Date:21/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/21/stories/2008012154921000.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Welcome verdict

The conviction of 12 persons for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and the massacre of other members of her family during the post-Godhra riots in 2002 is welcome. The inhuman atrocity against a pregnant Bilkis and murder of women and children expose the cruellest face of the communal carnage — an indelible blot on our nation. The communal forces are following the same tactics in Orissa. There is an urgent need to awaken from our slumber and defeat such forces in the elections.

Hem Raj Bansal,

Roorkee

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The verdict marks the triumph of justice after six long years and will restore the confidence of the common man in the rule of law. The conviction of 12 persons is a victory for not just the brave witnesses; it is a landmark verdict for human rights defenders. Since most incidents of communal violence were politically engineered, shielding the guilty was part of the investigation into the post-Godhra riots. It is, therefore, commendable that the Supreme Court directed the CBI to reinvestigate the Bilkis Bano case. One hopes all the victims of post-Godhra riots, which have disturbed the conscience of the nation, will get justice.

T. Marx,

Karaikal