The Hindu : Amnesty wants probe into Gujarat killings

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 05, 2002

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Amnesty wants probe into Gujarat killings

By Our Legal Correspondent

NEW DELHI MARCH 4 . The Amnesty International (AI) has sought an impartial probe into the killings during the communal violence in Gujarat and wanted those responsible to be brought to justice irrespective of their position, religious identity or political beliefs.

In a statement, the AI said it was deeply concerned about reports of widespread communal riots in Gujarat since February 27 in which more than 250 people — a large number of whom appeared to have been unarmed civilians — had been killed. The premier human rights organisation called upon the law enforcement agencies to ensure equal protection to all citizens and on all the parties involved to stop the cycle of violence and retribution.

Expressing concern over reports of inaction by the police and senior officials in the State in responding to violence, the AI said that law enforcement must be exercised by security agencies While welcoming the initiative taken by the National Human Rights Commission in issuing notice to the State seeking steps taken to contain violence, the AI said that the killings must be investigated promptly, effectively, independently and impartially

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