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home > News/Analysis > News Archive
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News : Archive (January-March 2004)
- Candidate Advani takes a softer line
Times News Network, March 30, 2004
Advani declared here on Monday that the second leg of the Bharat Uday Yatra, to start on Ramnavami at Porbandar on Tuesday, would focus only on development. Talking to newspersons soon after he filed his nomination papers as the BJP candidate for Gandhinagar, he said,“We will highlight the same issues as in the first leg — good governance, development and leadership.” He termed good governance ‘Ram rajya’.
- Advani: Secular in south, saffron in Gujarat
Advani trying hard to sell BJP's moderate image
Hiral Dave/Express News Service, Rajkot, March 26, 2004
Bharat Uday Yatra is all set to roll from Porbandar on March 30.
In Kanyakumari, where the Bharat Uday Yatra kicked off on March 10, Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani bent over backwards to show off a secular face.
- Best Bakery case: SC reserves order
Times News Network, March 24, 2004
NEW DELHI : The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its order on a limited question whether the Gujarat High Court could be asked to consider fresh evidence in the Best Bakery case, even as counsel for the acquitted accused criticised the media for its bias against them.
- Indian Activists Hail Dutch NGOs' Call to UN on Caste, Riots
Rahul Verma, OneWorld South Asia, 24 March 2004
NEW DELHI, Mar 24 (OneWorld) - Indian activists are supporting a demand by eight Dutch nongovernmental organizations(NGOs) to raise the issue of human rights violations in India at the ongoing session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
- Gujarat govt joins Zahira in Best Bakery
Rakesh Bhatnagar, Times News Network, March 23, 2004
NEW DELHI: The Gujarat government on Tuesday joined Best Bakery carnage case key witness Zahira Shaikh in urging the Supreme Court to consider additional evidence given by witnesses and decide whether the trial court and the high court were justified in acquitting all the 21 accused.
- ‘Protect key witnesses in Gujarat riots’
Express News Service, March 15, 2004
The Supreme Court today asked the Centre to identify key witnesses in the nine Gujarat riot cases where trial has been stayed on its orders, for the purpose of providing them security by central police forces like the CRPF.
- Gujarat riots will not happen again: Vajpayee
geo.tv, March 16, 2004
Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, has vowed that Gujarat bloodshed will not happen again.
- The Rubbish that Surrounds Ayodhya
By: Mukul Dube, 16 March 2004
Pt. Vajpayee, the Elder Statesman seeking to explain a "natural" human reaction, has said that the Ayodhya dispute is a matter of "emotions". Implicit in this is the assumption that emotions are in some way above the law and beyond the reach of rationality itself.
- SC admits Gujarat plea in Best case
Times News Network, March 13, 2004
NEW DELHI : Acquitted both by the trial court and the Gujarat High Court, all the 21 accused of killing 14 people in Best Bakery in Vadodara two years ago were on Friday issued notices following a belated appeal filed by the state government in the Supreme Court.
- Advani blames Muslims for Gujarat riots
webindia.com, March 13, 2004
Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani on Saturday condemned the 2002 religious bloodshed in Gujarat but said it was provoked by a Muslim mob.
- Gujarat riots make Om Puri join Cong
Times News Network, March 10, 2004
MUMBAI: Well-known actor Om Puri, who joined the Congress here on Tuesday, caused considerable embarrassment to the party by giving his own explanation as to why Sonia Gandhi had retained her Italian passport for as long as 16 years after marrying Rajiv Gandhi.
- Two Years Later, Advani Says Gujarat Riots A Blot
Financial Express, March 8, 2004
Describing the Gujarat riots of 2002 as a “blot” and an “aberration”, deputy prime minister LK Advani has said except for those “unfortunate” events the tenure of the NDA government has been remarkable in terms of ensuring security and economic development.
- VHP slams Advani's remarks on Gujarat
ndtv.com, March 8, 2004
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today reacted strongly to Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani's statement that Gujarat riots were a "blot" and an "aberration".
- HC drops name of Govt pleader in Madina gang rape case
Press Trust of India, March 8, 2004
The Gujarat High Court on Monday dropped the district government pleader of Panchmahals as party in the revision application filed in the Madina Bibi gangrape-cum murder case of post Godhra communal riots.
- CBI arrests second policeman in Bilqis case
keralanext.com, March 6, 2004
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Friday arrested a second policeman in Gujarat in connection with the rape of a pregnant woman during the 2002 sectarian violence in that state.
