbers. "In 

Panaveli, three families took money and were about to be converted. But we prevented them and returned 

then* money. Five families who were convert ed recently are ready to come back," Vijaya Kumar reels out 

his success stories. (Hindustan Times 23.9.02) 

Repair damaged mosques: UP board (7) 

Lucknow, Sept. 22: The All-India Muslim Personal Law Board has demanded recon struction of mosques 

and maqbaras damaged in the Gujarat violence. The board said that over 230 mosques and 350 

maqbaras had been damaged in the Gujarat violence and it was now the duty of the Gujarat 

government to get them repaired. "It was the responsi bility of the government to, protect these 

religious monu ments and since the govern ment has failed in its duty, it should make amends by get ting 

them reconstructed and repaired," said board secre tary Abdur Rehman Qureshi. A high level delegation 

of the Personal Law Board will soon be meeting the President and the Prime Minister to press their 

demand for repair and reconstruction of mosques and maqbaras in Gujarat. (Asian Age 

23.9.02) 

Modi targets Congress policies for population explosion (7) 

Chikhli (Gujarat), Sept. 22: Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is continu ing his belligerent speeches 

during the third phase of Gaurav Yatra. This time, Mr Modi took his "concern for popula tion" further and 

coined a new slogan. He even pre pared the journalists cover ing his speech before deliv ering latest 

rhetoric. "Let all journalists be prepared for I am about to say some thing very important. Else, they will 

have to run around looking for tapes as they had to do about the Behucharaji tapes." Claiming his speech

was an indication of the BJP's concern for population con trol, Mr Modi challenged the Congress to come 

and discuss the population policy with him on an open forum. (Asian Age 23.9.02) 

100 Ajmer Muslim families convert (7) 

Jaipur: As many as 108 Muslim families embraced Hinduism again at a village in Ajmer district of 

Rajasthan, a VHP spokesman claimed on Sunday. The Muslims took a vow in the presence of VHP 

international general secretary Praveen Togadia to follow Hindu traditions at Amba Masania village on 

Saturday, he said. (Asian Age 23.9.02) 


Muslim BSP MLAs told to quit party (7) 

LUCKNOW, SEPT. 23.Terming as "murder of justice" the Chief Minister, Mayawati's decision not to issue a fresh notification to 

facilitate the trial in Babri Masjid demolition case, the Uttar Pradesh Muslim League to day appealed to Muslim MLAs of Bahujan 

Samaj Party to quit the party. The League president, Syed Shakeel Mian, told reporters here that it would be against the interest of 

the Muslim commu nity if the MLAs remain in BSP after "exposure" of the Chief Minister's "anti-Muslim poli cies. (Hindu 24.9.02) 

SP petitions Kalam on Babri case (7) 

New Delhi: The Samajwadi Party has requested President Kalam to ensure that the Ayodhya demo lition 

case against Deputy PM Advani and his col leagues M M Joshi and Uma Bharti is not derailed by the UP 

government. Leading a delegation of his party's senior func tionaries, SP president Mulayam Singh Yadav 

on Monday submitted a memorandum to the Presi dent, seeking his intervention to save the judicial 

process from what he termed as the Mayawati gov ernment's apathy. "The case in which senior Union 

ministers are accused is being grounded on the pretext of a tech nical flaw," Mulayam said after the 

meeting with the President. He demanded that the issue be treat ed with adequate seriousness in view of 

the fact that the communal passions that had swept Gujarat recently had been stoked by the VHP's Ayodhya 

campaign. (Times of India 24.9.02) 

25th September 

Pakistan Christian sites fortified after threat (7) 

Islamabad, Sept. 24: Fear ing new attacks on Christ ian targets in Pakistan, the police have removed signs 

identifying churches set up in private homes and forti fied other Christian sites with sandbag bunkers, 

authorities said. The measures came after the police found maps of two churches and a Christ ian school, 

along with weapons and explosives, during the arrest of two suspected Islamic militants in the southern 

port city of Karachi, home ministry officials said on Monday. The police said the Christ ian sites were all in 

central Karachi and the maps showed entry and exit points, apparently for a planned attack. The two men, 

both suspected mem bers of the Harkat ul-Mujahideen al-Almi extremist group, were wrapping up plans for 

an attack when they were arrested, the police said. Asian Age 25.9.02) 

Boy’s hair chopped: Sikh leaders appeal to Panel (7) 

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 24: LEADERS of the Sikh community today approached the National 

Commission for Minorities after five teenagers allegedly cut a Sikh boy's hair at Modern School, 

Barakhamba Road last week. "We have written a complaint to the NCM, the Delhi Minorities Commission, 

the L-G and the Delhi government, de manding the guilty be brought to book," said senior Sikh leader 

Manjit Singh. Parents of Jaideep Singh, the Class X stu dent from Air Force Bal Bharati School, whose hair 

were chopped by some students, had also complained to the community leadership. "Hair is very sacred 

in our religion and the boy is obviously shocked after this episode," said RS. Saini, a close family friend. 

(Indian Express 25.9.02) 

BJP moves away from VHP plan to glorify Modi words (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 24: The BJP on Tuesday sought to distance itself from the VHP on the issue of 

distributing Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's controversial taped remarks against the minority 

community. The VHP, on the other hand, tried to draw a distinction between the BJP's state and central 

leadership. "The Gujarat BJP has gone on record saying that it does not need the central leadership's help 

to win elec tions in the state," the party spokesperson said. The BJP's Muslim face, general secretary 

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, refrained from making a direct comment against the VHP's decision to distribute

audio-cassettes of Mr Modi's anti-minority remarks. He, however, observed: "No organisation should do 

anything that might disrupt the communal harmo ny of the country. (Asian Age 25.9.02) 


Terrorists were teenagers dedicated to revenge (7) 

Ahmedabad, Sept. 25: The two terrorists, who stormed the Akshardham temple complex in Gandhinagar 

on Tuesday in which 44 persons were killed and over 70 injured, were teenagers. One of the them was 

lanky and short, and only had the semblance of a beard. While the other terrorist was taller and looked a 

little older, he too could not be above 20 years of age, acting superintendent of Gandhinagar R.B. 

Bhrambhatt, who handled the terrorist opera tion, said. Dressed in T-shirts and jeans, the two terrorists 

were armed with an AK-47 rifle each. Special I-G (in-charge of Gandhinagar range) Pramod Kumar said 

both the terrorists were carrying about a dozen magazines each and around 15 hand grenades. (Asian 

Age 26.9.02) 

Even Muslims visited temple in peace quest (7) 

Ahmedabad, Sept. 25: The terrorist attack on Swaminarayan temple has been condemned by all, 

including Muslims. The Bochasan-wasi Akshar Purshottam Swaminarayan Sansthan is also a popular 

tourist spot besides being a place of wor ship. It attracts Muslims, Sikhs and also people of other religions. 

Abdul Jamalbhai Meer, a painter from Rajkot, who was seriously injured when he was visiting 

Akshardham with his son-in-law Anwar Karim Meer. Abdul, 60, expressing his anger and grief, said, "I had 

collected money to visit my daughter whom I had not seen for a long time. (Asian Age 26.9.02) 

Seven killed in yet another attack on Christians (7) 

Karachi: Two gunmen have burst into a Christian charity in Karachi and tied up and shot dead seven 

Christians, police say. The attack was the latest in a series of bloody assaults on Christian or Western 

targets since Pakistan's military govern ment sided with the US. Police said two other people were 

wounded in Wednesday's attack at the city centre offices of the Idare-e Amn-0-Insaf, or the Organisation 

for Peace and Justice. "The gunmen first roped all the people inside the room, they also taped their 

mouths," a police officer said. "After, they fired straight at their heads." Karachi police chief Tariq Jamil told 

re porters all six of those killed were Chris tians and they had been gagged before they were shot with 

pistols. (Times of India 26.9.02) 

Gujarat not ready for polls: Jethmalani (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 25: The Bihar government on Wednesday backed the elec tion commission's stand on 

the elections in Gujarat and told the Supreme Court that the Centre wants to put a "sham Assembly" in the 

state by pressing for early elec tions. Arguing in the Supreme Court on the presidential ref erence, the Bihar 

government counsel, Mr Ram Jethamalani, contended the Election Commission was right in stating that 

the situa tion was not conducive to hold elections in Gujarat. (Asian Age 26.9.02) 

Togadia: I can’t predict; victims aren’t guessing (7) 

Ahmedabad: WHEN asked whether the VHP sponsored nation wide bandh on Thursday would turn violent, 

the organ isation's general secretary, Praveen Togadia, said he couldn't make any predic tions; after all, he 

wasn't an astrologer. At Naroda Patiya, they're not staying back to find out. The Ahmedabad colony has 

emptied out since Tuesday night—except for one family, all residents have moved right back to the relief 

camps they returned from only recently. The presence of two po lice jeeps just outside Naroda Patiya, the 

policemen de ployed on the road joining Naroda and Kalupur stations didn't appear to assuaged the 

residents' fears. (Indian Exp 26.9.02) 


Hate campaign targets Christians in Ajmer (7) 

JAIPUR, SEPT. 26. Christians in Ajmer and in the adjoining can tonment town of Nazirabad are feeling 

terrorised following a hate campaign unleashed against them by "Hindutva" forces. There is an 

orchestrated campaign against the commu nity in the area and the situa tion got aggravated recently 

after the visit of the VHP leader, Pravin Togadia, it is pointed out. A group of activists and the 

representatives of the Christian organisations who met the Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, here told him 

that the Christian institutions were being targeted for attack and the administra tion and the police

emained mere spectators. There was a political design in the recent tirade against the Christian 

community, which was preovoked after a priest of St. Martin School in Bhawani Kheda, 25 km from Ajmer 

was arrested on a charge of molesting students, they said. (Hindu 27.9.02) 

Once again, Muslims flee Naroda Patiya (7) 

Ahmedabad, Sept. 26: The localities of Naroda Patiya and Naroda Gam, where several Muslims were 

burnt alive in a pogrom on February 28, 2002, were deserted on Wednesday and Thursday. There was a 

mass exodus of over 7,800 Muslims from these areas because they feared a backlash during the bandh 

called by the VHP. The VHP bandh call on Thursday turned violent with three people stabbed in south 

Gujarat. The bandh was total and peaceful in the state barring the three stabbings. At Naroda Patiya, the 

police allegedly did not give the few Muslim survivors, who had recently returned to their chawls, any 

guarantee of safety during the two consecutive bandh days. (Asian Age 27.9.02) 

Attack had nothing to do with the riots, says Modi (7) 

AHMEDABAD. SEPTEMBER 26: GUJARAT Chief Minis ter Narendra Modi on Thurs day claimed terrorists 

who struck at Akshardham could belong to PoK or even an "enemy countiy". He said that the modus 

operandi of Tuesday's attackers was similar to the Parliament attack and it ap peared as if the terrorists 

had come prepared to take devo tees hostage and bargain for some unidentified goal. He said a 

committee, headed by DGP K. Chakravarti, was probing the ttack. (Indian Express 27.9.02) 


Sikh village shows little faith in electoral politics (7) 

Sept. 27. — An eerie silence prevails along the 15-km-drive to the nondescript hamlet of Chit tisinghpora 

from the temple town of Matton. Chittisinghpora is the largest village of Sikhs in Kashmir. About 3,000 

members belonging to 450 to 500 Sikh families live here. On the night of 19 march, 2000, militants had 

swooped down on this village and massacred 38 people. Two and a half years later, the mood has not 

changed much. A small BSF camp has been set up. But nothing can take the element of fear out of the 

place. Chittisinghpora remains untouched by the poll fever which has gripped the rest of the state. 

Elections have failed to enthuse the vil lagers for the horror is still fresh in their mem ories. A stone 

inscription stands outside the lo cal gurudwara where most of the menfolk were herded to and then shot. 

Bullet holes still on the walls of the gurudwara. (Statesman 28.9.02) 


Gaurav Yatra to continue at any cost (7) 

New Delhi, Sept. 29: Despite the attack on the Swami-narayan temple on Tuesday, the BJP, keeping in 

mind its "political advantage," is determined to continue with its Gaurav Yatra at "any cost." The party on 

Friday official ly declared that Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi was not only going to lead the party to 

the polls, but he was BJP's "chief ministerial can didate." Overriding the apprehen sions of creating 

communal tension in the state, Mr Modi, backed by deputy prime minister L.K. Advani and the BJP 

central leadership, will carry on with the yatra, which will highlight the terrorist attack in the state and 

exhort people to "rise against the Pakistani ele ments in Gujarat." BJP chief M. Venkaiah Naidu, during his 

ongoing tour of villages in Haryana, ruled out any possibility of suspending the yatra. The third leg of the 

yatra will begin from Ambaji temple in the state on October 5. (Asian Age 30.9.02) 

2 nd October 

EU team voices concern over minority killings (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 1. A five-member delegation from the European Parliament, which met with the Prime 

Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, on Monday and the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, to day, raised the issue 

of killings of minorities earlier this year with their interlocutors. Neena Gill, member of the European 

Parliament from the United Kingdom, said that such incidents detracted from India's future given its 

secular charac ter. Addressing a press confer ence today with Ms. Gill, E. Bar on Crespo, president, 

parliamentary group of the Par ty of European Socialists, said they had no doubts about the way the 

Election Commission conducted elections in India. Responding to questions on the elections in Jammu 

and Kashmir, Mr. Crespo said it was not for them to put a "seal" on the polls taking place in the State.

