Click to play videoAhmedabad: More than seven years after the communal riots in Gujarat, fresh hope for justice came on Friday when the Supreme Court ordered a resumption of trial of the post-Godhra riot cases in special fast track court.
But the apex court turned down the long-standing demand of the National Human Rights Commission to shift these cases outside Gujarat much to the disappointment of the likes of Zakiya Jaffri.
Zakiya, widow of former congress MP Ehsaan Jaffri, killed at the Gulbarg Society massacre in 2002, is one of the many victims who wanted trial in the case to be shifted out of Gujarat.
She believes even seven years after the riots, atmosphere in Gujarat is not conducive for free and fair trial .
But she is happy that after all this time, the apex court has ordered the case to begin and rioters may finally be brought to justice.
"We have waited for a long time for trial to start. At least there will be quick proceedings now. As for justice, we have faith in God,” she says.
Other riot victims, too, are hopeful that under close monitoring by the SIT, the trial will now be speeded up.
“We have nothing personal against anyone. But those who killed in front of our eyes must be punished,” says Imtiyaz Saiyed of Naroda Gram, one of the worst-hit riot villages .
The Apex court may have disallowed the NHRC plea to transfer nine major riot cases out of Gujarat but has said
These cases will be heard by fast track courts
Public prosecutors in this matter will be appointed in consultation with the SIT
Witnesses will be provided protection
Political parties have reacted on expected lines.
“We welcome the Supreme Court judgment. We hope that victims will get quick justice,” said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javdekar.
While the judgment has come as a relief for Modi, troubles for him and his government are far from over as a court has, just two days ago, ordered a probe against Modi and government officials for their involvement in the riot cases.
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