- Gujarat govt. files 109 affidavits before Godhra riots commission
By IndiaExpress Bureau, March 5, 2004
The Gujarat government has filed before the two-man commission comprising Justice (retd) G T Nanavati and Justice (retd) K G Shah 109 replies so far in the form of affidavits by various departments including police regarding their role and duty during the post-Godhra communal violence.
- Gujarat High Court summons prosecutor in case
keralanext.com, March 3, 2004
In an unprecedented move, the Gujarat High Court has asked a public prosecutor of a lower court to appear before it Monday as a party in a case related to the 2002 sectarian violence in the state.
- Panchmahals riots case inspector suspended
Press Trust of India, March 3, 2004
Gujarat police has suspended an inspector for “poor investigation” in two of the four post-Godhra communal riot cases in Gujarat involving gangrape and murder that was instructed to be “investigated properly” at the behest of the Supreme Court.
- Another riot mother stands up to ask for justice, HC listens
MADINABIBI: She saw daughter raped, killed; accuses prosecutor of bias
Express News Service, March 1, 2004
After Zaheera Sheikh, Bilkis Yaqoob Rasool, it’s Madinabibi Shaikh—slowly, Gujarat riot victims are standing up to ask for justice. And the courts are stepping in.
- Gujarat again? Is it not enough?
By: Mukul Dube, 28 February 2004
No, I am not tired of writing about Gujarat. I realise that fewer people will pay attention to my ranting, because Gujarat is no longer news, because it has become old hat. I realise that many are bored with it, having read and seen so much about it. I can see that the media are on the prowl for fresh meat.
- Gujarat still divided on communal lines
NDTV.Com, Saturday, February 28, 2004
Even two years after the Gujarat riots Muslim families continue to relocate to Muslim dominated localities of the city.
Hindu families are also moving out of Muslim areas. Many have foregone years of co-existence and moved to new homes and say they no longer feel safe in their old houses.
- Activist seeks justice for Gujarat riot victims
NDTV.Com, Saturday, February 28, 2004
Gujarat activist Mukhtar Mohammad continues to risk his life to ensure that justice is done.
It was Mukhtar's intervention that brought Bilkis Rasool's story to the attention of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
- RSS criticises report on misuse of donations
Times News Network, February 28, 2004
AHMEDABAD: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has taken strong objection to a report released by Awaaz, a UK-based organisation, which has claimed that donations made by British citizens for the Gujarat earthquake and the Orissa cyclone were actually being used to sponsor anti-minority violence.
- Centre's response sought on protection of Gujarat victims
Rakesh Bhatnagar, Times News Network, February 27, 2004
New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to take initiative in giving protection to witnesses in cases relating to federal offences and fundamental rights violations.
- Two die in Hindu-Muslim clash in India's Gujarat
Reuters, 27 Feb 2004
Ahmedabad, Two people were killed in clashes between Hindus and Muslims in India's volatile state of Gujarat ahead of the second anniversary on Friday of the country's worst religious riots in a decade.
- SC seeks response of Govt on protection of riot victims
Press Trust of India, February 27, 2004
Supreme Court on Friday sought response by March 15 of the Union Government on the demand of witnesses in the Gujarat riot cases for protection by central forces like CRPF.
- India refuses visas to charity investigators
Sam Jones, The Guardian, February 27, 2004
The Indian government has refused to grant travel visas to Charity Commission investigators examining a UK-based Hindu charity, the Guardian has learned.
- British Public Funding Anti-Minority Program in India, Alleges New Report
Rahul Verma, OneWorld South Asia, 26 February 2004
NEW DELHI, Feb 26 (OneWorld) - A new report released in the United Kingdom Thursday claims the British public is donating millions of dollars as charity to organizations linked to Indian groups accused of spearheading a campaign against minorities in India.
- RSS raising money in Britain under false pretences: report
By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS, London, Feb 26, 2004
A Britain-based group has alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its allied organisations have been raising money in Britain under false pretences.
The report, titled "In Bad Faith? British Charity and Hindu Extremism" and released Thursday, alleges RSS activists had siphoned off money donated to help in disaster relief.
- India: Gujarat -- Denial of Justice for Victims
Amnesty International, 26 February 2004
The organization reminds the international community that those crimes remain unpunished and appeals for sustained pressure on the Government of India to ensure that justice and reparation are eventually offered to the victims.
