LOK SABHA
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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES
(Proceedings other than Questions & Answers)
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Tuesday, April 30, 2002 / Vaisakha 10, 1924 (Saka)
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*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377
DR. M. P. JAISWAL laid a statement on a matter regarding need for construction of a bridge on river Gandak between Tamkuhiraj (U.P.) and Pakhnaha Bazar (Bihar).
SHRI MANSUKHBHAI D. VASAVA laid a statement on a matter regarding need to open more computerised reservation counters at Bharuch railway station, Gujarat.
SHRI RAM NARESH TRIPATHEE laid a statement on a matter regarding need for early completion of construction work of Pench Irrigation Project in Madhya Pradesh.
laid a statement on a matter regarding need to set up a museum on the life of Buddha at Piprahwa in Domariaganj Parliamentary Constituency, U.P. and connect it by air.SHRI RAMPAL SINGH
SHRI JASWANT SINGH YADAV laid a statement on a matter regarding need to solve acute drinking water problem in Alwar district of Rajasthan.
SHRI ANANTA NAYAK laid a statement on a matter regarding need to bring East Coast Railway Zone, Bhubaneswar at par with other Railway Zones and make it fully operational.
SHRI VILAS MUTTEMWAR laid a statement on a matter regarding need to accord necessary sanction for setting up a Special Economic Zone at Nagpur, Maharashtra.
SHRI G.S. BASAVARAJ laid a statement on a matter regarding need to provide additional power to Karnataka State to overcome acute power crisis.
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH laid a statement on a matter regarding need to introduce to and fro ferry service between Gulf countries and Cochin, so as to facilitate travel of Indians working in Gulf.
COL. (RETD.) SONA RAM CHOUDHARY laid a statement on a matter regarding need to withdraw excise duty levied on granite.
SHRIMATI MINATI SEN laid a statement on a matter regarding need for early completion of broad-guage railway line between New Mayanaguri and Jogikhopa via Baxirhat-Belasirpara in West Bengal.
SHRI VARKALA RADHAKRISHNAN laid a statement on a matter regarding need to protect the interests of workers engaged in the plantation industries.
SHRI ANANDRAO VITHOBA ADSUL laid a statement on a matter regarding need to provide stoppage of Mumbai Rajdhani and August Kranti Express trains at Borivili railway station, Mumbai.
SHRI NAWAL KISHORE RAI laid a statement on a matter regarding need to set up agro-industries to generate more employment in the State.
SHRI SANAT KUMAR MANDAL laid a statement on a matter regarding need to lease out land lying unused near Canning Railway Station in West Bengal to the people of poorer section for earning their livelihood.
DISCUSSION UNDER RULE 184
Re: The failure of the administration in ensuring the security of minority community in various parts of the country especially in Gujarat.
SHRI MULAYAM SINGH YADAV moving the motion "that this House expresses its grave concern over the failure of the administration in ensuring the security of minority community in various parts of the country, specially in Gujarat, and urges upon the Government to take effective steps to restore confidence of the minority communities and to protect them", said: We thank the Government for providing us an opportunity to discuss this issue under Rule 184 and presenting the actual position before the country. However, the reaction of the hon'ble Prime Minister of the country to the decision for allowing a discussion on this issue is unfortunate. We hope the Prime Minister will agree to it since he talks a lot about maintaining the dignity and decorum. When we came to know about the incident through media and watched the same on T.V., our party condemned the incident on the very same day. Inspite of that, reiterating that the opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party did not condemn the incident, is not correct.
Those who are guilty of committing this heinous crime at Godhra must be punished. But, if it is a fact that the violence in Godhra continued for one hour, then why the Godhara district administration or the GRP remained a mute spectator? Why did they not stop the rioting people? Who is responsible for this incident? I would like to know why the reaction was witnessed in Ahmedabad and not in Godhara? Were the dead bodies not carried to Ahmedabad, after three-four hours in the custody of police and administration? Why was no precautionary measure taken by the Gujarat Government after the incident? I am not alone to point out this, but the Human Rights Commission, Minority Commission, Women Commission as well as various organisations, media and opposition have found the Chief Minister of Gujarat guilty. The hon'ble Prime Minister should not forget his conduct in this House in 1974. Had the hon'ble Prime Minister not come to Well of the House then? The then Central Government had dismissed the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and also conducted new elections there. Today, the present Chief Minister of Gujarat is a culprit of genocide there and the present central government is conniving with him.
Indian culture is a mixed one. Even in our `vedas', the `rakshas' did not resort to such heinous acts as have been done in Gujarat. When the General Secretary of Samajwadi Party, leader of CPM, Shri Sita Ram Yechuri, Members of Parliament Shri Raj Babbar and Shabana Azmi visited Gujarat, they were told that the Government was unable to give protection to them. This was the reply of the Chief Minister of Gujarat. What is the reason behind? The hon. Prime Minister should have visited Gujarat immediately after the incident. But he went there after one month and four days. We were pleased when the hon'ble Prime Minister of the country termed this incident as a 'national shame' and advised the Chief Minister of Gujarat to follow Rajdharm. He even stated that with what face he would turn up at international fora.
The riots have destroyed the culture and civilization of the country. Muslims are the worst sufferers and Hindus have also suffered to some extent. If the persons responsible for Godhra incident are the culprits, then can we not say the people responsible for these incidents are also culprits? The situation in Gujarat has come to such a pass that even journalists are forced to get their beard removed. In an editorial of a newspaper it has been stated that there is only one beardedman safe in Gujarat and he is none other than the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Narendra Modi. It is because of this I have said that the unity of this country is in danger today. The responsibility to maintain this unity lies on the Parliament. Therefore, the Government is bound to maintain unity. We have always extended our support to maintain unity whenever the Government needed this but this Government has failed to discharge its responsibility. They are bent upon disrupting the social fabric of this country. Hon. Prime Minister as well as Hon. Home Minister have failed to take the steps needed to fulfil its responsibilities. It is because of their failure that all sorts of incidents and communal conflagration is taking place under the nose of the Government.
All the countries of the world, unequivocally made all pronged attack on terrorists, be it the terrorists attack on America on 11th September or the incident of attack on Indian Parliament on 13th of December or terrorist attack on the Assembly of J&K on 1st of October. But, look what they are telling today? All those countries have asked the Government of India to protect the muslims of this country and also to maintain peace and tranquillity in those areas. This Government is taking this country backwards. This has been our foreign policy that India will criticise all those countries where human rights violations have taken place. But this Government has tarnished the image of Indian democracy and its federal structure.The law and order situation in Gujarat was always a matter of pride in respect of trade and industries but all this have taken a U-turn. Today the question of country is the uppermost in our mind rather than the Government.The fervour of patriotism created by the Gandhiji in the mind of common people ,has been put on stake by this Government. So, I request the Government not to put the country's unity and integrity at stake for the sake of one Chief Minister. I am telling all this here because the incidents of Gujarat have had a cascading effect on many other states like Maharastra, Uttarpradesh, Rajastan and Madhya Pradesh. In the prevailing situation, no muslim wants to live in Hindu dominated areas and no Hindu wants to live in Muslim dominated areas. Who has created this charm and what will be its consequences? The unity and integrity of the country is supreme for us. Country is our first priority whereas politics comes next. Therefore, I am saying all this for the sake of unity and integrity of this country. But this Government is bent upon breaking this social fabric of our society. Today also, there is no sincere effort by the Government to bring peace in Gujarat.
