Rights body objects to interim Godhra report in election year

Ahmedabad, Mar 28 (UNI) A rights body representing the post-Godhra riots victims today opposed the reported move of the Nanavati-Shah Commission to come out with an interim report, fearing that political parties could use it as a ''weapon'' during the Assembly elections, due later this year.

Making a plea before the Commission, which is probing the February 2002 Sabarmati Express carnage and the riots that followed in its aftermath, Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM)'s advocate Mukul Sinha said any interim or part report on Godhra train burning issue could polarise the communities and their opinion and become a ''weapon'' in the hands of the political parties.

Earlier there were reports that the Commission may first come out with an interim report on the burning of the S6 coach, as hearing on the incident had been completed.

Dr Sinha said though a large amount of evidence has already been collected on the post-Godhra violence, but no inquiry has yet been held on the specific role and conduct of the Chief Minister, Ministers and other officials during the riots.

''As these references are wholly inter-connected, no separate report should be submitted which would give completely one-sided reports about the events,'' he said and called for a comprehensive report on both Godhra and post-Godhra incidents be given.

The Commission, however, maintained that it has not taken any decision on coming out with an interim report. ''In any case, we will seek the opinion of all parties concerned and then decide about it,'' one of the judges said.

The Manch, also submitted before the Commission a report prepared by Antarik Vishthapit Hak Rakshak Samiti, on the Government's failure to rehabilitate scores of riot-affected people who are still living in relief colonies without any civic amenties, even after five years.

''Thousands of people who had to flee from their homes during the post-Godhra riots and the Government has failed to provide them even basic amenities, five years after the incidents,'' the Samiti stated in its report, titled ''The Uprooted General and Between Existence and Denial''. It has also given a charter of demands on behalf of the affected persons.

UNI