Expressing himself in support of the elections, Mr. Crespo said they had received information from 

different sources, including European diplomats, that it was a demo cratic process. (Hindu 2.10.02) 

Joshi snubs VHP on madrasa remarks (7) 

New Delhi, Oct. 1: The VHP received a body blow when human resources develop ment minister Murli 

Manohar, known for his hard line, snubbed the outfit for its repeated tirade against madrasas. Mr Joshi 

asked VHP leader Ashok Singhal to "produce evidence that all madrasas were involved in anti-national 

activities so that action can be taken against them." Earlier, BJP chief M. Venkaiah Naidu had 

attacked Mr Singhal for his comments against Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. He had referred to 

Mr Vajpayee as "anti-Hindu" and attacked him for his "failure to contain terrorism." (Asian Age 2.10.02) 

3 rd October 

Fresh violence in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD, OCT. 2. Several parts of Gujarat witnessed vi olence on the Gandhi Jayanti Day today 

forcing police to open fire in Bhavnagar and burst teargas shells in Vadod-ara and Piplod town of Anand 

district. At least one person was in jured in firing in the Prabhudas colony of Bhavnagar in the Saurashtra 

region, home constituency of the BJP State president, Rajendrasinh Rana, after disturbances broke out 

over a non-issue. Tension spread to the adjoining 'chawls' and members of both the communities indulged 

in stone-throwing. Seven per sons were injured, which forced police to burst teargas shells. They later fired 

more than 15 rounds to disperse the clashing mobs. (Hindu 3.10.02) 

Naroda-Patiya carnage accused in custody (7) 

AHMEDABAD, OCTOBER 2: ASHOK Sindhi, who was allegedly involved in the Naroda-Patiya massacre, 

has been remanded to police custody till October 4. Officials of the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) had 

arrested him from Naroda area and presented him before the Metropolitan Magistrate of Court No 11 on 

Tuesday. Sindhi’s involvement in the massacre came to light after cellular phone dealer Nadeem Saiyeed 

filed a complaint in this regard with the DCB on May 19. (Indian Exp 3.10.02) 

7 TH October 

FBI loses plot, tracks hundreds of Muslims (7) 

Washington, Oct. 6: The Federal Bureau of Investigation is trying to make an open book of the lives 

of hundreds of young, mostly Muslim men in the United States, in the belief that Al Qaeda-trained 

terrorists remain in this country, awaiting instructions to attack. Senior law enforcement offi cials say the 

surveillance campaign is being carried out by every major-FBI office in the country and involves 24-hour 

monitoring of the suspects' tele phone calls, email messages and Internet use, as well as scrutiny of their 

credit card charges, their travel and their visits to neigh bourhood gathering places, including mosques. 


TN conversion ban draws applause, scorn (7) 

Chennai, Oct. 6: There have been mixed reactions in Tamil Nadu to an ordinance issued by the 

Jayalalitha government1 to ban religious conver sion. While the moderates and the lib erals have dubbed it 

as "draconian," the pro-Hindu outfits such as the RSS and the BJP 'welcomed it as "timely" in the context 

of the increasing inci dents of religious conversions in the state. The_seer r of the Kancheepuram Mutt, 

Shri Jayendra Saraswati, has welcomed the ordinance. In a state ment issued from the Mutt in 

Kancheepuram, about 100 km from Chennai, Shri Jayendra Saraswati said the ordinance when enacted 

into a legislation would help in fostering peace, harmony and unity in our society. (Asian Age 7.10.02) 

Communal riots hit Baroda, 2 hurt (7) 

AHMEDABAD, OCT. 6. Communal violence erupted at Dabhoi in the Baroda district of Gujarat as two 

groups clashed and indulged in arson. The police opened fire to quell rioting, leaving two persons injured 

on Sunday. Trouble started after Muslims were asked to withhold their programme of constructing a wall 

around Lalshah Pirdargh which was damaged during post-Godhra riots. (Asian Age 7.10.02) 

Conversions in Pondicherry jail: Malkani orders probe (7) 

PONDICHERRY, OCTOBER 6: WELCOMING the probe into the alleged forced conversion of some 

inmates of Central Prison in Pondicherry, the state Hindu Munnani today demanded suspension of the

jail's chief superintendent pending com pletion of the inquiry. In a statement, Hindu Munnani president V 

Sel-vam said that the jail superin tendent should be suspended to enable the prisoners to speak the truth. 

AHome Department noti fication yesterday said Lt Gov ernor KR Malkani had or dered a probe by the district 

judge on the recommendation of the Madras High Court into reports that some life convicts of the jail were 

transferred to the sub-jail in Karaiakal follow ing their refusal to convert to Christianity. (Indian Express 

7.10.020) 

The significance behind Gaurav Yatra site (7) 

JAIPUR, OCT. 6: here was a message in BJP making the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi to enter 

Sirohi district in Rajasthan to commence the fourth round of his "Gaurav Yatra" from Am baji. The place, 

once a disputed territory between Rajasthan and Gujarat during the time of the reorganization of States, 

carries lot of symbolism to the "mandir nirman" movement at Ayodhya. 

It was at Pindwara town in Sirohi district, not far away from the Gujarat border, most of the ready to 

assemble stone parts of the Ayodhya temple were made. While huge rose sandstone blocs were lugged 

to the area from Rajasthan's own mines at Bansi Paharpur in the distant Bharatpur district, the local 

artisans and traditional contractors of temple construction got them carved and chiseled working round the 

clock. (Hindu 7.10.02) 

8 th October 

Come closer, BJP chief tells Muslims (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 7. For years, the Bharatiya Janata Party's stance towards the Muslim minority has 

swung from the "we do not need their votes to win" attitude to "we are not anti-Muslim, the party should try 

and expand its base among minorities". Addressing the national executive conimittee meeting of the 

party's minority 'morcha', the BJP president, Venkaiah Naidu, was in a mood for introspection. He 

admitted that the largest minority had remained alienated from the BJP, that a greater effort was needed 

to expand the party's base in this significant percentage of the population. This was in sharp contrast to 

the earlier controversial statements attributed to senior party leaders — even the Prime Minister — that 

the BJP did not need the Muslim vote to win elections in Uttar Pradesh or Gujarat or Madhya Pradesh. 

Perhaps, the state of the party in U.P. where it has slid down to the number three slot after the Samajwadi 

Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party is causing enough concern and there is realisation that at least the 

party must not seem to be anti-Muslim and that as a ruling party it must seem to represent all of India. 

(Hindu 8.10.02) 

US report on religion hits out against India (7) 

WASINGTON, OCTOBER 7: The United States, in its annual report on religious freedom around the 

world, found improvements in Afghanistan, Egypt, Laos and parts of southeastern Europe but little 

change in the countries where reli gious worship is most se verely restricted. It criticised state and lo cal 

government officials in India for failing to protect Muslims from Hindu fundamentalists but did not change 

India's status as an offender. The report by the US State Department, available on the Internet at 

www.state.gov/G/rls/irf/ 2002, names the same six countries as in 2001 —China, Cuba, Laos, Myanmar, N 

Korea and Vietnam — as victims of totalitarian or authoritarian attempts to control religious belief or 

practice. (Indian Express 8.10.02) 

SC notices to Centre, states on SIMI ban (7) 

New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Mon day issued notices to the Centre and eight states on a petition by 

the banned Students Islam ic Movement of India (SIMI), challenging the government's order in voking the 

Unlawful Ac tivities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, without considering the fact that preaching of the 

holy Koran could not be said to be unlawful propaga tion. The statutory Unlaw ful Activities (Preven tion) 

Tribunal had up held the September 27, 2001, ban on SIMI. 

A Bench, comprising Justice V N Khare and Justice S B Sinha, is sued the notices to Kerala Maharashtra, 

Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. (Times of India 

8.10.02) 

Christian council to file court challenge (7) 

New Delhi, Oct. 7: Expressing apprehension over Tamil Nadu government's new ordinance that bans the 

use of force or inducement in religious conver sions, Christian leaders on Monday threatened to take chief

minister Jayalalitha to court for a move they believe could be possibly to make BJP happy. Vice-president 

of Catholic Bishops' Conference of India and Delhi archbishop Vincent M. Concessao said, "We will study 

the ordinance first and consult legal opinion about what exactly it means. On the surface of it, the 

ordinance looks fine but if we feel that it will be used to intimidate and torture the minority community, we 

will have to go to court." Admitting that the ordinance had some "grey areas," he asked the Tamil Nadu 

government to "spell out" the ordinance in "black and white," and added, "We don't want this ordinance to 

make minority community a target and also interpret our work, for the poor in India as incentives to get 

them converted. We are also against forceful religious con versions but our fear is that this ordinance 

should not be used against minorities. (Asian Age 8.10.02) 

BJP cheers Jaya conversion ban (7) 

New Delhi, October 7: THE BJP patted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha for the ordinance banning 

use of force or inducement in religious conversion, seeking a nationwide law on those lines. But Christian 

and Mus lim organisations threat ened to challenge the meas ure in court. 

BJP chief Venkaiah Naidu said, "We want a law covering the entire country under which action be taken 

against those indulging in conversion. For this, there is need to have a consensus among political parties 

by having nation-wide debate". Ironically, he made the statement while inaugurat ing the BJP's minority 

morcha working committee. In the same breath, he ad mitted that the BJP had not been able to improve its 

ap peal to the minorities. It was imperative to increase its base among all sections. (Hindustan Times 

8.10.02) 

9 TH October 

Advani sings Modi’s praises, Keshubhai strikes jarring note (7) 

AHMEDABAD, OCTOBER 8: DAYS after he tried to distance himself from Gujarat Chief Minister 

Narendra Modi's anti-Muslim re marks, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today came out strongly in his 

sup port declaring that only Modi would be Chief Minis ter if the BJP was returned to power. Addressing 

BJP workers at a Sankalp Sammelan here, Advani said he "took pride" in the fact that Modi was Chief 

Minister even six months after dissolution of the Assembly. Party president Venkaiah Naidu also backed 

Modi claiming that the state gov ernment had done its best to bring the situation under control. "We do not 

justify what happened after the Godhra incident but this was not the first such inci dent. (Indian Express 

9.10.02) 

10 TH October 

Bishops call emergency meet on TN conversions (7) 

Chennai, Oct. 9: Over 30 bishops from across Tamil Nadu will converge at an "emergency" summit at 

Madurai on Thursday to decide their course of action against the controversial ordinance promulgated 

recently by the Tamil Nadu governor prohibiting religious conversions done through inducements, coercion 

or fraud. (Asian Age 10.10.02) 

Ordinance based on ineffectual laws (7) 

The legislative parents of the Tamil Nadu ordinance on religious conversions are two very similar, in fact 

virtually identical, legis lation passed by Orissa and Madhya Pra-desh more than three decades ago. It was 

the Orissa Freedom of Religion Act 1967, which first introduced the idea of penal provisions for those who 

convert or attempt to convert another by use of force, fraud or allurement/inducement. Madhya Pradesh 

followed a year later with its Dharma Swatantra Adhinayam or Religious Freedom Act, which also required 

that conversions be registered with a district magistrate. Both acts were challenged in their re spective 

High Courts, which took diametri cal views. The Orissa High Court held that the law went against the grain 

of Article 25, which gives all Indians the freedom to pro fess, practise and propagate religion. How ever, the 

Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld the validity of the State's law. (Hindu 10.10.02) 

Bajrang Dal attacks gym (7) 

Ahmedabad: A health club owned by Hamid Sheikh, son of former Con gress MLA Farooq Sheikh, was 

ran sacked and looted by suspected Ba-jrang Dal activists on Wednesday, bringing back memories of the 

at tacks on minority-owned establish ments during the recent riots. According to Hamid, about 20 peo ple 

armed with swords, pipes, hockey sticks and knives attacked the "Fit ness Trend and Health Club" here. 

The club had earlier been attacked on February 28, the day after the Godhra train carnage. Farooq, a

former MLA from Kalupur said, "We had received a threat from the Bajrang Dal earlier following which we 

lodged a complaint at the Ellisbridge police station". The hoodlums, allegedly led by Bhavin and Jaymin, 

came in auto-rickshaws and two-wheelers. They broke into the gymnasium by opening the main lock with 

a steel rod. 

