Modi is widely blamed for his role during the riots and for giving a free hand to rioters for several days.
JUBAIL, SAUDI ARABIA: Last July, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi threw a challenge to all his opponents, saying that if he was found guilty of collusion in the 2002 riots, he was ready to be hanged in public. Modi is widely blamed for his role (or inaction) during the riots and for giving a free hand to rioters for several days, who murdered thousands of people and destroyed businesses and properties of Muslims. So far, he has refused to apologise for the riots; instead, he has blamed those asking for an apology from him as being responsible for fanning trouble and hatred.
In the backdrop of the clean chit given to Modi by the Indian Supreme Court’s special investigation team, BJP minster Maya Kodnani has been found guilty in the Naroda Patiya massacre case. She is the first MLA to be convicted of murder, conspiracy and provoking riots. Perhaps, the hangman’s noose is slowly tightening around Modi’s neck. So far, it’s a matter of moral responsibility; one day, direct responsibility for the riots may also be proved against him. Till then, we need to keep track of Modi’s vow to be hanged in public if found guilty.
Masood Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 1st, 2012.