In my opinion the fear of Government machinery is highest in all respect. We have also run the Government but have never witnessed such type of communalism in our regime. Therefore, if peace and tranquillity is not restored in Gujarat, the Prime Minister of this country as well as Chief Minister of Gujarat have no right to stay in power. Hon'ble Prime Minister had announced to provide Rs 40-50 thousand for the construction of houses which have been destroyed in communal flare in Gujarat. But the assistance extended by the Government proves that they are bent upon adding insult to injury. I request hon'ble Prime Minister as well as hon'ble Home Minister to kindly look into this matter. The leader of VHP, Shri Praveen Togadia has stated that if the incidents like Godhara occur, then it will have detrimental affects on the entire Gujarat. I will also draw the attention of the Government towards the statements made by the RSS supremo – indulge in same kind of murder and mayhem and be victorious on every front. Therefore, all these murders , loot, arson and dishonouring the chastity of women is being done in the full knowledge of the Government at the centre as well as of the Gujarat Government. There is no doubt that the Government of Gujarat is solely responsible for this genocide. Therefore, the Chief Minister of Gujarat should be dismissed immediately and adequate measures be taken to rehabilitate the people who have been displaced due to communal conflagration. It is also the duty of the Union Government to maintain communal harmony in Gujarat for which not only the State Government but also the Central Government is equally responsible. Therefore, I criticise the Union Government as well as the Government of Gujarat through this House.
KUMARI UMA BHARATI : The incident of Godhara and the riots which have taken place in the aftermath of this inncident are matters of grave concern to everyone. In this supreme House, all the Members are concerned about this incident. Today, we must reach to a conclusion as to how to root out this problem and how to check the killings and brutalities in the country. We should find out the root cause of the problem and should not politicise this debate.
I may mention here that the army was called within 16 hours of Godhara incident in Gujarat. This was the first riot in the country after independence, wherein 100 people were killed in police firing within three days. We must appreciate the way relief operations were started at once, security was put on alert, police was deployed and the Rapid Action Forces too was deployed. The intensity of riots were of severe nature there. The fire brigades heading to extinguish the fire coming out from bogies were prevented from going there.
Today, we must consider this debate as an opportunity to arrive at a conclusion so that this problem is rooted out for ever. When a large number of people of dalit community were attacked there, the people of muslim community came forward to their rescue and likewise, to protect muslim community, people of hindu community came forward. The police in Gujarat deserves appalause for their quick action in containing riots. The situation is now returning to normalcy in Gujarat.
Our tradition, culture and character are no contribution of a single or a number of leaders; they have been the part of India’s culture. Leaving aside some anti-social elements, we see that all have followed the dignity of the culture. I feel that it was the turning point when the extremists were favoured and by 1937, Mohd. Ali Jinnah was projected as the leader of the extremists of minority community. Then came the situation of partition. The country became independent and the Muslims who stayed back in this country, proved that they treated Mother India as their own mother. When the Supreme Court decided the case of Shahbano in 1987-88, the person who brought in the Muslim Women Bill was kicked away from the Congress. I shall submit that we should go into the basic root of the problem. All political parties will have to take a pledge to get rid of this politics of vote bank. As such, it is improper to highlight the riots on international level in this way. Entire world knows that India follows the policy of secularism.
Graham Staine was murdered and Dara Singh was found guilty. He was blamed to be a member of RSS, Bajrang Dal or BJP. However, ultimately he was found to be a member of no such party. The Christians were misconducted with in Jhabua and they were killed. Half of the persons found guilty were Christians and other half were Congressmen. In 1984, thousands of innocent Sikhs were dragged out of their homes and killed by the anti-social elements of the Congress. That incident too should be condemned here. Removing Narendra Modi is no solution. Maligning this country on international level is no solution. Let every political party take a pledge that the leadership of Muslim community should be given to liberal Muslims and not the extremists.
SHRIMATI SONIA GANDHI : Gujarat tragedy is a national calamity. It is a challenge to our collective conscience. We wanted this discussion because this is a moral issue of paramount importance for us. Secularism is at stake. Gujarat burns and bleeds. Violence continues unabated. Governance has collapsed in the State.
The Human Rights Commission recommended an inquiry by the C.B.I. The Minorities Commission recommended an inquiry by a sitting Supreme Court Judge. Both these recommendations have been dismissed by the State Government and the Central Government. This brazen defiance of all constitutional norms was what prompted us to ask for the removal of the Chief Minister. The Government in Delhi has been found as a passive spectator. Even the sacred soil of Sabarmati Ashram was not spared.
The clinching evidence of the State Government’s partisan policies came in the form of large-scale transfer of police and civil administration officers who have tried to fulfil their constitutional duties in a professional and impartial way. All the time when the efforts of the Government should have been focused exclusively on laws and order and on relief and rehabilitation, we have the Central and State Governments threatened to dissolve the Vidhan Sabha and hold elections. The threat was an insult to our democracy and to our Constitution.
The Prime Minister’s shifting statements have shocked us all. One day he offered sympathy, the next day he condemns the whole community; one day he pleads for tolerance, the next day he plays on prejudice. When the Prime Minister himself engages in such doublespeak, what can the nation expect of this Government? We must consider ourselves fortunate that in the recent weeks, the disturbances were confined to Gujarat only. That is because an overwhelming number of people are secular. It is now time to look ahead; it is now time to rebuild Gujarat and regenerate its well springs of tolerance and accommodation.
NGOs, Citizens and Social Actions Groups, Women Organizations, Gandhian Associations must all be mobilized systematically to bring Gujarat back on to the path of harmony. Last year when a different tragedy struck Gujarat, the whole nation responded generously. This time too, I believe, it is still not too late for all of us to mount a national effort to collect relief for the victims. The nation cannot forget what has been perpetrated in Gujarat, what has been engineered in Gujarat. We must now, at least, ensure that the catastrophe that overtook us will not take place again either in Gujarat or elsewhere in our country. We have to look at such carnage as an attack on fundamental human values, as a subversion of the very essence of our culture and as a rejection of the very character of our civilization. India’s image has been tarnished the world over. We must now move from polarization to resilience. We must move from this scourge to dialogue. We must move from a begetted interactive of our basis to realizing our shared future.
The State Government has betrayed the people of Gujarat. The Central Government has failed the people of India. Today, we condemn these incidents. In doing so, we uphold the ideals of our founding fathers, we affirm our commitment to preserve and protect our secular heritage. Today, I appeal to the Prime Minister to rise above his party affiliation and respond to his responsibilities and obligations to the people of India, irrespective of religion and faith. Put the Gujarat Government on notice under Article 355 of the Constitution for having failed to control internal disturbance and for having failed to ensure that the Government is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, bring the guilty to book immediately, quickly restore law and order, firmly ensure that full relief and rehabilitation measures are extended to all the affected families without delay, remove the Chief Minister, who is failing to fulfil his constitutional duties, appoint a Supreme Court judge to ascertain the whole truth within the next three months and implement all the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission immediately. Today, from this House, we send a message to the people of Gujarat that the nation has looked to you, the people of Gujarat, for leadership in the past. Show us the way once again so that we are all able to once again hold our heads high and to re-assert our natural claim to being a beacon of respecting and celebrating diversity.
SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE: As the hon. Leader of the Opposition just now mentioned that our Prime Minister never found any time to devise a strategy as to how to save the people of Gujarat, how that carnage can be stopped; how to provide relief and rehabilitation to these helpless victims, who have been subjected to most heinous crimes. What we are discussing today will have a direct bearing on the future of India’s unity and integrity and all the commitment of the people, at least, the political parties and their Members, as to what is their approach to one of the basic features of Indian Constitution and secularism. The question is whether innocent people in this country can be butchered and massacred and whether a person of any religion can be killed through communal riots? The question of State-sponsored genocide would have to be determined. Whether the perpetrators of the crime can go scot free, that is to be decided today, whether the minorities can live with dignity, with safety or they have to depend upon the good wishes of the majority in this country. I appeal to all sections of the House that at this critical juncture of our country, let us redeem ourselves, let us ask our conscience when we finally decide to give our views, whether this is for the sake of humanity or against humanity, whether this is for the sake of keeping the country united or whether this is for the sake of protecting the minorities, which the Constitution of India has provided or not, and after that, to give their verdict.
