Commission condemns terrorist attack in Akshardham Temple in Gujarat

The Commission, on 25 September 2002, sharing the nation’s shock and grief, strongly condemned the outrageous terrorist attack which occurred against innocent civilians at the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar on 24 September 2002 and continued till the morning of 25 September 2002.
The Commission has consistently taken the position that such criminal acts are in any circumstances unjustifiable, whatever reasons may be invoked to justify them. They are violative of every conceivable human right. The full force of the law must be brought to bear in dealing with such acts of terrorism and in bringing to justice those who perpetrate or abet them.
The Commission extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives or had been injured in the terrorist attack, including those of the security forces.
The Commission greatly appreciated the prompt statements made by leaders of political parties, as also leaders of various communities, urging that inter-communal harmony be maintained.
For its part, the Commission urged all elements of civil society to cooperate fully with the authorities in their effort to maintain law and order and to preserve and protect the human rights of all of the people of Gujarat and, indeed, of the country as a whole. It stressed that nothing should be done to divert the attention of the authorities from the fulfilment of their responsibilities in this respect, nor should any encouragement be given to any act or statement that could exacerbate the present situation.