ISLAMABAD, May 5: Indian’s National Human Rights Commission has censured in strong terms both the government and intelligence agencies for the recent anti-Muslim riots in Gujarat state that have claimed more than 900 lives since February.

“A serious failure of intelligence and action by the state government marked the events leading to the Godhra tragedy and the subsequent deaths and destruction that occurred,” notes the commission in its confidential proceedings on the Gujarat situation, a copy of which is with Dawn.

The proceedings are based on the report of a fact-finding mission to Gujarat between March 19 and 22, 2002. Dated April 1, the proceedings contain preliminary comments and a set of recommendations. Copies of the proceedings sent both to the central and state governments call for prompt action on the recommendations made by the commission.

Established by the parliament, the commission raises pointed questions about the Gujarat carnage and suggests in its report that the violent attacks against the Muslim minorities were pre- planned, organized and targeted. It points to the complete breakdown of the state machinery leading to its failure in protecting the citizens from the brutal onslaught.

In view of the report of the state government admitting that Gujarat State has a long history of communal riots, the commission maintains: “It would appear to constitute an extraordinary lack of appreciation of the potential dangers of the situation, both by the central and state intelligence agencies.” According to the state government, major riots have been occurring periodically in the state since 1969. Between 1970 and 2002, Gujarat has witnessed 443 major communal incidents.

The commission seeks comments from the state on a number of key searching questions. Pointing to the “widespread reports and allegations of groups of well-organized persons, armed with mobile telephones and addresses, singling out certain homes and properties for death and destruction in certain districts, sometimes within view of police stations and personnel,” the commission observes: “The further question arises as to what the factors were, and who the players were in the situations that went out of control.”

Observing that it is “the primary and inescapable responsibility of the state to protect the life, liberty, equality and dignity of all of those who constitute it,” the commission expresses reservations about the state having discharged its responsibilities appropriately.

Referring to the tragic events that occurred in Gujarat end of February, the commission observes they have serious implications for the country (India) as whole, “affecting both its sense of self-esteem and the esteem in which it is held in the comity of nations.”

It warns also of implications for trade, investment, tourism and employment. However, the commission notes that its overriding and continuing concern remains “the violation of the fundamental rights to life, liberty, equality and the dignity of citizens of India as guaranteed in the Constitution.”

Describing the preliminary report submitted by the government of Gujarat to the commission on its request as “perfunctory in character,” the commission regrets the delay caused in it despite the “urgency and significance” of the matter.

The commission noted with concern the slow progress until March 22 on the cases registered. “There is a widespread lack of faith in the integrity of the investigating process and the ability of those conducting investigations,” it observed.