The State of Gujarat is on fire for more than two months. Therefore, when we find a State is burning, people are being mowed there, innocent people are being massacred and butchered. An all-Party delegation went there, I had the opportunity to go in that delegation. When we were hearing about these incidents, my first reaction was – are we a civilized nation, are we behaving as a civilized nation and what has happened. The type of mayhem, the type of brutality that has been committed in the name of religion, has degraded us as a nation. When the world opinion has been commenting on this, our reaction through the spokesman of the MEA is that this is unjustified interference in the internal affairs of this country. This is our image in the world today. We say that Godhra incident is condemnable. We have repeatedly asked why they do no take proper steps and why CBI does not investigate into the matter. Let every person guilty in Godhra incident be punished. This is the worst riot that has happened in this country. What is the state of affairs in this country? Examinations are forced on the students. The minority students could not attend them. Is it their fault? One or two boys, who took the courage and went to a Hindu-dominated or other community-dominated place, they were beaten up.
There are the resolutions asking our Hindus to boycott films in which Muslim heroes and heroins act. They ask Hindus to take vow not to receive any education or training from a Muslim teacher. They ask Hindus not to work in offices of Muslims as such strict economic boycott will throttle these elements. It will break their backbones. Then it will be difficult for them to live in any corner of this country. This is the type of publicity, these are the leaflets that are being distributed. Is this the way you want to in a country where civilisation prevails. This is inhuman. This is the worst type of instigation that can be attempted.
The question necessarily arises, "Who is primarily responsible?" The real mastermind is the RSS Pracharak who is in the gaddi today. He has succeeded in the biggest polarisation since the Babri Masjid demolition of 1992. That is why they are praising him. But there are some exceptions. Shri Pritish Nandy, Shri Shanta Kumar, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Shri Madanlal Khurana, Shah Nawaz Hussain, Shatrughan Sinha, Nanaji Deshmukh have demanded removal of Narendra Modi. It is being said, the situation has become normal. To say that it has become normal is nothing but misinformation given to people. Nearly three thousand people have been killed including the 58 killed in the reprehensible, condemnable incident in Godhra. One lakh thirty thousand people are still living in makeshift camps. Gujarat Chamber of Commerce has assessed that more than Rs. 10,000 crore have been lost. Fifteen hundred people have sustained injuries. What is most disturbing now, is that I got a report yesterday that for five camps at Dahod, the Government has decided not to supply any provisions. It is a serious matter.
Why this is happening. The Prime Minister's speech in Goa make everybody hang his head in shame. He had talked of Muslim fundamentalists. But not a single word has been spoken against the Hindu fundamentalists. His agenda is no longer a hidden agenda. He has now openly come out, saying that the Muslims cannot be trusted and that they cannot live in harmony with their neighbours. Every statement of Prime Minister is now-a-days followed by clarification which makes it worse.
Why is it happening like this? This is the RSS brand of so-called nationalism. The Government of Gujarat had laboratory of Hindutva of Vajpayee-Advani variety and RSS variety. Hitler and Mussolini are their idols and not Mahatma Gandhi nor Dr. Ambedkar nor the Constitution of India. I appeal to every section of this House that at least, this Parliament should not be polluted. People of this country are looking towards us. At least the conscience of India may not be defiled. Let us not ignore the conscience of the people of this country and its Constitution. I support the Motion and most strongly commend it along with the amendments.
SHRI K. YERRANNAIDU : I rise today with a heavy heart to speak on an issue which besides being a human tragedy is a blot on our collective conscience. If there was ever a time for us to collectively introspect the nation, it is only now. Telugu Desam Party that has always stood for principles. The Party under our visionary leadership of Shri Chandrababu Naidu is committed to the highest ideals of democracy, secularism and good governance. We have given the highest priority to maintenance of law and order and has effectively countered communalism in all its form. For the last seven years, under the control of our Chief Minister, there has been no incident of violence in Andhra Pradesh. Our Party has been working tirelessly to promote the spirit of brotherhood among all the citizens. From the beginning, the Telugu Desam Party is a plank on the secular fabric. The TDP has no lust for power. Without participating in the Government, we are checking the secular fabric of this country. When the Babri Masjid was demolished, our TDP leader and the then Chief Minister, Shri N.T. Ramarao condemned the demolition and said that it is a black day for our country. As regards construction of Ram Temple, we have asked the Government to go by the Supreme Court verdict and if it is not possible to solve this problem through mutual agreement.
I have never witnessed such a violence in the past. Hundreds of people have been killed in Gujarat. The Chief Minister of Gujarat has failed to control the law and order in Gujarat. Gujarat violence is a national issue and it has so many national implications. 1,40,000 people are in the camps. Hundreds of people are in the hospitals. Our Chief Minister, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu had condemned Godhra incident. Even the subsequent violence in Gujarat was also condemned by the TDP. From the beginning, we are saying that whatever assistance is required by the Gujarat Government, the Government of India should provide it. If it was a State issue, a general issue and not a national issue, why did it extend to other parts of the country? Now the Government of India should think as to why we are asking them to take certain measures. This is not the BJP Government; but a coalition Government functioning on the basis of a Common Minimum Programme. BJP is the main ally in the NDA. We felt that this is not the time to hold elections in the State because thousands of people are still in the relief camps and in hospitals. We have been demanding that at this crucial juncture liberal relief should be given. Law and order is an important thing. We have to maintain the law and order in the State at any cost. The Prime Minister himself visited Gujarat. Suppose it was only a State issue, then why would the Prime Minister say that it was a national shame? So, this shows the failure of the administration in Gujarat. Since it is National Democratic Alliance, the TDP is asking to change the leadership in Gujarat. The Congress Party is projecting itself as a great champion of secularism today. History stands testimony to the duplicity of Congress on the issue of secularism. Why has this happened in this country? It is because of the role of the Congress. Due to the compromises made by the Congress, communalism was born. Shilanyas was encouraged by none other than Shri Rajiv Gandhi himself. It was again the Congress Government, with Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao as the Prime Minister, which was the silent spectator to the demolition of Babri Masjid.
My party is interested in larger issues. That is why, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has made the following demands. The first one is, only a change in the leadership of Gujarat will bring faith in the minds of the people of Gujarat. Second demand is that liberal relief and rehabilitation assistance should reach the affected people and victims who have suffered. Third one is, at any cost we have to maintain the law and order, normalcy, peace and harmony in Gujarat. Till such time normalcy is restored, we should not go for elections.
SHRI CHANDRA SHEKHAR: Even after two months, the riots are still continuing in Gujarat. It has been said that the Government of Gujarat has shot down hundred people. This should not be taken as an achievement. It is the duty of the Government to stop riot there. The Government which cannot protect its citizen has no right to rule. The country is heading towards an uncertain future from where it would be difficult to come out. We should think together as to what is the view of not only the people of opposition but also the people of Gujarat as well as the people of the entire World about our country. What are the comments pouring in from America, Canada and European nations on which we were prevailing upon in the matter of foreign policy. The day Godhra incident took place, I had called on the then Speaker, Lok Sabha, who is no more among us today. I had urged him to pass a unanimous resolution on Godhra incident. Had we passed that unanimous resolution on that day itself, the ruling party would not have got the opportunity to complain that what is happening now in Gujarat was the result of Godhra incident. We must not forget that whosoever is killed, whether a man or woman in the country, the nation loses its own son or a daughter.
The world is looking at us in anger. We are being pressurised on economic front also. If they are allowed to interfere in social and religious front, the nation will disintegrate.
SHRI ANANT GANGARAM GEETE: Terrorist activities have increased in the country during the last few years. This is a proxy war through terrorists from Pakistan and is a great threat to our country. The terrorists hatched the conspiracy of Godhra incident. In a well-planned manner, the train at Godhra was burnt by pouring kerosene and petrol. The demand of resignation of the Chief Minister of Gujarat has been made here again and again. But these are the people of Gujarat, who have to take decision in this regard. When we talk about minority community, it does not mean only Muslims. There are several minority communities in our country. Unfortunately, we are not united on the issue of cross border terrorism and proxy war by Pakistan. We have to go into the root cause of incidents of Gujarat. Terrorism should not be linked with religion.
