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BBC Documentary : Real Facts About Gujarat Riots 2002

Real Facts about Gujarat Riots 2002

By Arun RamasamyPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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In the year 2002, Gujarat riots were a series of communal riots that took place in the Indian state of Gujarat between February and April. The violence was sparked by the deaths of 59 Hindu pilgrims in a train fire, which was initially believed to have been caused by a Muslim mob, but later investigations revealed that the fire was accidental. However, the incident was used as a trigger by Hindu nationalist groups to incite violence against the Muslim community.

The violence that ensued resulted in the deaths of at least 1,044 people, most of whom were Muslim, and the displacement of around 150,000 others. The majority of the violence took place in the cities of Ahmedabad and Vadodara, as well as in smaller towns and villages. The riots were characterized by widespread looting, arson, and killings, with many of the victims being brutally murdered. Many women were raped, and there were also reports of forced conversions and forced marriages. The violence was particularly brutal and targeted against Muslim-majority areas.

There were many fake news spread by the main stream media , which induced or influenced hindus to attack on muslims. Even few newspapers regretted for spreading the news after few days, but it was much in vain as the damage was already done.

The Gujarat state government, led by Chief Minister Narendra Modi, was accused of failing to prevent the violence and of actively promoting it through the use of inflammatory rhetoric and the targeted use of state resources. There were also accusations of collusion between the police and Hindu nationalist groups, who were alleged to have played a leading role in the violence. In many instances, the police were accused of standing by and not taking action to stop the violence, while in other cases they were alleged to have actively participated in the violence.

The aftermath of the riots saw widespread condemnation from both domestic and international organizations, with the United States and United Kingdom revoking Modi's visa for his alleged role in the violence.

The Indian National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also issued a report criticizing the Gujarat state government for its handling of the riots. The report stated that the state government had failed to protect the lives and properties of the citizens, particularly the minority community and that the police had failed to discharge their duties impartially.

In addition to the deaths and displacement, the riots also had a significant economic impact on the state, with an estimated loss of $1 billion. Many Muslims were also left homeless and faced discrimination when trying to rebuild their lives. The riots also led to a deep mistrust and alienation between the Hindu and Muslim communities, which continues to this day.

In the following years, several trials were conducted against the accused, some were convicted and some were acquitted. Many victims and their families complained that the trials were slow and inadequate. In 2012, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Supreme Court of India submitted a report giving a clean chit to the Chief Minister and other politicians, stating that there was no evidence to prosecute them. However, the SIT report was criticised by many as being biased and inadequate. Many civil rights activists and victims of the riots have also alleged that the SIT did not properly investigate the role of the state government and that it ignored important evidence.

The Gujarat riots of 2002 remain a highly controversial and polarizing issue in India, with many people still deeply affected by the violence and its aftermath. The impact of the riots was felt not only by the victims and their families, but also by the entire Muslim community in Gujarat and the country. The riots have also had a lasting effect on the political landscape of Gujarat and India, with many political observers seeing them as a turning point in the rise of Hindu nationalist politics in the country. The then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who was in charge during the riots, went on to become the Prime minister of India in 2014, despite the allegations against him and the criticism of his handling of the riots.

The Indian Union government has criticised a recently released BBC documentary on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The BBC documentary highlights a previously unpublished report, obtained by the BBC from the British Foreign Office, which raises questions about Mr Modi's actions during the Gujarat riots.

The Gujarat riots of 2002 continue to be a dark chapter in India's history, and the government's handling of the issue

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About the Creator

Arun Ramasamy

Nature Lover, Just go with the flow, techno freek.

Do what you can.. don't when you cannot.

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