- Witnesses, probe teams under threat: NHRC pointman
Amicus curiae in SC: provide them Central protection
Ritu Sarin, The Indian Express, February 25, 2004
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) special rapporteur in Gujarat has complained that teams working to uncover state police lapses during the post-Godhra riots are under threat and this has prompted amicus curiae Harish Salve to suggest to the Supreme Court that Central protection be provided to both witnesses and victims in riot cases.
- Gujarat cops hushed up rape: CBI to SC
The Hindustan Times, February 25, 2004
The CBI on Wednesday accused the Gujarat police of trying to hush up the gang rape of Bilkis Yakub Rasool and the killing of several other women by a mob during the communal violence that followed the Godhra massacre in 2002.
- Gujarat govt pointman says riot witnesses, probe teams under threat
NewIndPress.com, February 26 2004
NEW DELHI: Gujarat government's special rapporteur has complained that teams working to uncover state police lapses during the post-Godhra riots are under threat and this has prompted amicus curiae Harish Salve to suggest to the Supreme Court that Central protection be provided to both witnesses and victims in riot cases.
- Supreme Court adjourns hearing in Best Bakery case
Keralnext.com, February 24, 2004
New Delhi, The Supreme Court Monday adjourned to March 12 hearing of two petitions seeking retrial outside Gujarat of the Best Bakery case, one of the worst incidents of violence linked to the sectarian strife in the state.
- Two years on, Gujarat's wounds are still raw
Randeep Ramesh in Modasa, The Guardian, February 24, 2004
Once peaceful Muslim and Hindu community ruined by resentment over 1,000 violent deaths as police fail to bring most culprits to trial
- Godhra was on everyone's lips, except Solanki's
Gaurav Panchal, Times News Network, February 23, 2004
AHMEDABAD: Godhra shook Gujarat and sent ripples across the country.
While the world still debates the burning of S-6 coach of the Sabarmati Express, Bhupendrasinh Solanki participated in just one debate in the Parliament, on Godhra.
- Indian Express awarded for Gujarat reporting
sify.com, 23 February , 2004
The Indian Express today received the first International Press Institute-India award for excellence in journalism for its fearless coverage of the Gujarat riots.
- Gujarat govt challenges acquittal of Bakery case accused
By IndiaExpress Bureau, Febuary 21, 2004
Ahead of the crucial hearing on post-Godhra riot cases on Monday, the Gujarat Government has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging a High Court order acquitting all the accused in the Best Bakery case in which 12 persons were burnt alive by a mob.
- Violence in Godhra, four hurt
Press Trust of India, February 18, 2004
Four persons, including three police personnel, were injured as a mob on Wednesday resorted to heavy stone-pelting forcing police to open fire in minority community dominated locality in Godhra town of Panchamahals district of Gujarat, police said.
- Supreme Court issues notice to Gujarat on riot case
keralnext.com, February 16, 2004
New Delhi, India's Supreme Court Monday issued notice to the Gujarat government on a petition seeking transfer of trial in the Godhra train carnage outside the state to ensure it is free and fair. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice V.N. Khare and judges A.R. Lakshmanan and S.H. Kapadia, was hearing a petition filed by NGO Citizens for Justice and Peace.
- SC asks Gujarat govt to appeal against acquittal in Best Bakery case
UNI, February 16, 2004
The Supreme Court today asked the Gujarat government to file an appeal against the acquittal of all the 21 accused in the Best Bakery case in which 14 people were burnt alive in the aftermath of the Godhra train carnage.
- City film-maker bags two awards at Berlin fest
Times News Network, February 17, 2004
MUMBAI: Final Solution, Rakesh Sharma's searing documentary on the Gujarat riots, has won two awards at the 54th Berlin International Film Festival which concluded on Sunday.
The film, incidentally, was rejected by the jury of the recently-concludedMumbai International Festival of Documentary, Short and Animation Films (MIFF), allegedly on account of its politically sensitive content.
- The Indian Express chosen for the first IPI India Award
Press Trust of India, February 15, 2004
English daily The Indian Express has been chosen for the first IPI India Award for its reporting of the Gujarat riots and the aftermath, it was announced in New Delhi on Sunday.
- Gujarat Govt. bans play; group to defy ban
The Hindu, February 11, 2004
The Gujarat Government has banned staging of a play by a city-based cultural group, Samvedan, on the ground that it contained`objectionable' dialogue, but the group today said it will defy the ban.
The director of the play `Suno Nadi Kya Kehti Hai' (Listen, What the River Says), Hiren Gandhi, told reporters here that "We have decided to defy the ban imposed by the State Government's Board for Certification for Cultural Programmes. We will be staging the play wherever police permission is not required".