SHRI P.H. PANDIAN: This country has been witnessing carnage in Gujarat for the last two months. These riots have shocked the whole nation. Now, this issue is not confined to Gujarat and India alone; it has been magnified or it has assumed greater proportions throughout the world because it is a crime against humanity and civilization. There was a loss to the tune of Rs.5,000 crore. It is the constitutional duty of the Central Government to take steps to put an end to all these things and to bring normalcy in the State. They should initiate confidence-building measures among the people living in the State of Gujarat. It is the constitutional duty of a Government to exercise its powers to protect the life and property of its citizens. The Central Government had not sent a team of officials to Gujarat to assess the situation and the extent of damage in the State within 24 hours after the riots broke out. There are about 104 relief camps now in Gujarat and about 1.5 lakh people are languishing in those relief camps. What is our answer to this? We have extended our support to POTO. We have been extending support to the Government on issues. I appeal to the Government to take effective steps to curb the violence in the State, to protect the people. I hope that the Government will do it.
SHRI VAIKO: The ghastly killings, burning men, women and children alive at Godhra, Ahmedabad and other parts of Gujarat have been a blot on the face of the country. Whoever is responsible for the carnage at Godhra and other places of Gujarat do not deserve any place to live in a civilized society. Whosoever has perpetrated that crime should be put down by the iron hand of the Government. I oppose the Motion because I believe that the administration of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee has ensured the security of minority community in various parts of the country. Therefore, on behalf of my party, MDMK, I say that we have unshakeable faith in the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and that this Government is committed to honour secularism.
On 27th February, massacre took place in Godhra. Within hours, Rapid Action Force was deployed in Godhra and Ahmedabad. The Police arrested nearly 37,045 people. Out of these, about 29,000 belong to the majority community and 8,000 to the minority community. I would like to know where is the partiality, bias or prejudice in the approach of the State Government. Muharram was observed there without any untoward incident. Holi was celebrated without any unpleasant incident. Thousands processions took place for Muharram in the State of Gujarat without any isolated incident. More than 7,000 Haj pilgrims were facilitated in most of the villages of Gujarat. 1,20,00,000 students appeared for the examination. The NDA is the best coalition, which the country has ever seen in its history. The dark dungeon prison cells of this country will speak volumes and volumes how democracy was killed by the Congress Party in this country. The Leader of the Opposition stated that they are prepared to face the election. The motion moved here and the amendments introduced by them will be rejected by this House lock, stock and barrel.
SHRI SHARAD PAWAR : I am here to support this motion. Today’s discussion is mainly focussed on Gujarat. It is very painful to see whatever is happening in Gujarat. After the Godhara incident or massacre of 27th February, the entire country has been shakened. It should be condemned by one and all. I have collected information that 290 dargahs and 202 mosques were attacked. The people who used to talk about culture have attacked in such a way that India’s head has shakened before the world. Today there is great urgency to rehabilitate the people in Gujarat. The Gujarat Government has decided to give rupees 2 lakh each to the people killed in Gujarat. The killings in Godhara took place on 27th and all the people killed after 28th are being given a compensation of rupees one lakh each.
After getting the thumping support in the last elections the circumstances in Gujarat are changing. Efforts are being made to create communal hatred by playing Hindu card there. If the Government is ready and if the intention of the Indian Government is good then situation can be improved in Gujarat. Since how long this massacre will continue and you keep mum. I agree whatever the Prime Minister has said before going to Singapore. We have welcomed the pain and feelings expressed by him before the entire country. But the situation can not be improved by merely words. There is need to take some stern steps there. I do not want to say much more,, I would ike to say only that how the peace can be restored there, how can we remove the hatred from the society. We will have to pay much attention towards bringing all the political parties together in bringing normalcy there by interacting with them. But it seems that the government is not ready to do so and that is why the situation is deteriorating day by day. If we want to safeguard the interests of the country to end the bloodshed and communal tension, then we will have to take stern steps there.
SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM : Two earthquakes have occurred in the last one year or so, one was the nature made in January 2001, and the other is the present earthquake which is worse then the previous one, that is ghastly killings of innocent people there, which is purely man-made. Every right thinking person in India or for that matter in the entire world, will condemn this ghastly event. This is not only a national shame but a shame to the entire humanity. Today, while condemning the crime against humanity, we are caught up in a peculiar situation. We cannot be a helpless witness to this continuous violence and holocaust happening in Gujarat. Secularism is part and parcel of our basic structure of the Constitution. The people affected by the continuous riots are today looking for adequate relief and rehabilitation. The main thing is, justice should prevail. Those who are guilty, must be brought to book. NDA was created for following the principles of secularism and social justice. The NDA should re-dedicate itself to every word of our National agenda in letter and spirit. Our hon. Prime Minister has stated that madness cannot be answered by madness. Fire cannot be doused by fire and that you need water to stop the fire from spreading. Let us all rise to the occasion and be together and pour water to extinguish the fire of communalism.
SHRI PRAVIN RASHTRAPAL : I am participating in this debate with a lot of pain in my heart and agony too. The former Prime Minister of the country, Shri Chandra Shekhar, has very rightly pointed out as to what way we are going particularly not in what is happening in Gujarat but what is happening in Parliament. According to Government of Gujarat, total number of people killed was 661. I have got figures of Hindus and Muslims. It is 552 Muslims and 109 Hindus. The number of people killed in police firing was 170. The number of people injured in stabbing is 310 and 9,106 rounds of police firings took place. After these many killings, arsons, vehicles looted and burnt, hardly 79 people were arrested under non-bailable offence. Is this not sufficient reason to impose President’s rule in Gujarat? In Gujarat 523 religious places were destroyed. If this is the reaction in respect of the Godhra train carnage, I am sorry to say how can we talk about Mahatma Gandhi, Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha who are the great sons of this country?
The Shankaracharya of Puri has put a question to these very people who have made a mess of Gujarat. The Shankaracharya held the Prime Minister directly responsible for the killings of hundreds of people in Gujarat. That was the crime without any parallel in Indian history. I want to know as what is the correct thing about the examination. About Godhra incident, it was claimed that Congressmen were involved. I have a Press cutting of The Hindu dated 2nd March 2002, in which the hon. Home Minister has gone on record – ‘Outside elements’ may be involved in Godhra in Gujarat. At one state, it was said that ISI-Pakistani agents were involved.
I would like to know from the hon. Home Minister as to what the Gujarat police was doing when a mob of 20,000 was allowed to assemble. A mob of 6,000 and 20,000 cannot assemble within 5 or 10 minutes. The Union Home Minister is elected from Gujarat. The Union Minister of Law and Justice is a Member of Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. I want to invite their attention to article 21, article 25, article 26, article 29, article 40, article 355 and the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. According to me, the BJP Government in Gujarat and the BJP Government in the country have violated all the articles quoted by me. As a result, I demand that action should be taken against all those who have killed innocent people, those who have raped innocent women, those who have looted the properties of Muslims, those who have raped pregnant women and those who have killed mothers in the present of their daughters.
Right now 1,50,000 people are residing in various camps. In my own constituency, the villagers from village Chanesna have gone to another village. The villagers from village Unjha have gone to another place. The villagers from village Maktupur have gone to another place. Two months are over. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has offered 300 acres of land for rehabilitation. Day before yesterday, the hon. Prime Minister had sent a cheque of Rs.2 crore to the Indian Red Cross Society and not to the Government of Gujarat. It means the Prime Minister has no faith in the Government of Gujarat. I want to know from the hon. Home Minister when these 1,50,000 people will be rehabilitated. I want that they should be rehabilitated before monsoon starts.
THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES): Shri Rashtrapal made a mention of somebody throwing a stone at me during my visit to Gujarat as Minister of Defence. He expressed fear that in Gujarat Harijan and backward classes are not being given justice. I would like to expose one and all. I am of the opinion that if the State Government and the Central Government are strong enough then there won’t be riots anywhere in the country both communal or of any other kind. The motion under consideration pertains to not only Gujarat but covers the entire country. Had the Governments been sincere then during the last 50 years, there would not had been 15,000 incidents of rioting. That is why I submit that the discussion will not serve any purpose. This is not the first time that riots started in Gujarat in the country and it is not the first time that women were ill-treated and subjected to crimes like rape etc. and burnt alive. All these things were reported in 1984 in Delhi.
