The Hindu : NHRC warns Modi Govt.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jul 02, 2002

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NHRC warns Modi Govt.

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JULY 1. In light of the BJP-organised Gaurav yatras and the annual Jagannath yatra to be held in Gujarat from July 4, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strongly worded statement calling on the Gujarat Government to act in such a manner that "innocent residents of the State are not exposed, yet again, to violence or the threat to violence.''

The Commission, taking suo motu cognisance of the potential for violence of the yatras, drew attention to the fact that in 1985 and 1992 the Jagannath yatra had ended in large-scale rioting, despite the fact that the Army had been deployed in the city. It said it had received reports, including from its Special Rapporteur, P.G.J. Nampoothri, which suggested widespread apprehension, including in sections of the administration, that the yatras could re-ignite communal violence in the State. It said there was a possibility that the Gaurav yatras might be countered by rival rallies and that "the situation could become volatile for this reason as well''.

The Commission said it expected that the State Government — both at the political and administrative levels — would take the all necessary steps to prevent a situation that could endanger lives and property and lead to the violation of human rights. It reminded the Gujarat Government that it was responsible for any inaction, including on non-State players, that may "cause or facilitate the violation of human rights''.

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