10 yrs after Godhra: Gulberg society demands justice, apology

‘Quiet moments are life’s reward’ reads a half burnt poster still stuck to the blackened wall of a house in Gulberg Society. But there seems nothing rewarding about the eerie silence that has dominated the Gulberg Society since the Godhra riots of 2002. For, it bears testimony to lives lost, hopes crushed and justice denied.

The otherwise deserted society came alive on Sunday as riot victims, NGOs and media congregated at the site of one of the most gruesome killings of the 2002 riots. The congregation was to commemorate 10 years of the Sabarmati Express carnage and the consequent riots. Several NGOs under the banner ‘Insaaf Ki Dagar par’ came together to set up exhibits and memorials for the riot victims.

Pictures showing the riot affected, empty frames in memory of those who were never found, projectors flashing riot reports and stories written on blackened walls of houses were some of the ‘exhibits’ on display at the Gulberg society.

“I was just two and a half years when the mob drove us away. My father died trying to save a girl. My uncles hid in the attic and we set up an electric wire trap at our door to prevent rioters from entering the house,” said Ayesha, who has heard stories of survival from her mother. “My mother doesn’t come here. She says she will go mad if she does,” she added.

A commitment tree outside the house of Congress MP Ahesan Jafri who was killed by the mob had wishes written on strips of papers hanging from its branches. Incidentally most of the ‘wishes’ prayed that a repeat of 2002 never occurs.

“Let us not forget what happened here or else we will end up repeating it,” said another riot victim when asked if it was not time to move on. She refused to give her name or be photographed. Several residents wiped their tears as they entered their burnt homes.

A press conference held earlier saw Justice H Suresh, of the people’s tribunal, reiterating his stand that former home minister Haren Pandya had told them about the chief minister Narenda Modi’s direction to let Hindus vent their anger.

Most of the victims DNA spoke to firmly believed that a sincere apology from those in power could help heal the wounds. “All that we ask for is justice and an apology. Is that too much for us to expect,” said Tazbanu Khan, whose house close to the Gulberg Society was completely burnt down.