Since morning mention of incidents of Gujarat is being made in the House. What all happened in Gujarat is not something new but has been going on for the last 54 years in country and for the last 46 years of the Congress party rule in the country and the States ruled by the Congress party.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, both you and I were elected to the House in 1967 for the first time and since then we have not witnessed such atmosphere in the House. It is the duty of one and all to maintain decorum in the House. After independence in 1947, for 46 years the Congress was in power and failed to provide employment and status to Muslims in the country. The Government was of Congress and Prime Minister belonged to the Congress party and to one family. The problem of Muslims is of employment and prestige. I have seen the secularism of Congress party and it was amply witnessed in 1984. It should be kept in mind that all those who are born in the country are patriot. Many hon. Members submitted that the image of the country has suffered in the world. In 1996 Gujarat remained curfew bound for one month but then the image of the country did not suffer. It is being propagated in the country that there was delay in deployment of Army in Gujarat. But for the first time the deployment was in time. After receiving information at 6 o’clock, the Army was deployed at 11 o’clock. Today in afternoon a fax message was received from Ahmedabad regarding the safety of Shrine of Sufi Saint in Nazirbagh. Followers from all over the World are contacting us regarding the safety of this holy place. I state that at noon today we have made all the arrangements to protect this holy Shrine. The people of Gujarat wanted to take out a peace march wherein the leaders of Hindu community and 10 Muslims participated. This march was organized within four days and was dubbed as a mock exercise or Tamasha. I would like to state that all the preparations under a committee headed by a Mayor of the city were made. The Mayor belongs to the Congress party. All those who took part in the march were not policemen or Army people. Everyone has got ones own perception.
Therefore, I request everyone to render all assistance in establishing peace in the State and not to indulge in misinformation campaign. In Ahmedabad 95 percent area is peaceful and only in 5 percent area communal incidents are taking place. These incidents need to be checked. In 90 per cent areas of Gujarat there is total peace and with the cooperation of all we have to establish peace in rest of Gujarat. With these words, I oppose the motion.
SHRI H.D. DEVEGOWDA: We raised this issue under Rule 184 but not to destabilize the Government. Mr. Prime Minister, when you went to Gujarat, you expressed your anger about the State administration. But what happened? Has the Chief Minister of Gujarat followed your rajdharma? What further step your goodself is going to take? When you went to Gujarat, you said something; when you came back from Cambodia and Singapore, you said something else. That is why the doubt has arisen. Last time I asked why this country has to allow another wing to the RSS, Bajrang Dal? To defend whom? Is it not to capture the vote bank? Your mandate is based on the National Agenda for Governance. You have assured that you are going to keep away the issues like the Common Civil Code, Ram Mandir and Article 370. What has happened to that?
I would just like to tell you one thing. The Collector of Ahmedabad admits that at least 5,000 Muslims who tried to leave the camps returned back because the conditions outside were not conducive. When you have banned SIMI, why can you not ban the Bajrang Dal who are responsible? Are they going to bring back those 58 people who have died on that black day when Sabarmati Express was burnt by retaliating and killing more than two thousand people? Lastly, please tell us about the steps that you are going to take. How many people have been paid one lakh rupees? How many houses have been identified as fully demolished or partially demolished? Has the State Government taken any steps in that direction? Last time, your goodself said that you would provide sufficient funds from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. How much amount has your goodself already released? How will you create an atmosphere of mutual trust and confidence? Would the Government open residential schools for those children who lost their kith and kin in these riots? Would the BJP express their regrets for what has now happened in Gujarat? Do these Hindutva preaching leaders want to take the responsibility of the 90 per cent of the Hindus in this country? Can they represent all the Hindus in the country? Please tell us how you are going to bring these two communities together. How much money are you going to provide for this task? Mr. Prime Minister, rise up to the expectations of the people of this country. I will extend my sincere thanks to you, if you rise up to the occasion, and prove that you are a liberal Prime Minister.
KUMARI MAMATA BANERJEE: I am shocked to say that the peace message that should have been reflected from this House has not been reflected so far. If one defended one community, the other defended the other community. Instead of blaming the people of India, we, the politicians are to be held responsible for these communal riots in our country. What had happened in Gujarat is a heinous crime. We all condemn it. We are shocked to see the atrocities committed specially on women and children belonging to all communities. The message that I want to give is that I am proud to say that I am an Indian. We do not believe in the so-called secularism or communalism. What we believe, is that secularism means humanism. When we represent the Government, the Chair means for all; it is not for any particular community. If you can change your leadership in many States, why not you do so in Gujarat? Now, we are supporting the NDA and we will vote for the Government and against the Motion because we want to have the stability of the Government. But at the same time, I would like to request all the senior BJP leaders, if you can change your leadership in so many States, why do you not respect the sentiments of the people of this country? Why would the Prime Minister suffer for him? I would appeal to all the Members of this House including leaders and the Leaders of the Opposition to let us have a peace march in Gujarat. My third suggestion is that we should not divide ourselves on the question of majority and minority. Political Parties should take steps in such a way that we are able to unite the country and not divide it further. I may tell you for your information that what we are seeing in Gujarat, the same kind of State sponsored terrorism is taking place in my State also. If you see the list, you will find that many people from the minority communities, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have been murdered. We want that the Central Government take action so that women and children from the minority communities, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes are given adequate protection.
SHRI SATYAVRAT CHATURVEDI : The people who laid down their lives for the freedom of this country were having same dream-dream of a progressive India, an India where people belonging to all religions communities cultures and speaking different languages shall live in an atmosphere of love and bonhomie. Today, we are having a scenario in which for the last two months we are everyday hearing news of arson, mayhem and plunderings. Gujarat has undergone ghastly atrocities in last two months and a particular community has been aimed at for harassment. Gujarat is having an industrially and commercially affluent society with a long tradition. The riots have led to loss of revenue to the tune of almost Rs. 5000 crores in excise and sales tax. The State Government is undergoing a loss of sales tax of Rs. 250 crores and the Central Government is losing Rs. 800 crores of excise tax everyday.
The leading articles in the media have given a thorough coverage of the Gujarat incidents. The Human Rights Commission and National Minorities Commission have submitted their reports. It is highly shameful when we find foreigners talking about us. But, then, it is difficult to avoid the truth.
I demand that Shri Narendra Modi be immediately dismissed. My second demand is that a sitting judge of the Supreme Court should be assigned the job of inquiry of the incidents over there. Thirdly, an atmosphere of faith and protection should be formed amongst the minorities and all other communities there.
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION AND SUPPLIES OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (SHRI HARIN PATHAK) : I want to ask this House and all the dignitaries whether the riots in Gujarat require solution from some particular party or has the Prime Minister only has to go ahead. Does not the responsibility belong to all those sitting in the House belonging to different parties and the opposition? This is no political problem, rather it is a social one. I had, the other day, said in my speech that we should go into the root of the problem. When it is said that 800 Muslims were killed in the regime of Narendra Modi, I want to ask as to why 5000 Muslims were killed in 1969? The fact is that it is the responsibility of all. The main issue is to find out as to who fans the fire and defends the offenders. I want to say that the Parliament will have to think that we are not going to do any good to the society by giving political colour to the communal riots. Resignations are not going to solve the problem. The society has been divided and it is a fact.
I shall like to apologise in case someone has got hurt by my statement but then, it was essential to tell out. This is the ground reality that in Gujarat, the hearts and souls of people have got divided. Let us speak out in a consensus voice so as to establish peace in Gujarat.
