MINORITIES - 2002 - Indian Social Institute

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