MINORITIES - 2002 - Indian Social Institute

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