SHRI RASHID ALVI : Allegations and counter allegations are being levelled against each other in this House. However, on behalf of the minority communities, I would like to ask as to who is responsible for the blood shed taking place in this country. I have no word to condemn the riots which took place in Delhi in 1984. That was a nightmare. However, one cannot contend that since the same thing had happened in 1984, hence, what is happening in the regime of the Government is justifiable. The incidents of the Gujarat is not a question of clashes between Hindu and Muslims. I do not find words to condemn what happened in Godhra. No right thinking person or no scrupulous politicians in the world can justify the incidents of Gujarat as aftermath of what happened in Godhra. Our heads hang in shame on account of the incidents of Godhra for the last two months. We cannot check the recurrence of such riots in future unless we sit and introspect the incident of Gujarat honestly. The sword of communalism is double edged which kills human being as well as harm this country. We must take lessons from history that even after 400 years, the whole world regards Akbar-e-azam as a great secular ruler. Likewise, Jahangir is also regarded as a champion of justice. Our history is the witness of this fact that the minorities were second to none to shed their blood in the fight for freedom. At the time of our struggle of freedom, we were not identified as Hindu or Muslim. Our freedom fighters would have hung their heads in shame had they seen us fighting and indulging in such incidents. It has been said in Geeta whosoever worships me whether in temple or in a mosque, I accept his prayer and worhsip. The same are the teachings of Quaran it says you worship your God, I worship Mine. We cannot find more appropriate definition of secularism than this. This is what I want to submit that we should not drag politics into it. We should avoid doing politics on the dead bodies. No words can condemn the incidents of Gujarat. No religion or humanity allow us to be the part of such incidents. I want the Government to take steps to bridge the divide caused between Hindu and Muslim. I want that CBI should be instructed to file chargesheet in each case within 60 or 90 days against the accused so that they may not go scot free or get a bail. The Government should liberally provide as much relief to the victims as possible. The homeless victims should be provided with houses and the deceased should be paid proper compensation. The student who failed to appear in the examination, should be allowed second or third chance to take exams as per the verdict of the Supreme Court. I on behalf of the leadership of BSP, oppose this motion.
SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB : We have been discussing about the symptoms of the disease that has affected our body politic, that has affected our nation. Accusations and counter-accusations have been made. A remedy can only be found if the disease is to be identified. Britishers implemented divide and rule.
However before the Britishers arrived, there were tensions within the society. There were clashes in the society. There were communal flare-ups in the society not only between Muslims and Hindus, but also between different communities of Hindu society. The disease within our Indian society is this. `Mlechcha' is a word which has been repeatedly used in different spheres. We have to understand the psychology. If the Hindus feel that they are exclusive, it gives rise to another community to always remain as separatist. An attempt has been made by a number of saints of this land that different communities should come together. Why is this hostility still there? In Godhra, there was a great design. The design was when the whole country was turning into a cauldron, just a spark was needed, and Godhra did that spark.
Is it not a credit of this Government and also of those State Governments which ensured that communal conflagration has been confined only to certain pockets of Gujarat? It has not spread throughout the country. Should not we commend this Government that they have tried their best to create a feeling of belonging among those who have felt neglected? Today it is education and economic development which basically the Muslim society and the minorities are not getting. They have not got that much of support within the last 55 years. More importance should be given to those sections.
There is a necessity to educate ourselves but the world phenomenon today is that the more we educate ourselves and the more economically developed we are, there is more communal frenzy and more inhuman activity going on.
India has to show the light. Under the able leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, that light would, I think, be shown to the world that within this diversity our unity lies. We can survive this. We have survived the 1992 happenings. We have survived the 1947 events. Those were dark chapters of history. So, we will overcome this dark chapter also. As Indians, we will overcome this black chapter and remove this black spot from the minds of all the affected persons.
DR. RAGHUVANSH PRASAD SINGH : We are not aware whether the train burnt in Godhra has been removed or sent for repair? I would like to know from the Government as to how long do they propose to keep the burnt train on display . This shows the funtioning of Government there.Narendra Modi has said that every action has its own reaction.The hon.Home Minister should have stated here that the Government would bring to book every rioter so that the country's secular fabric is not destroyed. But instead, he said that the Godhra incident was bound to have its aftermath.This reaction is heading towards infinity. No crime can be more heinous than this.The enquiry conducted so far has failed to establish the reasons and motive behind the Godhra carnage. Therefore, the needle of suspicion indicates towards the Government in power.Not only that the Chairman of NHRC has also asked the Government to get an enquiry done in regard to Godhra incident by the CBI . All this have tarnished the image of India globally but our hon.George Saheb says that the image of India has been tarnished many a times before, hence he is not worried. History is the testimony of facts that those who demolished the statues of Buddha in Afghanistan have been ultimately destroyed. Therefore, those who have perpetrated attacks on Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi will face the same fate. I, therefore, demand for immediate removal of Shri Narendra Modi and also demand the resignation of the Home Minister.
SHRI DEVENDRA PRASAD YADAV : There has always been a tussel between moderates and hardliners during the last 5000 years in Hindu dharma but, at no occasion, there was any bloodshed. I mean to say that the communal disharmony prevailing in Gujarat is indeed an unfortunate incident and it will take years to restore normalcy. It is definitely a matter of concern for the whole nation. It has shattered the very foundation of our secularism. We have to accept this fact. Therefore, I want to say that severe punishment be meted out to those who are responsible for Godhra incident so that nobody dares cause any harm to humanity in future. We would definitely like to know whether the Government have identified the people behind the Godhra incident? Whether the Government have arrested any person of that organisation, which had given a bandh call in Gujarat in reaction to Godhra incident? Therefore, it's not good to call Godhra incident a natural reaction. Had it been a natural reaction, it would have died down automatically within three or four days but almost two months have elapsed since then and there is no stoppage of communal carnage. It is because of this that I firmly believe that the people, who are in majority in India should adopt liberal attitude towards minorities and we will have to crush all those hardliners and terrorists effectively. If the people of India who are in majority, starts targeting minorities, then it is difficult for any force to control it. Therefore, there is need to take the people of that State into confidence and restore peace and tranquillity. There is no let up in violence in that State and the Union Government has all options open before them. I request the Government to invoke article 356 in that State so that the violence could be stopped.
SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN : The incidents of Gujarat are a direct reflection of the failure of administration there. This august House demands the Government that suitable instruction should be given to the State Government so that effective measures are taken to curb violence. We have no right to occupy our seats in this august House, if we fail to condemn such large scale massacre. But the country's unity and integrity is threatened when the vested and the party interests supersede the national interest. The word minority is included in the Motion. Some people may object to it. What is the definition of minority? When a Hindu or Muslim is killed in this country, we in this Parliament make tall speeches but it is the family members of the person killed who undergo the real predicament. I have personally felt this pain and anguish. During the 1984 anti sikh riots my house was set ablaze for my family's fault of protecting the sikhs. The incident was again repeated when the Babri mosque was brought down. I have been born in a dalit family and have always strived to safeguard humanity. The minority community people are our own brethren. I wish and hope that the feelings of this House, those of the allied parties and all the people are honoured. Hon. Prime Minister has said that we should refrain from playing politics over dead bodies. Therefore, I urge upon the Government to go in for a change of leadership. It will be wrong to assume that this is a matter related only to Gujarat or that it is the BJP's internal matter and thus the country has nothing to do with it. The fact is that there has been a total failure of the civil administration and the Government of India should take effective steps to restore the confidence. Hence, from a humanitarian point of view, I appeal all the hon. Members to vote in favour of the motion and pass it unanimously.
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI OMAR ABDULLAH) : What is a minority community in one part of the country is a majority community in another. Minorities in Gujarat are the majority community in Jammu and Kashmir. So, you cannot look at a situation in isolation. A lot has been said about how Godhra has given rise to violence in Gujarat. Nobody in his right mind can justify what happened in Godhra. What is it that gave rise to the killings in Godhra? People have gone into the malaise of economic disparities, the malaise of lack of opportunities for minorities, etc. but a very large part of it, the way I see it, has to do with the fact that religion and communalism has begun to play a large role in politics today. Minority communities are now treated more as vote banks than as genuine community members of India. It has been suggested that Godhra was the result of foreign hand. All they wanted is to play the Hindu-Muslim divide. They wanted to set some part of the country a live wire. It is because diplomatically we were way ahead of our neighbour; we have the moral high ground; we have the traditions of our democracy; we have the traditions of our secularism; and we have the traditions of our plurality. They have found our weakness that they are able to exploit. They have seen that India is vulnerable to Hindu-Muslim divide and they are seeking to take advantage of it.