Glass-panes were shattered, mir rors broken and equipment stolen. "They also took away Rs 16,000 and 

four to five cheques," alleged Hamid. However, no motive has been stated in the complaint. (Times of 

India 10.10.02) 

11 TH October 

Muslim League condemns T.N. ordinance (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 10. The Indian Union Muslim League has de scribed the Tamil Nadu ordi nance on 

conversion as "a serious assault on the right to profess, practice and propagate religion guaranteed by the 

Constitution". In a statement, G.M. Banatwalla, MP and president of the League, said "it is mischievous as 

it so defines the words "force" and "allurement" that it destroys the right to propagate religion insofar 

as the definition includes divine pleasure, dis pleasure and gratification". He said it was shocking that the 

Tamil Nadu Government was a victim of the misleading propaganda of the sangh parivar as regards 

"conversion" or was attempting to appease the parivar. Pointing out that Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya 

Pradesh and Orissa had similar Acts on con version, he said these had only led to inhibition and destruction 

of legitimate religious rights. He said: "I have also in troduced in the Lok Sabha a Bill to repeal 

these Acts and it is pending. (Hindu 11.10.02) 

Minorities plan crusade against TN ordinance (7) 

MADURAI, OCT. 10. In a show of solidarity against the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of 

Religion Ordinance, Christian, Islamic and Dalit leaders, along with human rights activists, today chalked 

out a plan of action demanding withdrawal of the controversial measure. 

Briefing newspersons at the culmination of a day-long meeting here, the Archbishop of Madurai, M. 

Arokiasamy, appealed to all secular forces to condemn the 'fascist ordinance , which went against the 

basic tenets of the Constitution. To express their anguish at being let down by a Government which had 

won the election on a secular plank, the minorities would organise fast in all district headquarters on 

October 19. (Hindu 11.10.02) 

U.S. report on Gujarat violence muted (7) 

WASHINGTON, OCT. 10. Criticism of some of the countries in the State Department's Interna tional 

Religious Freedom report of 2002 appears to have been muted, and in the case of India it shows a 

"continuation of a trend of hesitancy to state conclusions," says the Chair of the U.S. Commission on 

International Religious Freedom, Felice Gaer. Ms. Gaer — who was one of two members who disagreed 

with the Commission for plac ing India on the List of Coun tries of Particular Concern — told a 

Congressional panel this afternoon that the State Depart ment ought to have gone be yond what "others" 

had suggested that the State Gov ernment in Gujarat did not re spond adequately to acts of violence 

against religious mi norities. (Hindu 11.10.02) 

Godhra accused grilled, hunt on for two others (7) 

VADODARA, OCTOBER 10: EVEN as the special in vestigation team began grilling Razzaq Kurkur, key 

accused in the Godhra killings case, on Wednesday, the rail way police has intensified its search for two 

others wanted, former Independent council lor Farooq Bhana and tea ven dor Salim Panwala. While Bhana 

was report edly seen with Kurkur during the burning of the coach, Pan wala is reported to have shouted on 

the platform that a Muslim girl had been dragged into the coach by the karsevaks. Sources said Kurkur, 

who allegedly set coach S-6 of the Sabarmati Express on fire, has provided some vital informa tion on the 

killings. "While it was known that three others had entered the coach, it is now getting clear that Kurkur 

had also played a role by throwing petrol inside the coach through the broken toilet window," said an 

investigation official. (Indian Express 11.10.02) 

Muslim traders scared after attack on gym (7) 

Ahmedabad: The attack on a health club owned by Hamid Sheikh, son of for mer Congress MLA from 

Kalupur, Farooq Sheikh, in the Ellisbridge area on Wednesday by suspected Bajrang Dal men has sent a 

wave of panic among Muslims doing business in areas domi nated by Hindus in the city. Chief minister

Narendra Modi may have been stressing upon a surakshit and salaamat (safe and secure) Gujarat during 

the gaurav yatra, but there is constant fear in the minds of the people. "Wednesday's incident was aimed 

at striking fear among the people of the community which has somehow come to terms with the worst 

communal riots in the state," says Aslam Qadir (name changed), a handloom shop-owner near VS 

Hospital. (Times of India 11.10.02) 

12 th October 

Minority rights" will not be affected: Jaya (7) 

Chennai: The ordinance on Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion will not encroach on minority 

freedom, assured chief minister J Jayalalithaa. Responding to the minori ty allegation that her government 

was toeing the Hindutva line and threatened by a state-wide protest from the Christian community, Jaya 

Lalithaa in a statement on Friday clarified that the ordi nance was not directed against any minority reli gion. 

"I wish to allay the rears and suspicion of all minority groups whose yeoman serv ice for the welfare of the 

needy is acknowledged by all, that this Ordinance does not in any way encroach upon their freedom. On 

the contrary, it seeks to protect the weaker sections in society from exploitation," she clari fied. She said 

that a "simple reading" of the ordinance shows that "it contains no reference to any particular religion, 

leave alone a minor ity religion, whether Christ ian or Muslim or any other." (Times of India, 12.10.2002) 

14 th October 

Solapur violence toll rises to 9, curfew on (7) 

Mumbai, Oct. 13: The situation in the textile town of Solapur continued to be tense but peaceful on Sunday 

even as curfew was extended until Monday while toll in police-firing and inci dents of violence and arson 

since Friday rose to nine. Curfew was relaxed this morning from 6 am to 8.30 am but reimposed thereafter 

till evening as a precautionary measure. It was further extended from 6.30 pm until 6 am Monday, the 

police said. Of the nine casualties, five were killed in police-fir ing and the rest in group clashes, state 

police control said in Mumbai on Sunday. Nearly 120 persons were injured in the violence and group 

clashes on October 11 and 12 and about 250 persons were taken into custody, official sources said. 

Violence broke out during the bandh called by All India Mus lim Vikas Parishad to protest US Baptist 

minister Jerry Falwel's remarks against Prophet Mohammed. Five persons were killed on October 11 and 

four others on October 12 as miscre ants torched shops and business establishments despite curfew 

being in force in the city. 

(Aian Age, 14.10.2002) 

16th October 

Attack on pastor: 5 persons arrested. (7) 

Mumbai, Oct. 15 : Five Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists were reportedly arrested and remanded in 

police custody for the Sunday’s attack on a Protestant Pastor, Gabriel Lalzare. The police, however, have 

not confirmed as if those arrested were VHP activists, though the attackers told the pastor that they 

belonged to the Parishad. Lalzare is the Pastor of the abundance Life Assembly, a Protestant church, 

which does not have premises of its own. So once a week, the church rents a school hall for the Ghatla 

Municial School in Chembur for Sunday prayers. (Hindustan Times, 16.10.2002) 

Thackeray wants all Bangla Muslims out. (7) 

Mumbai, Oct. 15 : Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's annual Dussehra speech at Shivaji park in Dadar here 

on Tues day filled with controver sial remarks. Mr. Thackeray said that before leading an attack on 

Pakistan, the government solve internal disturbances and the havoc wreaked ISI. The four crore 

Bangaldeshi Muslims should be kicked out of the country, he said, wondering why the government did not 

do that. The country will be declared as a Hindu rashtra, he insist ed. "This is our country. We want a 

courageous PM. Our tolerance has ended... Give me the army and I will finish them off." Lashing out at 

the state government, he said they have nothing to show by way of development and have a one-point 

programme of grabbing power. (Asian Age, 16.10.2002) 

17 th October 

The wounded Muslim is a wary Muslim. (7)

Surat, Ahmedabad : WHEN THE Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) called for a one-day bandh to 

protest against the Akshardham temple attack, large parts of Muslim-dominated commercial areas 

had shutters down for two con secutive days. On the day prior to the VHP bandh, they were 

taking orders from the Congress leader ship in the State to stay at home. Partly, observing the 

bandh meant avoiding trouble. The offi cial line is that the bandh is a protest against the terror 

attacks in Gujarat. But political pundits in the State also read this as a silent way of defying the 

Congress State leadership by supporting the VHP's bandh. There is some disquiet about the 

unstinted support that the Congress took for granted from the Muslims in the State. The trouble is 

not just having a former RSS swayamsevak to lead the Congress and his soft-Hindutva plank. 

Muslim religious heads are also unhappy with the Congress' national leadership, es pecially on the 

Ayodhya issue. "It might be the kar sevaks who brought down the Babri Masjid. But who 

allowed the idol to be reinstat ed inside? Who allowed the worship (Pioneer, 17.10.2002) 

AIADMK Govt. to move conversion ban Bill. (7) 

CHENNAI, OCT. 16. Unfazed by the swelling criticism against its ordinance banning "forcible" religious 

conversions in Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK Government has decided to bring in a Bill to get legislative 

sanction for the measure in the coming Assembly session. Even as minority institutions have threatened 

to close down their educational institutions on October 24, when the week-long Assembly session begins, 

the Government appears committed to moving the Bill to ban conversions through "allurement, force and 

fraudulent means". This measure is among eight ordinances which will be replaced by Bills, the Legislative 

Assembly Principal Secretary, C.S. Janakiraman, confirmed today. The ordinance slaps a fine of Rs. 

50,000 and imprisonment up to a maximum of three years on those converting people by use of force and 

allurements. If the converted persons are Dalits, women and minors, the penalty will go up to a maximum 

of four years and the fine up to Rs. 1 lakh. entire Opposition including the DMK, which has 30 MLAs, and 

the Congress with 25 MLAs, the AIADMK, which has a strength of 135 MLAs, can push through the 

controversial law without a hurdle in the 234-strong House. Besides, the BJP, which has five members, 

has offered "full support" for the ordinance. Hindustan Times, 17.10.2002) 

Godhra train fire started from inside Coach S-6' (7) 

Ahmedabad, Oct. 16: The inflammable material used to torch the ill-fated S-6 coach of Sabarmati Express 

at Godhra railway station was poured in the passage near the last seat (No. 72) of the coach, according to 

assistant director of Forensic Science Laboratory M.S. Dahia. On Wednesday, Mr Dahia deposed before 

Justices G.T. Nanawati and K.G. Shah who are probing the Godhra carnage. Mr Dahia's statement 

negates the earlier theory of investigating officials that the inflammable material was poured on the coach 

from outside to start the fire that claimed 58 lives on February 27. During simulation tests of the Sabarmati 

carnage, in which the fire was re-enact ed, the FSL officials found it was not possible to pour the 

inflammable substance from outside, as the win dows of the bogie were seven feet above the ground level. 

(Asian Age, 17.10.2002) 

19 th October 

Jayalalithaa justifies ordinance on conversion (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 18. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, today justified the promul gation of an 

ordinance banning forceful conversions stating that it was done in the interest of the State. Talking to 

reporters at the conclusion of the Chief Minis ters' conference on fiscal re forms, she said, the aim was to 

prevent conversions by induce ment. Asked what was the sudden need for the ordinance, Ms. Jayalalithaa 

said that "what we have done is in the interest of the State. People were forced to convert through 

fraudulent means and inducements and offered Rs, 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 ex ploiting their dire poverty. They 

were doing so without knowing the consequences and the Gov ernment had to intervene to prevent this." 

(Hindu 19.10.002) 

Christian groups to observe prayer day (7)

HYDERABAD, OCT. 18. The Tamil Nadu ordinance to check forced conversions had its echo in Andhra 

Pradesh today. In a rare show of unity, Christian groups and organisations, belonging to both the Catholic 

and the Protestant sects, came together to fight the ordinance. A hectic campaign is on by these groups to 

mobilise the Chris tian public for participation in demonstrations planned at the Ta mil Nadu Secretariat 

and the Assembly at Chennai on October 24. All churches in Andhra Pradesh, Catholic and Protestant, 

will ob serve Sunday (October 20) as "prayer day" for resolving the issue, said Jatti A. Oliver, chairman of 

the joint commission of the Andhra Pradesh Council of Churches and the A.P. Catholic Bishops' Coun cil 

after a meeting of the highest policy-making bodies of the two sects here today. The meeting demanded 

withdrawal of the "draconian law", describing it as a blatant intrusion by the State into personal domain 

and an attempt to intimidate dalits and the poor who were struggling to free themselves from the caste 

system and its ill-effects. (Hindu 19.10.02) 

Kutch village erupts after boys forced conversion (7) 

AHMEDABAD, OCT 18: RAPAR taluka in Kutch district remained tense today after at least six shops 

belonging to the mi nority community were burnt down to protest against conversion of a per son to Islam. 

Police detained 22 peo ple in Adeshwar village, around 170 km from Bhuj, for burning down the shops. 

Trouble started around 7 am when sarpanch Khimalal Barot and a dozen other villagers went to Bhimasar 

police station with a memorandum that a village boy had been forcibly converted. They demanded action 

against the culprits. (Indian Express 19.10.02) 

20 th October 

Ban VHP, Bajrang Dal, says Youth Congress (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 19. Demanding an immediate ban on the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal, 

a large number of Indian Youth Congress activists demonstrated in front of the VHP's central office here 

today shouting for arrest of the VHP leader, Praveen Togadia, and a public apology from him for us ing 

derogatory language against the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi. Lambasting the Sangh Parivar for 

"degrading the culture of the country and vitiating the political atmosphere", the IYC workers, led by their 

president, Randeep Singh Surjewala, and lYC's Delhi unit chief, Rajesh Liothia, gathered in front of the 

VHP office in the evening de manding senior VHP leaders, including Mr. Togadia, to ten der an apology in 

public. (Hindu 20.10.02) 

Massive protest against TN ordinance (7) 

CHENNAI, OCT. 19. Articulating their protest against the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of 

Religion Ordinance, minorities and Opposition parties today staged a massive demonstration in Chennai 

and all over the State. "This is not a mere symbolic protest, but beginning of a movement seeking either 

the repeal of the black law or the downfall of the AIADMK regime," Hyder AH, general secretary, Tamil 

Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam, who led the protest along with Christian, Muslim and Dalit leaders, 

under the banner of the Anti-Conversion Ordinance Protest Committee, told mediapersons. The 

protesters, who congregated near the Memorial Hall at Park Town here, carried placards claiming that the 

ordinance challenged the Dalits and other oppressed classes, who were seeking a better life with dignity. 

