Godhra anniversary: 10th yr of shame for Gujarat, says Sanjiv Bhatt

Terming the anniversary of the Godhra train carnage, that left 59 karsevaks dead and triggered one of worst communal riots in India, as the "10th year of shame", suspended IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt on Monday criticised Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi saying that democracy was being killed in the state.

Describing the battle to get justice for the victims of Godhra train carnage and riots as "the fight for soul of India," Bhatt said, "this fight is not in support of one religion or a person."

He was addressing a commemoration meeting 'Justice for victims of 2002 genocide' held at St Xaviers College in South Mumbai

Bhatt, who was the then superintendent of police (SP) in the state intelligence branch, claimed to have attended a meeting called by Modi, where the BJP leader allegedly "instructed the officials to let Hindus vent their anger against Muslims so that (a) repeat of Godhra like incident never happens in the state."

"Jabtak hum aise logo ko benakhaab nahi karte, tab tak aise darinde paida hote rahenge (Unless we uncover the perpetrators of the mass killings, such anti-social elements will keep mushrooming," he added.

Whenever anyone questions about riots, Modi says fingers are being pointed at Gujarat, Bhatt said, adding, "The questions are not raised at Gujarat but Modi and his politics and his political party. The anniversary is the 10th year of shame. Democracy is being killed in Gujarat day by day."

The IPS officer warned people saying that the carnage may be repeated if they forget the incident.

"The weapon the anti- social elements have with them is our fear. If we get rid of this fear, we can fight for justice," he said.

Claiming that the riots were systematically planned by a political party with the help of criminal elements, he said, he riots could have been averted had timely action been taken.

"Such things (mass killing) will continue, unless and until we raise our voice. First 1993 riots in Mumbai, then the 2002 riots took place in Gujarat. If we keep quiet now, then things will not change. If Muslims were killed now (in Godhra riots), Hindus may be killed tomorrow," Bhatt.

Shankar Menon, a former bureaucrat of Maharashtra government, said, "When I had spoke to the then deputy collector in Gujarat, the collector told me that Modi had asked to take three Muslims lives for each Hindu."

Film actor Rahul Bose said people should unite to fight for justice and spread love.