19. Comparative analysis of Government response to communal riots during 1969, 1985 and 2002

The communal tension in the state of Gujarat is not an unknown phenomenon. Prior to the present situation, all communal disturbances before Godhara incident, two major communal incidents took place in 1969 and 1985. To inquire into the factors leading to the communal violence in 1969 and 1985, the State Government appointed Judicial Commission to thoroughly inquire into all the aspects leading to communal violence and the response of the state Administration. Both the Commissions have come to specific conclusions and while coming to the conclusion they have come to specific conclusions and while coming to the conclusion they have also made specific observations.

On September 18, 1969, a major communal riot broke out in Ahmedabad City and subsequently spread in the other districts of the State. The incident which sparked the communal violence took place on 18th September, 1969 at 3.45 pm in Ahmedabad near Lord Jagannath Temple. Hon. Justice Jagmohan Reddy, inquired into the violence which broke out during the said communal disturbances. After 1969, a major agitation and communal riots broke out in 1985. Justice Dave Commission inquired into the incidents which took place during the course of anti-reservation agitation and also communal disturbances during February, 1985 to July, 1985.

The response of the State Government in the earlier incidents and the recent incident brings to the fore certain important facts which are as under :

*   In 1969, the incident of violence reported on 18th September at 3.45 pm. The army was pressed into service on 21st September, 1969 at 16.30 pm in limited areas (three Police Station only) while army was deployed in the entire city on 22nd September, 1969 at 18.00 hrs. In 1985, the riot broke out on 15/4/85 and the army was requisitioned on 16/4/85. By then, 177 deaths had already been reported. Compared to this, the army was requisitioned on the same day, i.e. on 28th February itself. It is very relevant to note that unlike the earlier occasions, army at this point of time is deployed on the border. Therefore, the deployment of army was difficult at a short notice. However, Hon. Chief Minister impressed upon the Hon. Prime Minister and the Defence Minister to deploy the army forthwith in view of the prevailing condition in the State. The Central Government also reacted very fast and army was airlifted to Ahmedabad the same night. The army was in action from next day of the incident, having completed all the formalities of nominating Executive Magistrates, allocation of vehicles etc..

*   The incident in 1969 occurred on 18th September, 1969 but the situation was out of control, even on the 5th and 6th day. The violation incidents continued to be reported even after the 6th day. The disturbances in 1985 were spread over a period of five months from February, 1985 to July, 1985. However, in the present case, the situation has been brought under control within three to four days only.

*   In the present case, the curfew was clamped within four hours in Godhara on the same day. Compared to this, there was delay in ordering curfew in the earlier incidents. The grievance for such delay was reported before the Enquiry Commission.

*   The complaint about inaction from the Police authorities and the local administration were made before the Inquiry Commission. In the present case in Gujarat, the Law and Order Enforcing Authority has taken a proactive stand to curb the violence effectively. Police Authorities have fired more than 3900 rounds, they have used more than 6500 rounds of tear gas and arrested more than 2800 people. One should also take a note of the fact that 90 people have been killed in police firing which shows that police showed no lenient approach towards elements spreading violence, arson and looting. It is also very pertinent to note that the geographical areas under grip of such untoword incident was much larger in 2002, compared to the earlier incidents of 1969 and 1985.

The above facts clearly show that the Government had reacted to the situation very quickly, effectively and also with strong political will.