The measure was a clear move by the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, to "appease the saffron brigade". 

(Hindu 20.10.02) 

21 st October 

Villagers threaten Orissa converts (7) 

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 20: Tension sparked off in the border area of remote Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar 

district of Orissa when a majority of villagers threatened to drive out a converted Christian family 

after the latter's action reportedly hurt religious sentiment. According to a report which reached here, 

a high-ranking district offi cial team along with armed police forces were camp ing at Chakidi panchayat of 

Mayurbhanj district. Sensing trouble in the highly sensitive area, which had hit headlines of 

almost all the international media for the killing of the Australian missionary Gra ham Staines and his two 

..minor sons, (Asian Age 21.10.02) 

Rajasthan may face communal backlash (7) 

Jaipur: Oct. 20. — The Intelligence wing of the state police fears that after Gujarat, Rajas-than may 

witness communal tension in the near future, with the RSS and other Sangh Parivar outfits intensifying

their activities. Police are sensing "the calm before the storm", Intelligence sources claim. A police officer 

said the Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena are distributing arms (a five-inch sharp-edged trishul) to youths for 

"self-de fence", the VHP is reconverting those who had given up Hinduism more than five dec ades ago 

and the RSS is organising public meetings in the "virgin areas of the state". "The RSS chief alone has 

addressed over a dozen public meetings at district head quarters and other important towns. Same goes 

with the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena, and the VHP, who are making their presence felt at the grassroots level," 

the officer said. (Statesman 21.10.02) 

22 nd October 

Gujarat mantri threatens Dangs Christians (7) 

Ahmedabad,0ct 21: The saf fron brigade on Monday threatened Christian missionaries in Dangs , telling 

them to give up luring tribals and reportedly warned them to behave or experience another spell of riots, 

this time targeting foreign funded Christians. Five tribal children, boarders at a school run by the Navjyot 

Social Service Society have been threatened and told to decide whether they want to live as Hindus or die 

as Christians. A senior BJP minister in the Narendra Modi government Mr Karsan Patel has warned 

Christians in the sensitive Dangs area to behave with restraint. (Asian Age 22.10.02) 

BJP kar seva to woo Sikhs (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 21. Shaken by the siding of the Sikh community with the Congress during the recent 

municipal elections in the Capital, the Delhi BJP today announced measures aimed at wooing back the 

minority community back into the saffron fold. Apart from constituting a Sikh Cell, the par ty's State unit 

president, Madan Lal Khurana, also announced installation of statues of the Sikh lead er Master Tara 

Singh at different places in the city. On the issue of punishing the guilty of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Mr. 

Khurana said the Vajpayee Government had constituted the Nanavati Com mission to probe the entire 

matter. The Commis sion is holding its hearings and is expected to submit its report soon. (Hindu 

22.10.02) 

25 held in Badlapur after riots on Sunday (7) 

Mumbai, Oct. 21: The Badlapur police has arrested 25 people, including two civic corporators and a 

Muslim leader, allegedly involved in the communal riots that broke out in the Bazarpeth area on Sunday 

night. Deputy commissioner of police Fatehsingh Patil said Masood Abdul Sattar Kun-wari and corporators 

Sharad Mhatre (BJP) and Kishen Bhoir (Shiv Sena) have been arrested. They have been remanded to 

police custody till October 25. Mr Patil said riots broke out due to an alter cation between youth from the 

Hindu and Muslim com munities in Bazarpeth. ( Asian Age 22.10.02) 

TN minorities firm on protest over ordinance (7) 

Chennai, Oct. 21: Minorities and dalits supported by sever al Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu decided to 

go ahead with their agitation on Thurs day to protest against the recently-promulgated 

anti-conversion ordinance. Their representatives met chief minister Jayalalitha at her office here on 

Monday morning but failed to assuage their apprehension that the law could be misused, accord ing to 

Mr A.S. Alaudeen, deputy general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam. "The 

representatives of the minorities held talks with the chief minister in the hope that some solution could 

evolve out of this crisis caused by this dangerous ordinance tar geting us. As we did not get any relief from 

her, we have decided to carry on with our agitation and even step up the protest in the days to come," Mr 

Alaudeen told The Asian 

Age. (Asian Age 22.10.002) 

23 rd October 

SC notice to Centre, Gujarat on relief camps (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 22. The Supreme Court today granted six weeks time to the Central Government to 

file its response on imple mentation of its action plan to prevent sexual abuse of women and children. A 

three-Judge Bench com prising Justice V.N. Khare, Jus tice Ashok Bhan and Justice Arun Kumar granted 

further time on a petition filed by Shak-ti Vahini alleging that the 1998 action plan was gathering dust and 

that none of the recom mendations had been implemented. Pursuant to the court directions, the Centre 

had set up a committee on prostitution, child prostitutes and children of prostitutes and devised plan of 

action to combat trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of women and children. (Hindu 23.10.02)

Withdraw ordinance, minorities’ panel tells Jayalalithaa (7) 

CHENNAI, OCT. 22. The State Mi norities Commission today asked the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, 

Jayalalithaa, to with draw the controversial ordi nance banning "forcible religious conversions", 

une quivocally stating that it would trigger "social tension" and "disharmony" in the State. A day after 

Christian and Muslim leaders called on the Chief Minister and demanded a repeal of the ordinance, the 

members of the State Minorities Commission visited the State Secretariat today and handed over a 

memorandum to Ms. Jayalalithaa, highlighting what they called "vague provisions" of the law which gave 

room for "misinterpretation and misuse". (Hindu 23.10.02) 

Top court issues notices on Mahashweta Devi petition (7) 

New Delhi, Oct. 22: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre, Gujarat 

government and National Human Rights Com mission on a petition filed by Jnanpith A ward-winner 

Mahashweta Devi on the Gujarat riots. While issuing the notices, the court directed that the petition 

be tagged along with the one filed by noted artiste Mallika Sarabhai on the riots. Apart from 

Mahashweta Devi, 29 other public person alities like Bhishm Sahni, Dileep Padgaonkar, Ashok 

Vajpayee and Shubha Mudgal are also backing the petition. The petitioners have request ed the court to 

issue a direc tive to the state government to reopen the relief camps till all rehabilitation work is com pleted. 

(Asian Age 23.10.02) 

24 th October 

Court frowns at minorities education strike (7) 

Chennai, Oct. 23: The agita tion by minorities and dalits against the Tamil Nadu ordi nance against forced 

conver sions received a setback on Wednesday with the high court expressing displeasure against 

their move to close educational institutions for a day on Thursday and the Jayalalitha government 

threaten ing to withdraw aid to institu tions joining the strike. Demanding the withdrawal of the ordinance 

passed a few weeks ago in the state, several minority organisations and dalit groups threatened a series 

of agitation pro grammes, including closure of all educational institutions, prayers and public rallies on 

Thursday. The meeting that chief min ister Jayalalitha had with some of the minority leaders did not help. 

(Asian Age 24.10.02) 

TN minority institutions closure illegal (7) 

CHENNAI, OCT. 23. The Tamil Nadu Government today warned of a cut in grants for minority- managed 

educational institutions if they went ahead with token closure tomorrow, against the ordinance banning 

forcible conversions, even as the Madras High Court said students should not be dragged into the protest. 

With the institutions announcing that 6,000 schools and colleges would remain closed tomorrow, the 

Education department issued a circular declaring the closure "illegal". A copy of the circular was submitted 

before the First Bench by the Advocate-General, N.R. Chandran, when a batch of petitions seeking a 

direction to the Government that it take action against the institutions planning the closure without 

permission from competent authorities came up for hearing. (Hindu 24.10.02) 

25 th October 

Statewide fast, prayer against TN black law (7) 

CHENNAI, OCT. 24. In another major show of solidarity among minorities, Christians and Muslims today 

observed fast in the city in support of their demand for immediate repeal of the Tamil Nadu ordinance 

banning forcible religious conversions. Dalits also joined the two communities in what was described as an 

effort at mobilising public opinion. The fast and prayer programme was organised all over the State. About 

6,000 educational institutions run by minorities remained closed and their staff participated in "fasting 

prayer". In Chennai, it was organised at St. Andrew's Church, Egmore. Prayers and songs, interspersed 

with speeches by leaders, marked the fast. Thousands of men and women, in addition to students, 

flocked to the church all through the day. (Hindu 25.10.02) 

Marandi for missionary schools (7) 

New Delhi, Oct. 24: At a time when the Sangh Parivar outfits particularly the Vishwa Hindu Parishad are 

up in arms against Christian missionaries in BJP-ruled Jharkhand, chief minister Babulal Marandi wants 

more missionary-run schools and colleges in the state. In a move to "reduce" the burden on the state

exchequer, the chief minister has come up with a plan to "encourage" trusts and NGOs, including 

missionaries, to set up more educational institutions in the state. However, Sangh Parivar outfits like 

Vidyabharati, which fall in the cate gory of NGOs, will also share the "bur den" with the missionaries. 

Sources disclosed that apart from reducing the burden on the state exchequer the chief minister favoured 

missionary and NGO-run educational institutions for their professional and dedicated approach. (Asian 

Age 25.10.02) 

VHP pamphleteering worries Christians in Dangs (7) 

AHWA (DANOS), OCT. 24. There is apprehension among Christians in the tribal-dominated Dangs district 

in south Gujarat over a "Ram katha" dis course organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad-supported Shree 

Sabrimata Seva Samiti at Subir village, near the district headquarter of Ahwa. The ostensible reason for 

holding the "Ram Katha" by the famous Gujarati "kathakar" (narra tor), Morari Bapu, is to collect funds for 

con structing a Shabrimata temple at the site wherein the Ramayana age Shabri was believed to have met 

Lord Rama and fed Him fruits. 

The pamphlets released by the Seva Samiti claim that Subir village is the spot where Shabri waited for 

Lord Rama as it believed that Dangs was the original "Dandakaranya" of the Ramaya na age. The holding 

of Ram katha by Morari Bapu is nothing new in Gujarat and every year the nar rator is invited by various 

organisations in vari ous parts of the State and even abroad attracting lakhs of people. (Hindu 25.10.02) 

26 th October 

Youth killed for probing riots (7) 

AHMEDABAD, OCTOBER 25: AN 18-YEAR-OLD was stabbed to death in Saraspur area on Thursday, 

reportedly for making inquiries about people who ransacked his house during the post-Godhra riots. Khalil 

Aziz Mansuri, a resident of Jhalampur Mill Chawl in Saraspur area, was was found with multiple stab 

wounds on Thursday in the compound of Vima Yojna Hospital in the same area. He was taken to 

Shardaben General Hospital and later shifted to the Civil Hospital, where he succumbed to his in juries in 

the evening. Shaherkotda police have registered a case of murder and are investigating. (Indian Express 

26.10.02) 

27 th October 

Muslim money aids conversions: Naidu (7) 

Chennai, Oct. 25: The BJP on Saturday strongly defended as most necessary the recent ordiance by the 

Tamil Nadu government banning forced conversions and called for a national debate on the issue as a 

prelude to a similar law being enacted in all BJP-ruled states as well. The BJP strongly of the view that this 

law is most necessary. A lot of money is coming into the country from Islamic organizations to aid 

conversions, BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu told reporters here. (Asian Age 27.10.02) 

28th October 

Thousands gather for national integration meet (7) 

Yamunanagar, October 27: SEVERAL RELIGIOUS heads on Sunday gathered at Yamunanagar to 

address around 50,000 people with different faiths in a bid for peace and national integra tion. Last held in 

1978, this year's meet had the distinct shadow of Gujarat. "Muslims are scared. Not because there were 

riots in one state, but because they were state-sponsored and the state head allowed one community to 

become the victim of another's hatred," says Pir Hafiz Hussain Ah-mad, a popular religious leader and the 

organiser of the meet. He went on to elaborate 1 how the incident had put the minorities on their guard, 

"We now take extra precau- r tions while talking lest 1 something offensive escapes e our lips," he said. 


Church priest beaten up in Orissa (7) 

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 27: Tension prevailed in the tribal-dominated Sundergarh district as the priest of a 

local church was severely beaten up by vil lagers on Friday. According to Oriya daily Dharitri, some 

villagers of Diuli under the Bhasma police station in Sunder-garh district reportedly roughed up the priest 

and burnt a few Bibles while the priest allegedly tried to convert the tribals by giv ing them money. When 

the matter was revealed, the enraged villagers dragged the priest down to the vil lage worshipping stage. 

