Minority panel unhappy with Gujarat rehab work

NEW DELHI: It has been four years since the communal violence tore apart Gujarat in 2002, but the wounds that it left behind are still afresh for many in the state.

The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has expressed dissatisfaction over the Gujarat government's role in the rehabilitation of the 2002 riot-hit people in the state.

In its report to the union government, the NCM team, has observed that more than 5,000 Muslim families are living in makeshift colonies in four districts — Dahod, Panchmahal, Ahmedabad and Sabarkantha. And contrary to the Gujarat government's claims, not a single colony was found to be built nor was any land allotted by the state.

In fact, all the resettlement colonies were built by NGOs on private lands purchased at commercial rates. The work was done primarily by a range of Muslim organizations and NGOs, the NCM report said.

“The team noted that the state was not upbeat in providing rehabilitation to those who could not return to their homes after the riots,” the report added.

Worst, most of the residents were denied basic civic amenities like schools, dispensary, drinking water, street lights and sanitary facilities in the camps.

“Even the ration cards issued were given as Above Poverty Line instead of Below Poverty Line. This makes a big difference, since BPL cardholders are entitled to foodgrains, cereals, kerosene and other items at subsidised rates,” the report said.

The team also received several complaints about the hostile attitude of police towards those who are vocal about the problems.