AHMEDABAD, INDIA, June 9, 2002: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, in a change of policy, has said that the government would provide no funds for rebuilding the shrines that were damaged in the post-Godhra riots. Contrary to his assurances to the Minorities Commission and Muslim leaders last month, the Chief Minister has now claimed that giving money for such a purpose was against India’s constitution. Modi, who met about 100 representatives from the riot-hit areas of Naroda Patiya, Best Bakery and Panwad on Friday, was back to his earlier stand that nonpolitical organizations would be involved in raising funds for rebuilding damaged shrines, mostly Muslim places of worship and teaching.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike