Gujarat not vibrant and shining; says Setalvad

Ahmedabad, Feb 26 (UNI) Even after five years of the 2002 Gujarat Carnage, the State government has not only failed to provide justice to the riot-affected people of the State but has also failed miserably in rehabilitating and compensating them, Head of the Civil rights group for justice and peace Teesta Setalvad today alleged.

Addressing a gathering at a programme 'Sach Ki Yadein, Yadon Ka Sach', Ms Setalvad criticised the Gujarat government's claim for Vibrant and Shining Gujarat.

As of today virtually nothing has changed, she said.

Where is the vibrancy in the State. Each citizen should live happily in a place where vibrancy existed, she added.

She alleged the theatre owners refused to screen 'Parzania', a film based on Gujarat riots in view of persisiting threat from communal and fascist people.

Ms Setalvad reminded the people that Justice Shah Commission was appointed by the government to enquire into the 2002 Gujarat carnage but after much hue and cry from the social organisations, it was compelled to add Justice Nanawati on the commission.

She said Chief Minister Narendra Modi had showed his willingness to appear before the commission but was not ready for cross examination. She apprehended that the commission should not be a puppet commission in the hands of Modi government.

She also asked the victims of the riots to come out to know the truth behind the unfortunate incident.

Ms Setalvad alleged that some of the high ranking officers, who provided all documentary evidence before the commission against the State had been targetted.

Out of the 214 people still languishing in jails under POTA, only five are Hindus', she said.

Several organisations here have joined hands to recall the 2002 carnage by hosting a six-day event, 'Sach Ki Yadein, Yadon Ka Sach' beginning here from today.

The event has been planned with a view to ''restore the dignity of victims and serve as a continuing reminder.'' The six-day programme would include seminars, talks with the carnage survivors, film shows, dramas, street plays and painting exhibitions.

Among the organisations which have come together to organise the event are Action Aid, Aman Samuday, Amdavad Muslim Women's Association, Anala, Awag, Behavioral Science Centre (BSC), Centre for Development, Citizens for Justice and Peace, Communalism Combat, Darpana, Darshan, Drishti, Himmat, Insaf, Loknaad, Manav Kalyan Trust, Nawo, Oxfam, Prashant, Rangkarivi, Safar, Shrwaru, Samerth, Samvedan, Sanchetna, St Zavier's Social Service Society, Women's International league for peace and freedom and Urjaghar.

UNI