MINORITIES - 2002 - Indian Social Institute

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