Is Gujarat and the violence being perpetrated there between the communities, the view of the majority of Indians? No. How can it ever be? If that is the view of majority of Indians, then today we would have had Gujarat in every State in India. Gujarat, unfortunately, is a minority on both the sides. The minority of the community that was responsible for what happened in Godhra and minority of the Hindu community that was responsible for the violence that followed after that. There is a need to go down even harder on the elements, on both the sides, that are still responsible for the violence. There are still militant elements on the sides of Hindus that allow this violence to continue. That must stop. The conditions under which the migrants, who have been forced to leave their homes, are absolutely tragic. And things need to be done to improve the conditions they live under. The non-governmental Organisations need to be given a free hand to work there to improve the situation. We need to work more to de-politicise the adminsitration and police. Let the officials, who are doing a good job, remain there. Administrative reforms are absolutely vital. Non-interference and effective handling must be allowed in our administration without partisanship. These will all have far reaching effects on ensuring that a situation like the Gujarat is never allowed to happen. We must never discriminate on the basis of religion. No community in this country must be given a feeling that it is a second class community and its citizens are second-class citizens. But unfortunately, in Gujarat, for a short while, we allowed it to be conveyed that there is one group which is qualified for a higher relief and there is another group which is qualified for less. This unfortunately, was the situation that caused us a great degree of embarassment and it should never be allowed to be repeated.
The National Conference is not calling for the resignation of Shri Narendra Modi. We believe that there are three ways in which he will go. It is either according to his own conscience looking at the situation which will dictate it; or his party will demand his resignation or, finally, we are proud of our democratic credentials that at the end of the day he will face the electorate. Certainly the electorate will decide whether what he has done in Gujarat is right or wrong. The National Conference, in all its wisdom, has decided that it is in the best interest of ourselves and our future to abstain in this vote.
SHRI G.M. BANATWALA : I have given an amendment to the effect that the Government of India should enforce Article 356 in Gujarat to dismiss the Government. Gujarat is demanding peace. Therefore the Government should be dismissed there. The Government should take proper step in this regard. It was not a riot in Gujarat in fact it was a state sponsored carnage. One cannot estimate the loss of life and property there. Police and administration remained biased and partial there. The judicial enquiry is in progress but there is no hope of justice. I condemn the incident of Godhra. The basic amenities have not been provided in relief camps and people are being harassed inside the camps. The Modi Government will not implement any suggestion for bringing peace in Gujarat. Therefore, I request the Government to accept my amendment to the effect that the Government of Gujarat be dismissed.
CAPT. (RETD.) INDER SINGH : Our party believe in secularism enshrined in the constitution. We represent more than 100 crore of people in this House. Therefore, we should not play the politics of vote bank by dividing Hindu and Muslims. We have been elected to help remove starvation from the country, to do some developmental work and provide right direction to the people and not to play the politics of vote. We should think about Gujarat incidents by rising above party politics. It would not be good if we fail to solve the problem there. Whatever has happened there is condemnable. We are here to bring unity in the nation. On behalf of my party, I oppose the motion because it is politically motivated.
SHRI JOACHIM BAXLA : I hold the Chief Minister of Gujarat totally responsible for the chronology of events taking place in this state in which innocent people are being killed. The Central Government seems to have no control over these happenings. The hon’ble Defence Minister tried to justify the violence. What message is he trying to sent across the country by defending and justifying this carnage? More than two months have elapsed since the incidents started there. Therefore, Shri Narendra Modi should be immediately removed. The Central Government is equally responsible. As such the hon. Prime Minister should also resign. The happenings in Gujarat are a bolt on the country’s image.
SHRI RATILAL KALIDAS VARMA : On 27th February, the marauders brought Sabarmati Express to a halt in Godhra and roasted alive 26 women, 21 men and 12 children. There was widespread anguish and indignation after the people saw the mingled dead bodies and what followed was retaliatory attacks by the Hindu community. When the incidents of February 28 followed, there was condemnation and protest. Why is it that no voice was raised on 27th February? Did not the charred bodies in the bogies belong to human beings; were not they the members of a family? What happened on 27th was a heinous crime and what happened on 28th, was no less. The master mind behind the 27th incident was an office bearer of the Congress Party. Haji Bilal, Mohd. Kaluta, Salim Shekh, Abdul Majeed Dantia and Abdul Razaak and their accomplices belonged to district Panchmahal. The Congressmen put Gujarat on flames and brought a bad name to our country throughout the world. The religious fundamentalists and obscurantist elements attacked the dalit dwelling units. My information is that so far 40 dalits have been murdered. A closed relative of an hon’ble Member of Congress, Shri Praveen Rashtrapal was subjected to a murderous assault and his 19 years old son Shri Nitish Parmar lost his life in this attack. He had committed no crime. A sales tax employee of Rajpur-Gomtipur, Shri Devanand Solanki came home to celebrate holy. He was dragged out of his house and murdered. His body was chopped into 26 unidentifiable pieces and acid was poured over them. Everytime there has been a communal violence in Gujarat, the dalits have been forced to leave their homes and hearths and run for their lives. Their homes are burnt and looted, so that dalit people flee from their houses and the minority community people are able to purchase their homes on throw away prices. In order to prevent this, the local dalit representatives met the collector and made him issue an order forbidding the sale and purchase or registry of Hindu houses. In Danileemra, there was a flourishing township and societies of uppercaste Hindus which have now been purchased by the minority community people. But the dalit people have nowhere to go and lead a life of penury. Due to the closure of mills they are not able to make a livelihood because they used to work in the small scale industries owned by the Muslim community. Today they are devoid of their livelihood, and shelter. The Government of Gujarat has set up relief camps. But the dalit samaj is so self respecting that it will prefer to die a starvation death than beg for the doles. Today they are living with their relatives. That is why there is minimal presence of this class of society in the government figures. The social organisations, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and RSS workers have distributed some commodities of day to day use to them which has given them a sense of relief. In Juhapura, a reign of terror is being let loose during the night till 4.00 a.m. by hurling petrol bombs, foreign made grenades, rocket launchers and private firing. The attack is on such a large scale that even the military personnel are taken aback. They are surrounded by the muslim community all over and attacks are conducted during the night time. There is a scene of blood shed all around and in order to stop this, we shall have to be beware of the black sheep amongst us. The muslims equipped by modern weaponary are attacking the dalit houses, looting them and killing them.
SHRI AJOY CHAKRABORTY : What Gujarat has witnessed is not a riot, it is a terrorist attack, followed by systematic, calculated and planned massacre and genocide. On the land of Mahatma Gandhi, the carnage started on 27th February and is continuing up-till now. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Gujarat and said how can he show his face outside the country. But I am sorry to say that in Goa, he criticised the Islamic fundamentalism, but not a single word he uttered regarding the Hindu fundamentalism. The activities of the Sangh Parivar were no less than the heinous crimes of the Talibans in Afghanistan. The Police administration and the civil administration have totally collapsed in Gujarat. The riots, the carnage and the massacres in Gujarat are continuing. The State Government has utterly failed in its duties in stopping the carnage in Gujarat. We therefore, demand immediate removal of the Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
SHRI SULTAN SALAHUDDIN OWAISI: The issue pertains to the life and security of minorities. A mention of facilities being provided to the minorities should have been made here during the discussion on Gujarat incident. They are facing great difficulties but both the sides are trying to score points. Ultimately there is a need to find out the solution of the problems being faced by the minorities. The Police has filed cases against the minorities under non-bailable offences. The issue of dismantling of camps was raised and it was stated that anti-social elements are staying in the camps. I would like to know who were the people killed, whose children were killed and whose wives were raped. The people who lost everything are living in the camps. I request an enquiry headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge should be constituted to investigate the incidents. Till the present dispensation continues in power in Gujarat, the issue is not going to be resolved.
SHRI AMAR ROY PRADHAN: With deep shock, agony and anguish, I must say that for the last 63 days the incidents of killing, arson, looting and raping are going on in Gujarat. I think, the Modi Government is very much reluctant to do anything. It is a matter of regret that the Prime Minister of our country has been linked with the communal forces, the Hindu fanatics. Therefore, this country cannot run smoothly. You are trying to defend the Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at any cost. It is a matter of regret. I would also like to say that you have rejected the report of the National Human Rights Commission. The report of the Minorities Commission has been dismissed by the State as well as by the Central Government. I would like to submit that we should all condemn the incident that occurred in Godhra and also condemn the incidents that are taking place in Ahmedabad and in such other places. The law and order situation must be improved and communal harmony must be restored in the State.
