What has happened in Gujarat is nothing short of a state –sponsored pogrom against the minority community. It is the beginning of the end of India of our dreams.

* We appeal to the leaders of political parties, in particular the allies of NDA to come out clearly on the side of India, take an unambiguous stand in defence of secular democracy, censure the Central Government and the Government of Gujarat and put an end to the nefarious and destructive designs of the "Hindutava" forces.

* To this end, they must insist on the immediate removal of Narendra Modi from Chief Ministership, on the recall of the present Governor of Gujarat, and on bringing Gujarat under the President's Rule.

*We demand that independent CBI investigation should be initiated as advised by the NHRC without delay.

* We demand that the Government of India set up a Judicial Inquiry Commission on the lines of the Jagmohan Reddy Commission.

*We demand that all those guilty of perpetrating the horrendous crimes in Gujarat, whether through direct participation, direction or encouragement or through criminal negligence or inaction, are punished under the law of the land, irrespective of the positions held by them.

*We demand that the relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the pogrom be placed under the control and supervision of an independent committee of eminent citizens not holding any position under the government. Relief and rehabilitation must include medical aid and psychiatric care and holding of school examinations at a later date for the victims.

* We demand that in the states ruled by democratic and secular forces, immediate action be taken to ban the RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal and other similar fascist outfits.

* We believe that extensive and continuing intervention in Gujarat is essential at different levels—cultural, educational, social and political. We dedicate ourselves to the task of restoring sanity and amity in our society in Gujarat and elsewhere.

Signed:

And 100 others