US City Council passes resolution condemning 2002 Gujarat riots

WASHINGTON, A US City Council has passed a resolution condemning the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat and expressed concern over the "denial" of justice for the victims.

The resolution, passed this week by the City Council of Harvey, Illinois, expressed solidarity with the victims, including those who died in the Godhra train fire on February 27, 2002.

"The Harvey City Council condemns the Gujarat pogrom of 2002 as a gross violation of human rights and a failure of the law and order machinery in the state of Gujarat," the resolution stated, expressing concern over "denial of justice" to the surviving victims "despite worldwide condemnation".

The resolution also said there have been very few arrests and even fewer convictions arising out of the cases registered during and after the "mass killings".

City Mayor Eric Kellogg presided over the meeting, which was attended by four other voting council members, and members of the public.

"There are times when events in far-flung parts of the world not only move our hearts, but strengthen our resolve to always stand up for truth and justice. The horrific massacres that took place in the Indian state of Gujarat in 2002 is one such event," Kellogg said.

e said the fact that such an incident took place in the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi, was "especially shameful".

Kellogg hailed the Indian-American community in Harvey for their contributions in the field of relief, charity and social services, and resolved to raise funds for the victims of the Gujarat riots.

The passage of the resolution has been welcomed by the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC).

With a population of over 30,000, Harvey is considered as a suburb of Chicago.

Source: TOI