- Hindu nationalism: Harmony or discord?
By Rahul Sarnaik, BBC correspondent in Delhi and Rajasthan, Friday, 13 February, 2004
In the third and last of his reports on the fears of Hindu extremism, Rahul Sarnaik looks at the work of Hindu nationalists in Delhi and a bitter dispute in Rajasthan.
- Riot on reel: Gujarat films find an audience
Express Features Service, February 5, 2004
Mumbai, February 5: THE embarrassments, the ones swept under the carpet. These are the films that ‘Vikalp: Films For Freedom’ organisers feel the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) would love to ignore.
- Gujarat grapples with twin crisis
Rakesh Bhatnagar, Times News Network, February 02, 2004
NEW DELHI : Gujarat has offered at least two crucial issues - one each for the political leadership and judiciary - to seriously ponder over.
The mass violence in the industrially developed state and its aftermath, particularly the acquittal of all the accused who were tried for killing innocent people, hit the headlines and shocked the Supreme Court.
- Religious, civil leaders moot peace corps for Gujarat
By Ramesh Tanna, Ahmedabad,IANS, Jan 25, 2004
The common man always wants peace. That is the premise on which a peace corps mooted by religious and civil leaders in communally volatile Gujarat promises to work.
- Another Gujarat If Hindus Not Protected Globally, Warns Top VHP Leader
Indolink.com, Kathmandu, Jan. 24 NNN
Senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and the working president of the World Hindu Federation (WHF), a Kathmandu-based organization, Ashok Singhal has warned that all of India might become “another Gujarat” if Hindus rights and lives are not protected globally.
Singhal’s warning came in an interview to Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) in the wake of his perception that Hindus have been “threatened and targeted” worldwide.
- 12 arrested for rape, murder in Gujarat riots
Sify.com, 23 January , 2004
Indian police arrested 12 people on Thursday for the alleged gangrape of three women and killing of seven villagers during riots between Hindus and Muslims in western state of Gujarat in 2002.
A local leader of the ruling Hindu nationalist BJP party was among those arrested, police said.
- US lawmakers meet Gujarat riot victims
The Hindu, January 9, 2004
Members of a delegation of US Congressmen led by Joseph Pitts, currently on a week-long tour of India, today said they were touched by the suffering of the people affected by the Gujarat riots.
The four-member team reached here today and heard a group of people, drawn from different communities, and their efforts towards fostering harmony in the state.
- Gujarat riots: Bilkis finally has glimpse of justice, 3 booked for rape, murder
The Indian Express, January 8, 2004
New Delhi, January 7: Registering its first case pertaining to the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat following a Supreme Court directive, the CBI has booked three persons and some other unknown people for allegedly gangraping the sisters of Bilkis Yakub Rasool and murdering her relatives.
- One convicted for murder during Gujarat riots
The Hindu, January 5, 2003
Ahmedabad, Jan. 5. (PTI): A local court today awarded life imprisonment to a person for hacking to death one woman, when a rioting mob attacked her and her husband during post-Godhra communal riots in Vasna area in March 2002.
- Debating Islam
By Hasan Suroor, The Hindu, January 6, 2003
There is concern that the current climate threatens long-term Christian-Muslim ralations.
- Vajpayee condemns anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat
DeepikaGlobal.com, January 04, 2004
Islamabad, Jan 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today condemned in the strongest terms the anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat following the burning of a train carrying ''Kar SeWaks'' in Gujarat in February 2002.
- BBC programme on Gujarat angers VHP
Shyam Bhatia in London, Rediff.com, January 02, 2004
The UK head of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad has attacked the BBC for its anti-Hindu bias following a radio programme which supported the thesis that the post-Godhra anti-Muslim riots that swept Gujarat were premeditated.
- Muslim Women Prime Target of Violence in Gujarat: Report
Khailafah.com, 01 January, 2004
NEW DELHI, Dec 24 (OneWorld) - A report released by rights groups Wednesday says while the government looks on, Muslim women in the western Indian state of Gujarat continue to face different forms of violence in their daily lives, nearly two years after the state was torn apart by anti-Muslim riots.
- A Year Of Feeling Better
There’s much more to be done in 2004
Editorial, The Financial Express, January 01, 2004
There are other reasons why 2003 was a “feel better” year. The politics of Atal Bihari Vajpayee gained ascendancy over the politics of Narendra Modi. What is more, Mr Modi has been busy in 2003 trying to convince the whole world and the media that he is not such a bigoted guy after all.
More - Archive (December, 2003)
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