SHRI MANI SHANKAR AIYAR: The State Government had at its disposal more than 10,000 policemen. Had they been deployed, the situation could have been brought under control. But, as military intelligence has reported, because the State Government did not take immediate steps to deploy them, the situation was not brought under control and violence has continued right up till this day. Sushri Uma Bharti pointed out that Godhra is a highly sensitive area. It was the proper deployment of the Maratha regiment in Godhra in 1948, 1953, 1955 and in 1985 which brought the situation under control within a few hours. Then why is it that where deployment of the Army has restored normalcy in a matter of few hours in all those previous 54 years, we have seen this disaster continuing. On the 27th February, it became completely clear that the local non-secular forces, in collaboration with the Government, were determined to provoke a pogrom. At that time, the State Government was not deploying its police forces. .
THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): Shri Vajpayee ji came into power in 1998. Since then we had been propagating everywhere in the world that during the last four years no communal incident has taken place in the country. This is in contrast to the history of the country before we came into power. Our track record in this regard is quite good. Therefore, I am of the opinion that what all happened in Gujarat after the Godhra incident is definitely painful and we hope that a solution will be found out soon.
Shri Omar Abdullah gave a wonderful speech and made a mention that this sort of discussion is not going to serve any purpose. We should not only be scoring points, but we should give a direction to the country. He rightly stated that the discussion being held in the House will not show beacon light to the people of Gujarat as well as outside. Further, it would not send any message. Shri Omar Abdullah in the end said that the biggest problem we had been facing for the last four years and that too in the opinion of the Ministry of the Home Affairs is that of cross border terrorism.
I am of the opinion that what all happened in Gujarat has definitely been a matter of joy for Pakistan. My analysis is that Godhra incident is condemnable because it has brought a bad name to the country and has tarnished our track record of communal harmony. Mention of four incidents was made time and again i.e. Naroda Patia; Best Backery, Baroda; Sardarpura, Mehsana; and Gumanpura and Gulbarga Society in the discussion which all are definitely condemnable. The hon. Prime Minister rightly stated that had no incident taken place in Godhra then the aftermath of Godhra would not have been witnessed. Godhra may explain what happened after that but Godhra cannot justify either Naroda or Mehsana or anyother killing. Even revenge against a wrongdoer can have no justification, can have no place in the rule of Law, but revenge against an innocent person whether it be Hindu or Muslim has no place in civilised society. It can only be deemed as barbaric. I do agree that at some places there might have been laxity in administration and Police, but to say that deliberate carnage, State engineered mayhem, and State engineered genocide is not correct. My Government is of the opinion that removal of Shri Narendra Modi will not solve the problem. The Government will take all the steps for providing relief to the people living in the camps and for their rehabilitation at the earliest.
THE PRIME MINISTER (SHRI ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE) : I have to say two more things in addition to declaration of rehabilitation package. Firstly, I have been frequently alleged upon in this discussion that I had been changing my statements. My public life is very much open to all. I had been alleged upon that I opposed Islam. I treat it as my character assassination. In my life, I never discriminated on the basis of religion, birth and caste. Islam has two facets – one which accommodates all, teaches us to tread the path of truth as well as sympathy and compassion. However, militancy is being adopted with the other facet of Islam which has no place for harmony. Another allegation is that I criticise Islamic fundamentalism whereas I do not do so in case of Hindu fundamentalism. This too is far from truth. The Leader of Opposition has appealed me to transcend over party politics and think over the comprehensive interests of the country. I have full respect to her thoughts. We all have to rise above party politics.
I have a very gloomy apprehension after whatever I saw or heard or experienced in the scenario of Gujarat. We are frequently getting news of atrocities upon and humiliation of women there and sometimes I wonder whether the basic fibre of society itself has changed. Riot is one thing and I can understand bitterness and fundamentalism too. But then it is really devastating when man falls so deep down that there are rapes, and the perpetrators of rapes are spared of stringent criticism of the society. In this backdrop, we have to realise that we have developed a disease which may eat away our entire civilization and culture, if not treated in time. A women’s delegation had met with several women. I asked the delegation as to how far the truth was there in the stories doing rounds. I was informed that there was some truth but only a bit, and things were being presented with exaggeration.
This is time to ponder over the role of the media in the context of entire Gujarat episode. It is not appropriate to frequently show scenes of killings and charred dead bodies. Media has to take care of its role. We do not want to control it. The media persons are themselves there to think as to what should be the code of conduct for them. It was said that we did not call for a meeting. But then at that time the House was in session. The opposition did not allow the proceedings of the House to continue. Now, let us look towards future. In this regard, if I was wrong, I admit my mistake. I should have made more endeavours, but somewhere in my mind the feeling was that the aftermath of Godhara shall not be so ghastly. No propriety is there as retaliation to Godhara. I welcome the suggestion of the unanimous resolution regarding the relief package to be given to Gujarat and I declare here the package for the people of Gujarat who have become homeless. I read it out with the permission of all.
"Rehabilitation of those who lost their homes, belongings and means of livelihood and immediate revival of normal ecoomic activities in all the riot affected areas now remain primary national task. They need to be addressed with utmost expedition, understanding and sympathy. The spirit of spontaneous support and brotherhood demonstrated by all sections of the society in Gujarat in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake has to be kindled once again. The rehabilitation package has to be comprehensive and cover all strata of society.
I announce an immediate package of assistance of Rs.150 crore to Government of Gujarat to carry out its implementation. This package of assistance will primarily include reconstruction and repair of damages of houses and shops, both in rural and urban areas, provision of assistance to all the self-employed categories who lost their earning assets, financial support for recommencing business commercial and industrial activities."
It also includes revival of education, medical and other institutions in the affected areas and special programmes to benefit widows and children.
This package will be fully supplemented by loans and assistance from banks and financial institutions on liberal and concessional terms as were extended following the earthquake on January 26, 2001.
The active involvement of HUDCO and the National Housing Bankf for building and reconstruction of houses and shops would be enlisted. Similarly, financial institutions woiuld be asked to catalyse industrial and economic activities. In this endeavour, the National Minorities Finance and Development Corporation would be enabled to play a supportive role.
Convergence of employment and welfare schemes like Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana and Sampurna Gramin Rozgar Yojana, would be promoted, where necessary, be suitably augmenting the provisions under them. It will be ensured that no one affected by the communal riots is left out of this relief and rehabilitation.
This rehabilitation package is in addition to the comprehensive relief package that I had announced when I visited Ahmedabad on April, 4, 2002. Since March, relief in one form or another is already in hand. To enhance the vital need for immediate rehabilitation, the Government will ensure that this package is implemented within four months. For this, the Cabinet Secretariat has been asked to monitor the work of implementation on a weekly basis.
SHRI MULAYAM SINGH YADAV replying to the debate said: At the outset I want to express my gratitude to all the hon’ble Leaders and hon’ble Members. All have given important suggestions. The all party delegation and our delegation, in addition to National Human Rights Commission and several NGOs, had visited the riot affected areas of Gujarat. All found that the riots manifested the very apparent weakness of the Government. The best thing would be that our motion should be passed. This shall put an end to all controversies. We very politely submit to the hon’ble Prime Minister that Rs. 150 crores is a very paltry amount since there has been a damage of at least to the tune of Rs.10,000 crores in Gujarat. Now Hindus and Muslims are not prepared to live together in the heterogeneous colonies in that State. Let us act with all seriousness towards bridging these emotional distances and connecting the hearts and for it, the only way out was that here itself, the Prime Minister should have announced the dismissal of the Chief Minister and imposed of President’s rule in Gujarat.
The motion was negatived.
G.C. MALHOTRA,
Secretary-General.
*Laid on the Table as per the direction of the Chair.
© 2002 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT
NOTE: It is the verbatim Debates of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should be considered authoritative.