COLUMNISTS
DIARY
SPECIALS
INTERVIEWS
ELECTIONS '98
CAPITAL BUZZ
REDIFF POLL
DEAR REDIFF
THE STATES
YEH HAI INDIA!
ARCHIVES

Search Rediff

The Rediff Interview/Gujarat Home Minister Haren Pandya

'Some people close to us think that just because we are in power, they can do anything and get away with it'

The most powerful man in Gujarat today is 38-year-old Haren Pandya, the state's home minister. A mechanical engineer, fiery student leader and corporator, Pandya is a product of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and is reported to be close to Union Home Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani, who won the 1998 Lok Sabha election from the state capital Gandhinagar.

In this exclusive interview with V Gangadhar, Pandya describes the attempts of the government to control the communal disturbances in Ahmedabad:

At the meeting held at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, you appeared to be confident of handling the situation. Is the confidence justified?

Certainly. The present disturbances took place after a long spell of communal peace. The police force was a bit complacent on the first two days, but now everything is under control. The peace committees are active. I brought the 'strongmen' from the troublesome localities of Dariapur and Kalupur face to face, made them exchange telephone numbers and share information on instances of trouble. These areas are now free of trouble. Another healthy development is that more and more Hindus and Muslims are now identifying members from their own communities who are creating trouble. This had not happened before.

Keeping politicians from the police is no doubt commendable. But can low-level policemen and officers stand up to the all-powerful politicians?

They have to. My orders, which are clear on this issue, have percolated to the lowest levels. I told the sub-inspectors they would be held responsible for any trouble in their respective areas. Now, no policeman will blot his career by obeying politicians.

Was there an intelligence failure?

I don't think so. We were warned to expect trouble on the rathyatra which went off peacefully. Since then there were some sporadic attempts. The flare-up, particularly the stabbing cases of the 27th, was unexpected. They came out of the blue. The IB [Intelligence Bureau] is looking into the issue. We have arrested those involved and will soon know who were behind these attacks.

Everyone is talking of the 'Kargil' effect, how Muslims were abused and linked with the Pakistani actions.

All over Gujarat, there were spontaneous reactions over Kargil and Muslims shared these feelings. They too condemned Pakistan and contributed funds for the jawans. We are aware of these mischief-mongers who may have wounded the feelings of local Muslims. They may belong to certain political parties or be agents of the ISI [Inter-Services Intelligence of Pakistan] who did not want Muslims coming close to the BJP.

Initially, we allowed people to burn effigies freely, but once these slogans began, people were asked to get police permission. Of course, on the rathyatra day, some sections of the mob did shout anti-Muslim slogans, but this could not be helped. We did prevent violent incidents on that day.

VHP leaders have charged your government with protecting 'Pakistani elements'. What do you have to say on this?

This is a baseless charge that has been denied by the chief minister.

Somehow, Gujarat has got a reputation of being unfair to the minorities. First there were the attacks on Christians and their churches. Then the constant attacks on Muslims.

That is not fair. The incidents in the Dangs, where some churches were attacked, were exaggerated by the national and international media. In fact, the first stone-throwing was by the Christians.

You see, some people close to us think that just because we are in power, they can do anything and get away with it. We also do not indulge in appeasing the minorities if they break the law and misbehave.

Stabbings are now on the rise. They happened during the 1992 riots too when 'outsiders' were held guilty.

Yes, but this time the incidents are localised. I am sure the IB will find out who is behind these.

Will these disturbances have any impact on the Lok Sabha poll?

I don't think so. If some political parties think they can disrupt or influence the poll programme by such activities, we will not let that happen.

Will the government be able to control the VHP which has adopted a provocative posture?

The VHP is a separate organisation. It has its own agenda. If it creates any problems, we shall tackle them like anyone else.

Will there be a judicial enquiry into the disturbances?

I don't think that will be necessary. The Intelligence Bureau's enquiry should be enough. It is quicker.

Are the followers of notorious gangster Lateef, who was gunned down in an encounter, responsible in any way for the disturbances?

I doubt it. This government has full control and has stopped bootlegging and extortion, which were practised by him. There is no political shelter for his followers.

Do you have anything to say on the role of the media in covering the disturbances?

We were not entirely happy when newspapers mentioned the names of the communities or of those who were killed or wounded. This would add to the tension. We held a meeting of editors and explained the problems to them. They should follow the guidelines set out by the Press Council.

Why...

Because of their geography, location, Hindus and Muslims live close by. Any minor altercation over water supply or sanitation immediately becomes communal. These areas are overcrowded and there is scope for mischief-makers.

Aren't you concerned at the growing divide between Hindus and Muslims?

Relations are not as good as they should be. This government will try its best to bridge this gulf. We are hopeful on this issue.

ALSO SEE SPECIAL REPORT:
A fragile peace rules in Ahmedabad

The Rediff Interviews

Tell us what you think of this interview