They beat him black and blue, the report stated. The villagers left him at a dilapidated house after the 

father fell unconscious fol lowing the severe manhan dling. (Asian Age 28.10.02)

29 th October 

Hindutva bodies spreading terror (7) 

JAIPUR, OCT. 28.The human rights organisa tions in Rajasthan have charged the Hindutva bodies and 

the BJP of spreading terror among the Christian population in Ajmer for facilitating re-conversions. The 

terror tactics, unleashed by them during the past one month after an alleged crimi nal incident involving a 

Catholic priest in Bhawani Kheda village near Nazirabad on September 9, had led to re-conversions of 

125 Rawat families who had embraced Christianity about 95 years back, they said. A team of PUCL 

members, which went to Bhawani Kheda, 30 kms from Ajmer on a fact-finding mission, said in its report 

that a criminal incident, involving a priest was being made use of to run a hate cam paign against the local 

Christian popula tion. "The issue was politicised by the vested interests. The hate campaign is making 

even the ordinary Hindus inse cure," D.LTripathi, vice president of the Rajasthan PUCL, who led the team 

said. (Hindu 29.10.02) 

Notice sent to TN on pastor’s petition against conversion law (7) 

Chennai, Oct. 28: The Madras high court on Mon day sent a notice to the Tamil Nadu government on 

a petition from a Christian mission ary challenging the recent ordinance banning forced conversions, 

arguing that it violated freedom of religion guaranteed by the Constitu tion. 

Pastor Thangaraj of Thiruvallur district, about 50 km from Chennai, in his petition, has sought a court 

order declaring the ordinance null and void, besides being unconstitutional. He has also sought a stay on 

the ordi nance, pending disposal of his petition. Terming the ordinance as "ill-conceived," the pastor said it 

would harm the social fabric of the country and hurt the efforts towards the upliftment of the deprived and 

oppressed. "There is also fear among the minorities that the law will become a tool for Hindu 

fundamentalists to pre vent even voluntary conver sions," the pastor said. (Asian Age 29.10.02) 

31 st October 

Conversion Bill introduced in T.N. Assembly (7) 

CHENNAI, OCT. 30. Amid stiff objections from the Opposition parties barring the BJP, the controversial 

Bill banning "forcible" religious conversions in Tamil Nadu was introduced by the Finance Minis ter, C. 

Ponnaiyan, in the State Assembly today. The Bill retains all the contentious provisions of the recently 

promulgated ordinance, which was greeted with fierce protest from leaders of minority organisations and 

Opposition parties. The ordinance had slapped a penalty of a maximum of four years imprisonment and 

Rs. 1 lakh fine for converting SC\ST, women and minors and one-year imprisonment for priests who fail to 

inform the district magistrates about each conversion they have performed. . The Opposition Congress, 

the DMK, the Left parties and the PMK, which have already given notice for a motion disapproving the 

ordinance, opposed the Bill at the introductory stage itself. (Hindu 31.10.02) 

1 st Nov. 

Violation of right: Paswan (7) 

New Delhi: Oct. 31: The former Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Pary chief, Ramvilas Paswan today 

criticized the law against forcible conversions in Tamil Nadu and termed it a violation of a citizen’s 

fundamental right. He said the Bill would lead to serious constitutional implications as Article 25 of the 

Constitution provided the right to every citizen to practise, profess and propagate his or her religion. 

(Hindu 1.11.02) 

Only one relief camp remains for riot victims in Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad, Oct. 31: One of the last relief camps for riot victims at Haj House here was closed down on 

Thursday. This leaves just one relief camp open in the city — Qureshi Hall, which houses about 70 

families from Naroda and Chamanpura. Around 100 people staying at the Haj House camp were directed 

to vacate the premis es despite their pleas that they had no houses to go to. Irreg ularities in compensation 

and its distribution have made matters worse for them. 

The relief camp organiser at Haj House in Kalupur, Ayub Khan, informed The Asian Age that about 100 

people, especially from Jalampuri ni chawl in Saraspur and few areas in Vatva, have not received any 

compensation and have been unable to rebuild their homes. "The main problem is that someone else has

claimed compensa tion in the name of riot vic tims from the district collec tor's office," he said. (Asian Age 

1.11.02) 

Aided minority institutions subject to regulations: SC (7) 

NEW DELHI, OCT. 31. In a signif icant ruling, the Supreme Court today re-defined the rights of 'minorities' 

to establish and run y educational institutions of their choice. It held that while unaid ed minority institutions 

would -have unfettered rights, aided in stitutions could be subject to minimal regulatory measures by the 

state. An 11-judge Constitution Bench, headed by the Chief Jus tice, B.N. Kirpal, in an unanimous verdict 

on the 11 questions framed by the Court held that the words "of their choice" in Article 30 (1) "indi cates 

that even professional educational institutions would be covered by Article 30". On the question "who 

constitutes a minority", the Bench said, "The linguistic and religious minorities have to be consid ered on 

the basis of States and the population therein as the States were reorganised on the basis of language." 

(Hindu 1.11.02) 

Anti-conversion Bill passed in Tamil Nadu (7) 

CHENNAl, OCT. 31. Despite strong opposition, the controversial Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of 

Religion Bill was today passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly with the AIADMK and the BJP outvoting the 

combined opposition of the DMK, the Con gress, the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Left parties. Although 

the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, maintained that the Bill was only intended to prevent forcible conversions, 

her argu ments in the course of the three-hour de bate were against conversion itself. "Conversions create 

resentment among several sections and also inflame religious passions, leading to communal clashes." 

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Ms. Jayala lithaa sought to justify a ban on all con versions. Gandhiji, she said, 

had stated that conversions were harmful and that if he had the power to legislate, he would have stopped 

all proselytising activities. She claimed that conversions only led to the isolation of the converted. (Hindu 

1.11.02) 

Church welcomes ruling (7) 

New Delhi, Oct. 31: The Supreme Court’s verdict on the right of the minorities to administer 

educational institutions was by and large welcomed by the church, though the All India Muslim Personal 

Law Board said it would react after studying the entire judgment. The board said it would consult other 

minority institu tions before commenting. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India welcomed the 

judgment but said a detailed reaction would be issued tomorrow. CBC1 deputy director Donald D'Souza 

said: "We are very happy with the overall judgment." D'Souza, however, said though the minority 

educational institutions were given full right over their managements, giving states regulatory rights should 

not amount to interference by the states in the management and administration of the insti tutions. 

(Telegraph 1.11.02) 

2 nd Nov. 

HC rejects plea against Togadia (7) 

NEW DELHI (PTI): Delhi High Court has came down heavi ly on a petitioner seeking initiation of criminal 

proceedings against Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Praveen Togadia for his alleged utterances against 

minorities and Congress presi dent Sonia Gandhi. The court said actions of both the parties were 

motivated with the the sole desire of publicity. "By filing such a petiti on, you want to keep the issue alive. If 

we issue notice, the matter will be before the court and keep revolving and you will get publicity every 

time," it said while "dismissing as withdrawn" a public interest litigation by advocate Anel Sirohi. (Telegraph 

2.11.02) 

3 rd Nov. 

Children of Gujarat riots relive terror daily (7) 

New Delhi, Nov. 2: "I see my brother shouting for help, his body is full of blood, crying and shouting with 

pain. I will become a terrorist once I grow up and kill as many as I can." This is the voice of chil dren who 

are growing up on memories of communal ten sions that ravaged Gujarat earlier this year. Bruised to the 

soul, the communal riots has left many between 5 years to 15 years afflicted with severe post traumatic 

stress disorder, which may affect their lives for years to come if left unas sisted. A report on the psychological 

health of the vic tims of the disaster brought

out by a group of NGOs like Action India, Oxfam India and Nimhans shows that chil dren are one of the 

worst-affected by the riots. A report presented at the International Congress of Adolescent and Child 

Psychi atry held in New Delhi shows that all these children have varying degrees of psycho logical stress 

and a signifi cant number of adolescents are victims of severe post-trauma stress syndrome need ing 

.medical assistance. (Asian Age 3.11.02) 

4 th Nov. 

Could Hindus run minority institutions in J&K, N.E? (7) 

New Delhi : WELCOMING THE Supreme Court decision on minority institutions, the RSS on Friday said: 

"One of the most important aspect of the judgement is that the mi norities will now be decided at the State 

level." This would mean that the Hindus will be able to run their institutions in the states where they are in 

minority like in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Nagaland and Mizoram etc. the RSS spokesman Ram 

Madhav told The Pioneer. It will have far reaching consequences for the Hindus who were not considered 

minorities in these states, he added. The RSS spokesman said there were many other good aspects in 

this judgement that has been delivered keeping the spirit of the Constitution in mind. (Pioneer 4.11.02) 

6 th Nov. 

More violence in Ahmedabad (7) 

Ahmedabad: The Gujarati New Year celebrations on Tuesday were marred by spo radic incidents of 

violence in various parts of the city. The police resorted to teargas shelling and lathicharge to disperse 

rioting mobs. An argument between two persons, belonging to different communities, over the renting of a 

bicycle took a communal turn at Kamdar Maidan in Gomtipur. According to the police, three persons, 

including a woman, were injured in stone-pelting by the mob. (Times of India 6.11.02) 

Minorities in APCC flex muscle (7) 

Guwahati, November 5: THE RULING Congress here risks facing a severe backlash from its tradition ally 

strong vote block — the minorities, who have warned of communal vio lence if the Governor con tinued to 

make controver sial statements on Bangladeshi influx and re peal of the IM (DT) Act. At a meeting of the 

mi nority department of the As sam Pradesh Congress Com mittee (APCC) here on Tues day, the leaders 

adopted a resolution expressing con cern over the "derogatory and unwarranted state ments", the leaders 

said the Governor's remarks might lead to communal violence. In what is likely to cause many red faces, 

the leaders also came down heavily on the party and the govern ment for leaving them in the lurch after the 

elections. Al most all the resolutions ex pressed dissatisfaction over the non-implementation of the poll 

promises made to the minorities. (Hindustan Times 6.11.02) 

An conversions in Kerala too, demands forum (7) 

Thiruvananthapuram: The Hindu Aikya Vedi, a United Hindu Forum in Kerala, has demanded an 

Ordinance ban ning conversion in Kerala like the one promulgated in Tamil Nadu. Vedi chairman 

Satyananda Saraswati said such an ef fort would indeed promote social harmony He said, all countries had 

laws to pre serve their cultural identity and religion. It is only in In dia that a free-for-all has been generated. 


Christian council wants more Dalit students in minority institutions (7) 

BANGALORE, NOV. 5. Welcoming the Supreme Court verdict in the minority educational institutions 

issue, the Global Council of Indian Christians has urged the State Governments to withdraw the 

Government Orders issued against the letter and spirit of minority rights in matters relating to ad mission, 

appointment and administration as en shrined in the Constitution. It also requested the Prime Minister to 

convene a State Educational Ministers' meet to review their policies in the light of the verdict. "This order is 

an acknowledgement by the Court of the highest order maintained in Chris tian minority institutions. 

Institutional heads should now reinvigorate these institutions with Christian values and principles. A model 

that is contemporary and relevant to society should be evolved," it said. The verdict was an opportunity to 

improve the condition of the poor and the needy Christians and other marginalised people. During the 

Court hearing, the lawyers oppos ing the continuation of minority educational rights said that many 

institutions were not ad mitting an adequate number of students of the Christian community on the ground 

that they were lacking in academic achievement or that the higher fee income from resourceful students 

was required for financial self-sufficiency. (Hindu 6.11.02)

Assam minorities slam Governor for comments on influx (7) 

Guwahati, Nov. 5: The minori ty cell of the Assam Congress today urged the Centre to "re strain" the 

Governor, Lt. Gen. (retd) S.K. Sinha, from making "derogatory remarks" about the minority community. 

Most members actually wanted the Governor removed for allegedly exceeding his brief, but the minority 

cell did not in corporate the demand in the list of resolutions because the gov ernment would probably not 

favour such a big step. However, the comments heard at the meeting left nobody in doubt that Gen. 

Sinha's recent statements on infiltration and the Illegal Migrants (Determina tion by Tribunals) Act had offended 

the minority community. "How did the Governor find out that there are 40 lakh illegal mi grants in 

Assam?" A.F. Golam Osmani asked. (Telegraph 6.11.02) 

8 th Nov. 

Violence erupts in Ahmedabad (7) 

Ahmedabad, Nov. 7: Eight persons were injured in police firing and stone-throwing in a fresh outbreak of 

communal violence in Gomtipur and Dani Limda localities in old Ahmedabad today. A latenight PTI report 

said 15 persons were injured in the incidents. (Hindu 8.11.02) 

9 th Nov. 

60 arrested for Ahmedabad rioting (7) 

Ahmedabad: More than 60 persons were arrested during the communal clashes that erupted in the city on 

Thursday even as tempers seemed to have cooled down on Friday. The accused have been charged with 

physical assault, arson and looting. The late evening violence in Gomtipur area on Thursday, that had left 

nine persons injured, six shops gutted and two vehicles torched, was crushed with a heavy hand by the 

police which fired 18 rounds and used 98 teargas shells to control the riotous mobs. (Times of India 

9.11.02) 

11th Nov. 

VHP men disrupt Christian meet, police deny incident (7) 

MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 10: VHP activists today reportedly tried to disturb a conference of Christians at a 

Malad school According to Dr Abraham Mathai, a member of State Minority Commission, the incident 

occurred around 6.15 pm. Mathai said today was the last day of the five-day Holy Spirit Conference. 

