MINORITIES - 2002 - Indian Social Institute

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.
(Times of India 23.5.02)
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)