LONDON, March 1: Amnesty International (AI) on Friday expressed deep concern on widespread communal riots in Indian state of Gujarat and called for an impartial probe to punish those responsible for it.

“The human rights organization is concerned at reports suggesting inaction by the police force and senior officials in responding to the violence,” it said in a statement. It added the law enforcement agencies should ensure equal protection to all citizens.

“The organization calls on law enforcement agencies to ensure equal protection to all citizens, and on all the parties involved to stop the cycle of violence and retribution.”

It urged India and the government of Gujarat to ensure that all law enforcement agencies deployed in the state, as well as in the rest of the country, abide by the guidelines set by the international community for the conduct of law enforcement officials and the use of firearms.—APP