Around 50 activists, around 50 in num ber, barged into the premises of Ryan International School by 

scaling the wall and began breaking furniture and loudspeakers. He said 5,000 delegates from all over the 

city were present. ACP Madhu Shinde dismissed the incident, saying,"Nothing of the sort has happened. 

Some residents were against the on-going conference for five days. Hence they objected to it and there 

was a heated argument between the two groups." Shinde added,"We are investigating the matter." This is 

the third incidence of alleged VHP violence against Christians in the city in the past two months. (Indian 

Express 11.11.02) 

12 th Nov. 

Six killed as Lyngdoh tours Gujarat (7) 

Ahmedabad: November 11 SIX people w«re killed and sever al injured in a fresh bout of com munal 

violence in Gujarat the day Chief Election Commission er J.M. Lyngdoh toured the state to review 

preparations for next month's assembly elections. Three people were stabbed dead and a shopkeeper 

was killed and his son injured in an explosion in Kheda, soon after Chief Minister Narendra Modi held an 

election rally there. The stabbings took place when two groups clashed and fought with stones, sticks and 

knives. Peace was restored only after several rounds of police firing. Several arrests were made. The 

violence was sparked by an argu ment during.some street cricket. Reports of clashes also came in from 

Dosaj village of Mehsana district late Monday evening. Two people were killed and 14 injured. (Hindustan 

Times 12.11.02) 

Kerala priests to discuss temple entry (7) 

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 11: HINDU PRIESTS, heads of various Hindu bodies and seers will meet at 

Kottakkal Kerala's Malappuram district on November 24 to discuss whether doors of temples should be 

opened to all, irrespective of religion. In most temples in Ker ala, non-Hindus are not al lowed entry.

Famous play back singer K. J. Yesudas is an ardent devotee of Guru-vayurappan and Ayyappan, and has 

sung several songs for the deity. But he was denied entry in the temple on the ground that he was born a 

Christian. Similarly, poet Yusufali Kecherry, who has penned some of the best songs on Lord Krishna, is 

not al lowed to enter the Guruvayur temple because he is a Muslim. Two years back, when Congress 

general secretary Vyalar Ravi's son's mar riage was held in Guruvayur Temple, a purifica tion rite was 

performed to cleanse the temple premis es since Ravi's wife is not a Hindu. (Hindustan Times 12.11.02) 

Godhra Muslims boycott yatra (7) 

Nov. 11. — Muslims in Godhra boy cotted Mr Narendra Modi's Gaurav yatra today, the first visit by the 

chief minister to the town after the carnage of 27 February. Communal violence flared up again in Gujarat 

today with at least four persons being killed and several injured in stray incidents across the state. Irked 

by posters showing General Pervez Musharraf on one side and Mr Modi on the other, members of the 

minority community in Godhra won dered why they were being identified with the Pakistani President. 

"We are Indians and our forefathers fought for Independence too," a Mus lim living near the station said. 


15 th Nov. 

VHP tells Modi to ban Iftar parties (7) 

Ahmedabad, Nov. 14: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad wants the Narendra Modi govern ment in Gujarat to 

"co-oper ate" and take out the contro versial yatra despite the Elec tion Commission ban. "If there can 

be Iftar parties why can there not be Hindu pro cessions," the VHP has asked. Dr Pravin Togadiya, the 

brain behind the yatra will be announcing the VHP decision tomorrow noon. A section of the VHP led by Dr 

Togadiya wants to violate the Election Commission directive and go , ahead with the yatra but the RSS is 

of the opinion that the VHP should give up its stance. The RSS feels that the ban could actually 

benefit the BJP and VHP if they are able to "market" it well. An RSS leader told The Asian Age, "The ban 

could bring gains to the BJP for it could help in consolidating the idea of Hindutva." (Asian Age 15.11.02) 

17 th Nov. 

Legal eagles worry about minority institution order (7) 

New Delhi, Nov. 16: Suggesting that the recent Supreme Court judgment on the minor ity educational 

institutions has not satisfied all segments of society, legal luminaries and educationists on Saturday held a 

threadbare discussion on the judgment and expressed concern over the "powers that it has conferred on 

the. state." While some of the speakers were of the opinion that the judgment has "further whit tled down 

the rights of the minority," others said the vulnerability of the minority institu tions has now increased. 

(Asian Age 17.11.02) 

18th Nov. 

2500 students to act against Gujarat riots (7) 

Mumbai, Nov. 17: NGO Rashtriya Yuva Sanghatana has picked up more than 2,500 college students 

from all over India to stage plays against communal forces in Gujarat. These street plays will take place in 

all the districts of the state in its run-up to the Decem ber elections. Former national convenor of the 

Sanghatana and a member of its national com mittee Prerana told The Asian Age that batches of students 

and youths are being sent to Gujarat who will work in 40 constituencies upto December 12 and educate 

the people on the risks of a communal government. (Asian Age 18.11.02) 

20 th Nov. 

Conversion charges fall apart in TN (7) 

THENI, NOVEMBER 19: WITHIN weeks of the passing of the anti-conversion or dinance in Tamil Nadu, 

police in Theni district in the state re ceived two complaints against Christians. But police have concluded 

that there is np ba sis for the complaint in either case and do not intend initiat ing any action against those 

in volved. So much so that not even an FIR has been regis tered in the two cases. First, Sivan Seyal (55) 

of Vengala Nagar, near here, lodged a complaint with the Allinagaram police, objecting to a church that 

was coming up near his place at the instance of pastor Paul Manickam. Seyal said in his complaint that 

the pastor was construct ing the church without any per mission, as well as alluring the public of Vengala

Nagar to convert to Christianity, promising them that he would get them loans and also bring in basic 

amenities to the colony. (Indian Express 20.11.02) 

21 st Nov. 

Shekhawat sees threat to national integration (7) 

NEW DELHI, NOV. 20. In his first major public pronouncement as the presiding officer of the Rajya 

Sabha, the Vice President, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, today sought to rise above his life-long association 

with the BJP, expressing concern over "a serious threat to the bonds of national integration as also the 

secular fabric of our Republic". He reminded the members that rulers have to "be guided by Raj Dharma". 

Mr. Shekhawat was thanking the Rajya Sabha for felicitating him as the Chairman of the House. He 

regretted that "manifestations of social and religious disharmony have sadly been on the increase" and 

suggested a "proactive effort towards weaving a stronger secular fabric". Reminding the members that the 

enemies of India were using terrorism as a weapon to stall the country's development, he said in order to 

combat the menace, it was imperative that we remained united and shared the vision of a resurgent India. 

(Hindu 21.11.02) 

22 nd Nov. 

Citizens’ report indicts Modi Govt for riots (7) 

Ahmedabad: In the worst-ever indict ment of the BJP government in Gujarat after the communal riots, the 

Con cerned Citizens' Tribunal, headed by re tired Supreme Court judge Justice Kr ishna lyer, released a* 

Comprehensive report on the "genocide" in which over 1,000 people were killed. 

Talking of the state's complicity in the violence, the report, released on Thursday, said: "The post-Godhra 

car nage in Gujarat was an organised crime perpetrated by the chief minister and his government." It also 

names the state's chief secre tary, home secretary and director gener al of police as "accused" in the eyes 

of the victims. The report is expected to be submitted to President A P J Abdul Kalam on Friday. Titled 

'Crime Against Humanity' the report runs into two huge volumes, and is based on as many as 2,094 

statements. The report has not spared anybody. But it specially mentions Modi in the chapter on 'state 

complicity'. (Times of India 22.11.02) 

23rd Nov. 

BJP members stop Buddhist meeting over book contents (7) 

BHOPAL: BJP MLAs today disrupted an international Bud dhist convention inaugurated by Qhief Minister 

Digvijay Singh within the Assembly premises in Bhopal, protesting against the contents of a book being 

sold there. Party MLA Karan Singh Verma said the book, Ramayanba ke Mahapatra by K.M. Sant 

contained objectionable parts about Sita. There was an uproar inside the Assembly as well when Leader 

of Opposi tion Babu Lal Gaur attempted to read out portions from the book BJP MLAs marched into the 

hall where the convention was on and raised slogans. They had a scuffle with Home Minis ter Mahendra 

Bodh. (Indian Express 23.11.02) 

BJP slams report on Gujarat massacres (7) 

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party today rubbished the Justice Krishna Iyer Concerned Citizens 

Tribunal report on the Gujarat massacres, while the Congress promised all possible legal action on the 

report if voted to power, including arrest and trial of the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi who has 

been directly indicted by the Tribunal for the post Godhra violence. "The report is entirely false, it is full if 

lies and is politically motiva ted," the BJP spokesperson, Vijay Kumar Malhotra, said even as he admitted 

that "neither the party, nor the Gujarat Government, nor any Hindu organisation cooperated with the 

Tribunal." Its conclusions were foregone, Mr. Malhotra added, even as he lashed out at 

"pseudo-secularists and Hindu haters". (Hindu 23.11.02) 

24 th Nov. 

Christian leaders meet Deshmukh (7) 

MUMBAl, NOV. 23. Christian lead ers on Friday met the Maha-rashtra Chief Minister, Vilasrao Deshmukh, 

and conveyed their apprehensions about the di-I minishing safety for the com munity after a "spate 

of ' attacks". ' According to a press release, ' the delegation, including Mr. ' Abraham Mathai, Secretary of 

the All India Christian Council, | who is also a member of the ' State Minorities Commission, was

assured of the Govern ment's commitment to their welfare. The delegation complained that though the 

community has been targeted — their prayer sessions interrupted recently at a school, for instance — the 

po lice had been "inactive in bring ing the communal forces to book (Hindu 24.11.02) 

25 th Nov. 

People should speak against intolerance (7) 

CUTTACK, NOV. 24. The eminent journalist and MP, Kuldip Nayyar, today warned that India like the 

former Soviet Union will disin tegrate if the people fail to speak out against religious intolerance and 

injustice. Delivering the Nabakrushna Choudhury memorial lecture here, Mr. Nayyar regretted that the 

spirit of tolerance, accommodation and human values was slowly shrinking and "we are not speaking out 

against the injustice corruption and intolerance". 

Mr. Nayyar said politicians who were supposed to build the country had betrayed it and what happened 

during the emergency still persisted. He said politicians had destroyed the country and politics had sunk to 

an all-time low. Today, Rajya Sabha seats are being openly sold and even the political parties are 

charging a fee from 'House aspirants'. In Parliament at least 20 per cent of the members are 

history-sheeters, (Hindu 25.11.02) 

Absence of pre-emptive measures led to carnage (7) 

NEW DELHI, NOV. 24. Taking a strong view of the failure of intelligence agencies to anticipate the 

potential dangers of the Godhra carnage earlier this year, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on 

Empowerment of Women noted that it was the absence of pre-emptive measures which led to the 

violence, death and destruction of the magnitude witnessed. In its report on 'Violence against women 

during riots', tabled in the Lok Sabha recently, the com mittee took a stern view of the fact that instead of 

taking preventive measures, the violence was sought to be explained as a fall-out of Godhra. Also, it noted 

with regret that no effort had been made by the State machinery to either confiscate the widely circulated 

hate literature or identify those responsible for the circulation, which further vitiated the atmosphere. 

(Hindu 25.11.02) 

26 th Nov. 

BJP MLAs disrupt Buddhist meet (7) 

Bhopal: A group of BJP MLAs forced their way into the venue of the International Buddhism Conference 

here on Monday and disrupted it, alleging that the organisers were distributing a booklet which insulted 

Ram, Sita and Hanuman. The booklet "is dirty, has vile intentions and has portrayed Ram, Sita, Hanuman 

and even Krishna in a light which would hurt every Hindu's senti ments", said Bhagwan Das Sabnani, BJP 

district president, who sat on a dharna protesting against its distribution. Trouble started after the inauguration 

when chief minis ter Digvijay Singh left for a Press conference. As the first session got 

underway, BJP's leader of the Opposition Babulal Gaur, ac companied by MLAs, rushed to the state 

assembly auditorium, went up to the dais and shouted that the stall outside was dis tributing a booklet 

which de graded Hindu Gods. 

Subsequently, the BJP ac tivists took to the streets, burnt copies of the booklet and staged a dharna. 

Home minister Ma-hendra Baudh, who is convener of the Buddhist meet, said the government would give 

a fitting reply to the BJP. (Times of India 26.11.02) 

28th Nov. 

14 foreigners embrace Hinduism (7) 

KOZHIKODE, NOV. 27. Fourteen foreign nationals who are here to attend an international sym posium 

on Vedic astrology have embraced Hinduism. The con version ceremonies were per formed at the office of 

the Arya Samajam here in the last two days. Two of them later got married according to Hindu re ligious 

rites at the Azhakodi Devi temple here. The Arya Samajam "purohit" (priest), Indrajit Singh, who performed 

the rituals to initiate the foreigners into Hinduism, told The Hindu that he had received a few more 

similar requests. The foreign nationals having the U.S. and British passports have assumed Hindu 

names. (Hindu 28.11.02) 

29 th Nov.

