VHP observes 'Balidan Divas' in Godhra amid tight security

Godhra, Feb 27 (UNI) Amidst tight security, the VHP today observed 'Balidan Divas' here, to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Sabarmati train carnage that had triggered the worst-ever communal riots in Gujarat.

Two separate silent processions were taken out through the main thoroughfares of the ''communally sensitive'' town by the VHP and former BJP leader Nalin Bhatt to pay homage to the 59 victims of the train carnage.

In view of the prohibitory orders, both the rallies were stopped by police about 500 metres away from the ill-fated S-6 coach kept at the Godhra railway yard. The processionists dispersed after offering floral tributes to the 59 Kar Sevaks who were burnt alive in the coach following a mob attack on the train on February 27, 2002.

Even as no major communal violence had occurred here during the last five years after the train carnage, the town was virtually turned into a fortress today with deployment of heavy police force across the town. Since last night, mobile patrolling was also intensified at all vulnerable areas.

Police sources said the situation was peaceful here.

Mr Bhatt demanded payment of equal compensation to the families of the victims of the Godhra train carnage at par with those of the recent Samjhauta Express and Mumbai train blasts.

Criticising the UPA government, particularly Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, for pursuing a 'minority appeasement' policy in giving compensation to the train victims, Mr Bhatt said all the families of Godhra victims must be paid Rs 10 lakh as compensation instead of Rs 1.5 lakh sanctioned by the Railway Minister.

''This is a clear case of discrimination of Hindu victims. The Narendra Modi government in Gujarat must oppose this discrimination policy of the Centre,'' he said.

VHP sources said about 10,000 people, including local BJP MLA Haresh Bhatt, are expected to attend a special prayer meeting scheduled to be held at Prabhat Kunj society in the town this evening.

UNI