September 28, 2002	Saturday	Rajab 20, 1423

NEW YORK, Sept 27: Human Rights Watch on Thursday called on the Indian government to prevent further outbreak of violence in Gujarat and protect all citizens, whatever their religion.”

“The government of Gujarat must prove that it can maintain peace and security in the state and not become complicit again in the killing of civilians,” said Brad Adams, executive director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch. “Those responsible for the massacre in Gandhinagar must be brought to justice while all citizens, whatever their religion, must be protected from future attacks.”

In a statement the HRW condemned the brutal attack at the Swaminarayan temple in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, in which at least 30 people, including children, were killed. Human Rights Watch commended the Indian government for responding swiftly to maintain law and order in Gujarat state.

The HRW noted that since February 27, when a mob in Godhra attacked a train carrying Hindu activists and left 58 people dead, close to 1,000 people, mostly Muslim, have been killed in Gujarat. Human Rights Watch’s investigations revealed that Gujarat officials actively participated in the violence against Muslims.

Human Rights Watch also noted that potential for further outbreaks of violence in Gujarat and elsewhere in India remains high. The watchdog also called on the government to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for attacks on Muslims.