VHP carrying out hate campaign: Christian council (7) 

BHUBANESWAR, NOV. 28. Express ing concern over the incidents of attacks on Christians in Orissa 

during the past few months, the Global Council of Indian Christians has alleged that the Ekal Vidyalayas 

(single teacher schools) run by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the tribal dis tricts of the State were carrying 

out a hate campaign against the-Christians. "The Ekal Vidyalayas were in dulging in hatemongering and 

perpetrating hatred against Christians by assiduously build ing up hate zones, and the Christian community 

in those areas were living in fear," ac cording to Sajan K. George, na tional convener of the Council. While 

appealing to the Cen tral Government to institute a CB1 inquiry into an incident of burning of the Bible in 

Sundargarh recently and such other at tacks in different parts of the State, the Council also urged the 

National Commission for Mi norities to protect the Chris tians in the tribals areas of Orissa. (Hindu 

29.11.02) 

30 th Nov. 

SC gives Babri VIPs a reason to celebrate (7) 

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 29: THE 10th anniver sary of the Babri Masjid demolition a week away, the 

Supreme Court today effec tively pushed back the chances of Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani and 

Cabinet ministers Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharati being ever tried for their alleged complicity. A 

bench headed by Chief Justice of India G B Pattanaik endorsed the 

Mayawati Government's decision to split the already delayed case into two. This is despite the Allahabad 

high court's order in February 2001 upholding the framing of charges against 

the three ministers and over 40 other accused arraigned by the CBI. (Indian Express 30.11.02) 

Law against genocide needed (7) 

MUMBAl, NOV. 29. In the absence of any law in the country against genocide, it would be "difficult to have 

the Gujarat Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, prosecuted in any interna tional court," according to Justice 

(retd.) P.B. Sawant, a member of the Citizens' Tri bunal that studied the Gujarat violence. His colleague, 

Justice (retd.) Hosbet Suresh added: "For such trials, there has to be a law in the country where the 

offence took place." They made out a case for a law against genocide. The two were responding to media 

questions after the "third" release of the report Crime Against Humanity' prepared by a panel headed by 

Justice (retd.) V.R. Krishna lyer of the Supreme Court on the Gujarat Carnage — they had already been 

released in Ahmedabad and Delhi and would be re-pleased soon in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bangalore and 

Chennai too. (Hindu 30.11.02) 

2nd Dec. 

BJP manifesto talks of anti-conversion law in Gujarat (7) 

AHMEDABAD, DEC. 1. The Bharatiya Janata Party to day released its election manifesto — a mixture of 

Hindutva and the constitutional obligation of secularism — for the December 12 elections to the Gujarat 

Assembly. The manifesto, which the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, preferred to call his party's "resolve 

rather than just promises," gives no sops for the members of the battered minority community except 

assuring them of "peace and safety as well as development and progress" for all religious and linguistic 

minorities as required under the Constitution. But, the party has promised to en act an anti-conversion law 

and "study the utility of madrassas (religious seminaries) in the 21st century." It has also promised to set 

up a Sanskrit University and an Ahimsa University to carry for ward the promises made by the previous 

BJP Government. (Hindu 2.12.02) 

Modi plans to form youth commando force (7) 

Ahmedabad, Dec. 1: Devoid of a single mention of Godhra or the communal riots that rocked Gujarat, the 

BJP released its 15-page Hindutva-tinged manifesto, making terrorism one of its main planks for the 

forthcoming Assembly elections. The BJP promises arms training and weapon licences to all those 

interested in countering terror ism and fighting Pakistan and its evil designs. Gujarat chief minister 

Narendra Modi said all this will be done under the aegis of Sudarshan Suraksha Kavach in coordination 

with the defence ministry, but his idea of creating a Gujarat regiment has raised eyebrows for it aims to 

create an organised band of militant youths at the government cost. (Asian Age 2.12.02) 

4 th Dec.

Anti-conversion law gets assent (7) 

CHENNAI, DEC. 3. Despite opposition from po litical parties, minorities organisations and human rights 

activists, the Governor, P. S. Ramamohan Rao, has given assent to the controversial legislation 

prohibiting forced religious conversions. The Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Forcible Conversion of Religion 

Act, which bans con versions by "force, allurement or fraudulent means," received the assent and was 

notified in the gazette yesterday. Although there were apprehensions that the law could be misused 

against the minor ities and Dalits, the Governor gave the assent to this measure and other Bills passed by 

the Assembly in the monsoon session. 

Several organisations had represented to the Governor that he refer the legislation back to the Assembly 

for reconsideration, hut after having promulgated an ordinance banning conversions just weeks before the 

House was convened, the Governor appar ently did not think it imperative to return the legislation. (Hindu 

4.12.02) 

5 th Dec. 

Pamphlets at Aland cause a flutter (7) 

GULBARQA, DEC. 4. The Karnataka Home Minister, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday took serious 

note of pamphlets circulated by the Aland Taluk Hindu Jagruti Samiti (ATHJS) calling for an economic 

boycott of Muslims and directed the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police to identify 

those who circulated the pamphlet and initiate action. When presspersons brought to his notice the 

circulation of the pamphlets, a surprised Mr. Kharge said the district administration would step up its 

intelligence gathering to identify the culprits, The pamphlet warns Hindus against buying any commodity 

from shops owned by Muslims. It says Hindu lshopkeepers should not sell any products , to Muslims and 

that those who violate this 'fiat will be fined Rs. 500. It also says Hindu farmers should not sell their 

produce to Muslim wholesale agents and that Hindus should not engage Muslims for any work in their 

shops or houses. (Hindu 5.12.02) 

6 th Dec. 

Book on Gujarat riots released (7) 

New Delhi: Gujarat: The Making of a Tragedy, a collection of articles exam ining the recent communal 

violence in the state, was released at the Habitat Centre on Thursday. Edited by Siddharth Varadarajan, 

deputy chief of bureau of The Times of India, the book is an attempt to form a permanent "public archive" 

of the com munal carnage that rocked Gujarat ear lier this year. 

"Information that existed at the time of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi has receded from public memory. 

We must not let the same thing happen today It is important to remember the impact of 

Gujarat on contemporary India," said Varadarajan. Drawing upon eyewitness reports from English, Hindi 

and the regional media, citizens and official fact-finding commissions, the book examines why Gujarat was 

"allowed to burn". All roy alties and a matching share of the pro ceeds from the sale of the book will go 

towards relief of Gujarat riot victims. (Times of India 6.12.02) 

7th Dec. 

Conversion ceremony in Chennai a damp squib (7) 

Chennai, December 6: A MUCH-HYPED mass con version by thousands of Dalits turned out to be a damp 

squib as less than 100 volunteers turned up for the conversion ceremony. While organisers blamed police 

clampdown on volun teers heading for the venue in a Chennai suburb, the po lice said no one had been 

stopped. "More than 40 vehi cles carrying Dalits wanting to convert had been prevent ed from entering 

Chennai. Also, the police threatened workers, who were putting the pandal for the ceremo ny," complained 

G. Ranganathan, president of the Scheduled Castes Forum, which organised the cere mony. The 

conversion was aimed at challenging the new anti-conversion law of the Jayalalitha Govern ment. Till in the 

afternoon, the function looked like any other evangelical meeting with pastors addressing a small 

gathering. Thereafter, speaker after speaker criti cised the caste-ridden Hin du system as an abominable 

curse on hapless Dalits. (Hindustan Times 7.12.02) 

8 th Dec. 

Christian council cxondemns attack (7)

BANGALORE, DEC. 7. The Global council of Indian Christians has condemned the attack on five 

Christians in Sauncer, Madhya Pradesh, and demanded that the Chief Minister take action against the 

Sangh Parivar activ ists involved in the attack. In a press release here today, the council demanded that 

the State Government ensure the protection of the Christians liv ing there. A Christian worker of the 

Bharatiya Sevak Sangati and four Bible school students were beaten up and later forced out of Sauncer, 

70 km from Nagpur, by a mob of about 50-60 people armed with sticks on Tuesday. They were also 

threatened with dire consequences if they re turned to the town. (Hindu 8.12.02) 

7 th Dec. 

Conversion message to Jaya (7) 

Chennai: Two rounds of conver sions unfolded here today to send a mes sage to the Jayalalithaa 

government that a controversial new law will not succeed when people want to leave Hinduism on their 

own and fight caste oppression. The promised thousands did not make it to the event, christened 'mass 

conversion mela but the organisers—blamed the low turnout on a police cordon thrown over night on roads 

leading to the venue on the outskirts of the city. Instead of the scheduled 5,000,50 Dalits embraced 

Buddhism and 30 Christianity. The organisers — the All-India Confedera tion of Scheduled Castes/Tribes 

Organisa tions —said the symbolic gesture was inte nded at proving that the new state law aga inst 

"forcible" conversions would not slow the rate of switchover from Hinduism. (Telegraph 7.12.02) 

10 th Dec. 

VHP: Gates’ AIDS donation could fund conversions (7) 

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 9: The VHP has protested against Microsoft chairman Bill Gates' donation for the 

eradi cation of AIDS in India. The organisation said that it feared the funds could fall into the hands of 

Christian organisa tions that carry out religious conversions. Addressing a press confer ence here on 

Monday, the VHP's international president Ashok Singhal said, "Mr Gates was provided with wrong 

statistics about the pre vailing rate of AIDS in India." He said that there are international conspiracies to 

encourage conversion by pro viding funds in the name of different schemes. He demanded a thorough 

scrutiny of foreign donations coming to the country and said that its utilisation must also be investigated 

"Huge foreign aid to the tune of around Rs 10,000 crore is pouring in into the country every year. (Asian 

Age 10.12.02) 

16th Dec. 

Muslims worried (7) 

AHMEDABAD, DEC. 15. As the Bharatiya Janata Party workers celebrated the party's resounding success 

in the Gujarat Assembly elections by burst ing crackers and taking out victory processions, a sense of 

fear and apprehension seems to have gripped the minority community battered in the recent communal 

riots. The BJP workers raised the "Jai Shri Ram" slo gan, borrowed from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, to 

hail the party's victory. There were also occa sional shouts of "vande mataram" and "BJP zindabad". As the 

processions passed through the Muslim-dominated areas, people preferred to stay indoors and watch the 

bursting of crackers from windows or balconies. The minority leaders refused to comment on the BJP 

victory even as some Congress leaders admitted that the "fatwa" of the Muslim clergy asking their 

followers to vote only for the Con gress did more damage to the party by polarising the Hindu votes in 

favour of the BJP. (Hindu 16.12.02) 

17 th Dec. 

Vadodara tense, stray violence continues (7) 

VADODARA, DECEMBER 16: THE victory celebrations may be over but not the violence. 

Gashes erupted again in some lo calities of Vadodara late on Mon day, with stone-pelting groups 

leav ing six persons injured. Police said clashes were re ported from Nagarwada, Macchipeeth, 

Fatehpura, Mandvi, Panigate and Hathikhana areas. Over a dozen teargas shells were lobbed to 

keep mobs from fighting in the narrow bylanes of the walled city. A few kiosks in the Nagar wada 

and Fatehpura were torched. Earlier during the day, former minister and newly-elected BJP MLA 

Bhupendra Lakhawala was greeted with stones and brickbats when he visited Dabhi Falia in 

Bawamanpura locality. Police and paramilitry forces escorted him out of the rnohalla. Lakhawala

had reportedly gone there to inspect a cabin and other property belonging to his supporters, 

which were dam aged in Sunday's clash. (Indian Express 17.12.02) 

18th Dec. 

Muslims won’t leave Gujarat but won’t live as second-class citizens (7) 

THE BJP victory in a Gujarat is a sad day for not just Muslims but for the whole country. The party rode to 

power on the strength of Muslim blood and tears. It is shocking that most Gujarati Hindus have agreed 

with the Modi-Togadia line of hatred for Mus lims. The entire BJP cam paign was based on rejecting 

Muslims as terrorists and Pakistanis. Five million Gujarati Muslims have practically been marginalized. 

Ours is a poor community with a high rate of illiteracy. But asdversity will make us stronger in the days to 

come. Muslims are not going to leave Gujarat. Nor will we live as second class-citizens on the charity of 

the Sangh Parivar. (Indian Express 18.12.020) 

Violence still on in Rajkot, Vadodara (7) 

Rajkot/Vadodara: Three persons were injured in po lice firing, while several oth ers sustained minor injuries 

as mob frenzy continued in Vadodara till the wee hours of Tuesday. Incidents of ar son were reported from 

Bhavnagar city also. In Vadodara, mobs went on a rampage in several areas. Violence continued till about 

1.30 am on Tuesday. In an at tempt to quell the rioting mobs, the police fired six rounds and lobbed 28 

teargas shells. Trouble began in the Nawabwada area of the city, when mobs belonging to dif ferent 

communities started pelting stones on each other. 

