STOP Communal Attacks in Vadodara, Gujarat!

To

Dr. Manmohan Singh,
Prime Minister,
New Delhi, India
(91-11) 23012312, 23013149, 23019545 (Phone) 23016857 (Fax)

Mr. Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister,
(91-11) 23092462, 23094686, 23093750 (phone), 23094221 (Fax)

Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairman of United Progressive Alliance,
(91-11) 23014481, 23012656 (Phone), 23018651 (FAX)


Dear Dr. Singh, Mr. Patil and Mrs. Gandhi,

We are very alarmed at the escalating violence and communal tension in Vadodara following the demolition of a dargah, and subsequent deaths due to police firing. As concerned Indians from the United States and elsewhere, we urge you to take action at the earliest to protect the lives and property of citizens in extreme danger. Reports indicate that inaction and sometimes irresponsible actions from the local administration are making the situation worse.

We have directly spoken to residents of Vadodara in the early hours of Wednesday, May 3rd, and received details of the extremely dangerous situation of the night of May 2nd when mobs were entering Muslim neighborhoods, already resulting in a few deaths. Activists of People's Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) have informed us that the situation is getting out of control with the police not taking effective action to provide security.

Considering the volatile situation in Gujarat, and the insensitive and sometimes provocative approach of the local administration, the communities have little confidence in protective measures from local police. We urge the Central government to send forces at the earliest to take control of the security situation, and prevent a repeat of the horrific riots of 2002, which are still fresh in our memory. We also urge the state government to act in a responsible manner to protect its citizens. The price of delay or inaction could be deadly.