Gujarat secular activists and 2002 riot victms arrested for protest agianst Narendra Modi

The Hindu

Ahmedabad, September 18, 2011

Modi fast: Sarabhai, riot victims detained

PTI

Social activist and dancer Mallika Sarabhai being detained along with some Gujarat riot victims in Ahmedabad ahead of their planned protest against Chief Minister Narendra Modi's Sadbhavana fast, on Sunday.
PTI Social activist and dancer Mallika Sarabhai being detained along with some Gujarat riot victims in Ahmedabad ahead of their planned protest against Chief Minister Narendra Modi's Sadbhavana fast, on Sunday.

At least 25 persons, including activist Mallika Sarabhai, were detained as 2002 Gujarat riot victims were on Sunday barred from protesting against Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s fast for communal harmony.

Post Godhra riot victims of Naroda Patiya area, Mukul Sinha of NGO Jan Sangharsh Manch (JSM) and Ms. Sarabhai were among 25 people detained when they tried to protest against Mr. Modi’s Sadbhavana fast in Naroda area, police said.

Naroda Patiya, about 8 km from the fast site at Gujarat University Convention hall, had witnessed the worst ever riots incident in 2002, when more than 90 people were killed.

“Police tried to prohibit riot victims meeting at Naroda Patiya by denying permission today,” JSM convener Mr. Sinha told reporters before being detained by the police.

He said that JSM and riot victims of Naroda Patiya would go ahead with their protest despite not getting permission from police.

Police have cordoned off the Naroda Patiya area to stop the riot victims from attending the meeting, Mr. Sinha claimed, adding, “The real face of Modi’s Sadbhavana is now exposed.”

A large number of people, meanwhile gathered at the venue of Modi’s fast for peace, unity and harmony under ‘Sadhbhavna Mission.’

At one point of time, police resorted to baton-charge to control the large crowds which tried to enter the Gujarat University Convention hall here.

While BJP leaders exulted, the riot victims in an open letter to the Chief Minister on Sunday said that, “No amount of power or arrogance gave Midas his glass of water nor will you get your ‘sadbhavana’ with all your developmental publicity.”

“If you were so great a Chief Minister as you claim today, why couldn’t you protect these innocent, helpless Muslims? In fact, why did you fail to protect the innocent 58 passengers of Sabarmati Express who also died in the terrible fire on 27th February, 2002?,” they asked and dismissed the fast as a publicity stunt.

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From: The Times of India

Sarabhai, Gujarat riots victims detained

IANS | Sep 18, 2011, 06.00PM IST

AHMEDABAD: Danseuse and activist Mallika Sarabhai was on Sunday detained along with some Gujarat riots victims and others here ahead of their planned protest against chief minister Narendra Modi's 'sadbhavana' (goodwill) fast.

While being taken to the police station, Sarabhai said a police official told her that they were instructed Saturday morning to arrest her before her protest at Naroda Patia.

"A young police official told me that they were told yesterday (Saturday) morning that you are responsible to arrest Sarabhai as she comes here," Sarabhai said.

The activist added that the police gave her no reasons while taking her to the police station.

"No reason was given... The police said they were instructed," she said. Activist Mukul Sinha has also been detained.

Condemning Modi's three-day fast which continued for the second day Sunday, Sarabhai asked what was the point of 'sadbhavana' when even after nearly 10 years, the 2002 Gujarat riots victims have got no justice.

"We were to hold a silent protest. I have no idea what I am being charged with," she said.