A religious place near the Nagarwada police outpost was also attacked. In Fatehpura area, intense rioting 

took place in the Kumbharwada and Panjrigar Mohalla areas. (Times of India 18.12.02) 

Death to those who oppose Hindutva, says Togadia (7) 

New Delhi: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) general sec retary — and cancer surgeon — Praveen Togadia 

said on Tuesday that all those who opposed Hindutva philoso phy would, like cancer pa tients, live under a 

death sen tence, which would be exe cuted by the people. He was answering a jour nalist who asked him 

whether he wasn't spreading the poison of cancer through his anti-minority propagan da. Not at all, he 

said, it was those who opposed Hindutva who had cancer and lived in daily danger of dying. And, the 

Gujarat elections, he said, had proved that 'Hindu-bashing' did not yield politi cal dividends in India. A 

bellicose Togadia, high on the Sangh Parivar's victo ry in Gujarat, said the BJP would not be allowed to 

aban don the Hindutva agenda in the state, and exhorted it to "dismember Pakistan". In dia, he said, had 

been a Hin du nation, was a Hindu na tion and would continue to be so, and within the next two years, 

everyone in the coun try would have to acknowl edge it. (Times of India 18.12.02) 

Tribal forum to oppose conversions (7) 

Guwahati, Dec. 17: The growing oppo sition to the increased activities of the Christian missionaries 

acquired a new dimension with the formation of the North East India Janajati Faith and Cul ture Protection 

Forum, apparently backed by Sangh parivar, to counter these activities. 

After the conclusion of the two-day 'Convention on Janajati Faith and Cul ture' organised by the forum, 

forum pres ident Bikram Bahadur Jamatiya on Mon day expressed deep concern over the role of the 

Christian missionaries in mass conversions carried out in the tribal areas of this region allegedly taking 

advantage of the innocence and lack of proper knowledge of the tribal people. 

According to Mr Jamatiya, over 9 per cent of the total population of Tripura have converted their faith, out 

of which four per cent are Jamatiyas. He held the poor socio-economic condition of the tribal and wrong 

government policies responsible for this and cautioned that conversion of faith and culture will ultimately 

lead to the disintegration of the country. (Asian Age 18.12.02) 

22 nd Dec. 

VHP, Sena bid to perform puja at Qutab foiled (7) 

New Delhi, Dec. 21: Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Sant Mahamandal and Shiv Sena on 

Saturday made an abortive bid to perform puja inside Qutab Minar premis es in the city. The attempt was 

unsuccessful, but left the monument with heavy security inside and confused tourists outside. The police 

stopped the activists, led by Swami Pragyananda of the Mahamandal, from reaching the Minar. The 

activists were demanding the right to perform "puja" at the pro tected monument, which they claim was

"constructed by demolishing 27 Hindu and Jain temples:" Around 150 activists who had gathered were 

stopped from entering the protected monument and later arrested. (Asian Age 22.12.02) 

23 rd Dec. 

Christians slam VHP honour for mother of Dara Singh (7) 

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 22: CHRISTIAN organisa tions today expressed "utter disgust" at reports of 

VHP president Vishnu Hari Dalmia honouring the mother of Dara Singh, the prime accused in the killing of 

Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two children. The honour shows "ex treme callousness 

towards the feelings of the Christian community", the organisa tions said. "We expected no differ ent from 

this group of peo ple, who have said that they will carry out the experiment of fascist comrnunalism they 

showed in the Gujarat y genocide to other states as well," a statement issued by the All India Christian 

Council and All India Catholic Union said here. 

"We had, however, ex pected that national leaders such as Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee and others in 

BJP would feel hurt and express their outrage at this travesty," they said. (Indian Express 23.12.02) 

24 th Dec. 

Curfew imposed in Rajasthan town (7) 

JAIPUR, DEC. 23.Gangapur town in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan was brought under curfew 

today following clashes between members of two communities the previous night. Though not relat ed, two 

localities in Chittorgarh district— Kapasan and Parsoli --and Kaman in Bharatpur also reported communal 

tension after reports of miscreants damaging idols. In another incident, related to the kidnapping of a local 

boy and his subsequent death, the people in Bari town of Dholpur district surrounded the local police 

station and damaged some public prop erty. Many persons were reportedly injured in the violence and the 

police action which followed. The people were demanding the re moval of the police personnel from the 

station for their "mishand ling" of the case which led to the death of the boy, Saurabh. Gangapur had 

witnesses communal clashes in March this year when a group of persons tried to stop the Moharrum 

procession. In the police action which followed a person was killed. That time despite a ban on his entry, 

the VHP leader, Pravin Togadia had slipped into the area to address a rally. Mr.Togadia had addressed a 

meeting in Gangapur on December 14. (Hindu 24.12.02) 

25th Dec. 

One killed in Vadodara violence (7) 

VADODARA, Dec. 24. -One person was killed and several others were injured in a fresh bout of 

communal violence in the sensitive Navapura area of the city tonight, two days after a new government 

was instal led in Gujarat. Police said the deceased, a 55-year-old man, was kil led in stone-throwing. The 

victim, who was reportedly riding a two-wheeler, was shifted to a nearby hospital where he was declared 

brought dead. Police used teargas shells to disperse members of two communities who indulged in arson 

and stone-pelting. What sparked off the vio lence was not immediately known, they added. (Statesman 

25.12.02) 

26 th Dec. 

Shop set afire, curfew continues (7) 

JAIPUR, DEC. 25. A shop was set ablaze by miscreants last night even as an indefinite curfew continued 

for third consecutive day today in the troubled Gangapur area of the Swai Madhopur district, the police 

said. However, the blaze was promptly put out by a fire tender and no damage was reported, it said here. 

Meanwhile, as many as 29 people had been arrested and six cases registered in connection with 

Monday's violence involving members of two communities. A curfew had been imposed in the township as 

tension arose following the clashes which left two injured. (Hindu 26.12.02) 

Attack on church in West Bengal (7) 

Kolkata: In an unprecedent ed attack on a church in West Bengal's Nadia district, crim inals injured half a 

dozen people during the midnight mass on Tuesday. They also looted money and valuables from the 

church safe and the devotees. The police said that twenty armed criminals were in volved in the attack. 

However, the Bangiya Christiya Pariseba general secretary Herod Mullick said more than 40 people were

in volved in the raid. The criminals hurled bombs inside the church, be fore storming the prayer hall where 

about 1,200 devotees were present, deputy inspec tor general of police (head quarters) Narayan Ghosh 

said in Kolkata. (Times of India 26.12.02) 

Three killed in Pak. Church attack (7) 

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 25. Three persons were killed and at least 10 in jured tonight when unidentified 

assailants hurled explosives in a United Presbyterian church in Pakistan's central Punjab province, police 

said. The attack took place at 8:30 p.m., when two men wearing "burqas" (veil) threw hand grenades into 

the church dur ing an evening Christmas service, an Interior Ministry official said here. No one has so far 

claimed responsibility for the incident. Security had been stepped up in Pakistan ahead of Christmas 

celebra tions, The attack came the same day that police announced that they I had found explosives and 

ammunition near a heavily-guarded fp church here. Church officials feared they had been the intended 

target of an attack, but went ahead with yuletide services. (Hindu 26.12.02) 

Inter-religion meet calls for peace, social harmony (7) 

New Delhi, December 25: AN INTER-RELIGION dia logue marked Christmas cel ebrations at the Sacred 

Heart Cathedral in the Capi tal. Besides conducting the Christmas mass, the Cathe dral also provided a 

platform to leaders of various reli gions to share their views. Among those who partici pated in the inter-faith 

meet were Delhi Archbishop Vin cent M Concessao, Swami Gokulanand of Rama Krish na Mission, Hindu 

leader Swami Nityanand, Jew leader Ezekiel Malekar, Dr V.K. Merchant of Bahai faith, Rev. Katsu 

Monuchi representing the Buddhist faith, Sadhvi Sadhna repre senting Jains and some Sikh leaders. They 

called for peace and harmony among all sections of society. This was the second meet of its kind. Delhi 

Archbishop Concessao started these meetings. "The message of Christ that religion is meant to bind 

people, and not divide, is meant for everyone includ ing those who are not Chris tians," said Archbishop 

Con cessao at the meet. (Hindustan Times 26.12.02) 

27 th Dec. 

Christian families return to Hinduism (7) 

Rampur: As many as 130 Christian families returned to Hinduism at a function held in Tanda town of 

Rampur district. The function, arranged by the Religion Renaissance Division of the Rashtriya 

Swayamsewak Sangh, was attended by many Hindu leaders. (Asian Age 27.12.02) 

Council condemns Christmas attacks (7) 

NEW DELHI, DEC. 26. The All-India Christian Council has con demned violence against Chris tians in India 

and Pakistan in the days preceding Christmas. In a statement here today, the council said that attacks on 

places of worship were "no or dinary crimes". The Christmas night attack on a church in Punjab in Pakistan, 

it said, "was well-planned and designed to terrorise the minorities". The bomb attack in West Bengal, 

in which the priest and worshippers were robbed, but no arrests made, was "equally sinister". Seeking to 

draw a distinction between India and Pakistan, it said anti-Christian violence was a "way of life in Pakistan 

and the Government did little to contain the open and more subtle social violence against minorities." 

What was necessary was "prompt and expeditious action by the authorities to show the world how 

different secular In dia is from Pakistan". (Hindu 27.12.02) 

Pak. Church attack: four detained (7) 

ISLAMABAD, DEC. 26. Four per sons, including a cleric preach ing at a mosque, have been detained by 

the Pakistan police in connection with the grenade attack on a church in the Chian-wala village of the 

Punjab prov ince on Christmas Day that killed three persons and injured 14. Many people, most of them 

children and women, were at tending special prayers in the United Presbyterian Church in Daska at the 

time of the attack. A police officer was quoted as saying that two of the four who have been detained are 

mem bers of the banned militant out fit, aish-e-Moharnmad. They had "received armed training... at a Jaish 

centre in Pakistan." (Hindu 27.12.02) 

30 th Dec. 

Kalam to open Kolkata Jesuits' meet, RSS says it's unfortunate 

NAGPUR, DECEMBER 29 : STOKING controversy, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief K S Sudarshan 

today described the proposed inauguration of a Jesuits' conference by President Abdul Kalam as "very

unfortunate". The conference is scheduled to begin on January 21 in Kolkata. Speaking at a function to release 

Hindu, Musalman Ani Kh-risti, a compilation of newspaper articles written by RSS spokesman M G 

Vaidya, Sudarshan described Jesuits as Pope's soldiers who are given deeksha by the Pope himself on 

an oath that prescribes violent and barbaric means to decimate all those who don't follow the Roman 

Catholic religion. "Our President going to inaugurate the confer ence is very unfortunate," he re marked. 

(Indian Express, 30-12-2002) 

Attack on Church - Police attempt a poor cover-up 

THE storming of a Catholic Church by a big armed gang JL at Tehatta in Nadia close to the 

Indo-Bangladesh bor der during midnight mass on Christmas Eve when Rs. 2 lakhs were looted from the 

Church locker and valuables worth Rs. 28 lakhs were snatched from those in the congre gation is clearly a 

commentary on the state of lawlessness in West Bengal's key border district. What is shocking is that the 

dacoits were allowed to escape to their sanctuaries in Bangladesh. The police confirm this. No less 

intriguing is laxity in security arrangement around the Church although the area is known to be highly 

crime prone. To escape blame police have invented the conversion theory and are planting storie,s 

suggesting the attack was the result of the bad blood created by the local Church offering ; inducements to 

convert Hindus and Muslims. If this were ; true there would have been manifestations of communal 

tension and disharmony; there was none. Official investigation should focus on police inaction. It is an 

open secret that a section of the police, in areas like Nadia and other bordering districts, are hand in glove 

with criminals engaged in smuggling a variety of items, including cattle, across the border. The police 

should turn" the searchlight inwards instead of offering unstateable theories in the attempted cover up. 

Planting stories of communal disharmony without any basis and to hide their inefficiency and corruption is 

to play with fire. (Statesman, 30-12-2002) 

Christians, Muslims under fire at re-conversion function. 

KHALLARI (CHHATTISGARH), DEC.29. The Vishal Hindu Sangam organized here to mark the 'ghar 

vapsi' (re-conversion) of 250 Christian families offered a platform to the 'dharmacharyas' to spew venom 

against Christianity and Islam while calling upon the Hindus to unite and fight the missionaries who 

'indulged' in conversions and followers of Islam 'responsible for spreading ter rorism' in India. So much so, 

Baba Balak Das, regional head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) described Mother Teresa as ' 

dayan' (witch). The function had been organized by the Dharma Raksha Samiti of Mahasamund district 

and the re-conversion j ceremony was carried out by the Bharatiya Janata i Party (BJP) MP, Dilip Singh 

Judev, who has been instrumental in 'ghar-vapsi' programmes for the t past many years. Though Mr. 

Judev was comparatively softer in t his choice of words while calling upon the Hindus to unite and check 

the growth of missionaries and Islamic fundamentalism, it were c the saints who were all fire and 

brimstone. Mr. Judev said re-conversion was a service to nation f as the converts were carried away by 

the glitter of t the Western life-style. "They may have changed i their religion but they cannot change their 

ances- 1 tors or their blood," he said while adding that t their target in 2002 was to bring back 2 lakh 

Christians into the Hindu fold which they could r not fulfil due to lack of resources. "But we can c touch the 

5 lakh mark next year, if unite,'' he said f as he described the unique character of Chhattis- t garh where 

poverty, casteism, unemployment f and lack of health care facilities facilitated the p entry of missionaries. 

(Hindu, 30-12-2002)

MINORITIES - 2002 - Indian Social Institute

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