The Hindu : Muslim panel rejects talks with Hindu outfits

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 02, 2002

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Muslim panel rejects talks with Hindu outfits

By Our Special Correspondent

AHMEDABAD June 1. The Qaumi Relief Committee of Gujarat, formed at the behest of the National Minorities Commission to represent the interests of the Muslims in the riot-torn State, has rejected any negotiations with the Hindu representatives till the affected Muslims are "fully rehabilitated.''

The panel criticised the Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, for failing to implement any of the series of assurances given to the Muslims.

The Muslims had no faith in the Modi Government which had failed to protect the lives and property of the minorities, the panel chairman, Moulana Shabbir Ahmed, the Imam of Ahmedabad Shahi Jumma Masjid, said.

Talking to mediapersons here today, the Moulana and the panel general secretary, Shaukatkhan Tyrewala, said there was no question of holding talks with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Bajrang Dal, which they said were responsible for the carnage against the Muslims.

They cautioned all other Muslim organisations against holding talks in any capacity with the two outfits.

Mr. Tyrewala said 99 per cent of the affected Muslims were keen to return to their homes, but in some areas it was not possible because of the threats still being held out by the Hindu fundamentalists.

He said the Government should allocate lands in the neighbourhood of Muslim colonies and instruct the authorities concerned to formulate proper town planning schemes at the earliest.

Those returning to their homes should be given permanent police protection and the police officials should be held responsible for any communal disturbances in future.

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