12 August 2003
India is host to possibly more minority groups than any other country in the world, whichever way defined -- linguistic, ethnic, cultural and religious. The diversity of languages and dialects, customs and practices, religions and denominations that characterizes India is unique and one that we deeply cherish. The modern Indian State has developed a constitutional framework, laws and instruments that seek not just to preserve and protect, but to promote, the plurality of Indian society. In doing so we have continued a tradition that goes back far into our history.
The vision of India as a modern secular state, was the principal inspiring force for the founders of our Constitution. The state is duty bound to ensure that every citizen, irrespective of race, religion, colour, creed or language, enjoys equal rights. Minorities, whether based on religion or otherwise, have been accorded special safeguards to guarantee them their rights to cultural identity, education, religious faith, freedom of expression of opinion, etc. None of this was linked to any external impulse, an optional protocol, or an international treaty. It was a manifestation of a national ethos, a tradition of accepting the other person whatever his faith, creed or language. As a result our civilization was greatly enriched, just as much as it enriched others that came in contact with it. This dialogue among civilizations existed long before the concept had gained currency.
Episodic aberrations to such secular values, unfortunately, do occur. They are regrettable, and they greatly sadden all right thinking people. However, as the report on the Working Group on Minorities asserts, we should not miss the woods for the treees. What is important is that there are functional institutions of democracy -- such as an accountable executive, a representative legislature, an independent judiciary and a free press -- all able and willing to discharge their responsibilities, fearlessly, to uphold the rule of law. That is where the real corrective lies. This is the only way the forces of intolerance, bigotry and hatred can be defeated.
The events last year in Gujarat, one of the 29 States and 6 Union Territories of India, to which some references have been made were indeed tragic. Both the Central and state leaderships acted with despatch and took all possible measures to bring the situation under control in the shortest possible time. It was ensured that the violence did not spread to other parts of the country, which is home to around 140 million Muslims. To speak of a genocide is therefore totally unwarranted and completely lacking in perspective.
It is imperative to keep in mind that action is indeed being taken against the guilty. The large scale arrests made in the wake of the violence have been followed up with prosecutions. Any suggestion to the contrary is unfounded. The judiciary and civil society are closely following various cases to ensure that justice is done and the victims are provided relief and return to their normal lives. In a recent prominent case, the National Human Rights Commission filed a petition with the Supreme Court, which has issued notices to the Central and State Governments. Separately, the Government of Gujarat itself has filed an appeal with the High Court of Gujarat against the Court's judgement acquitting some of the accused.