MINORITIES IN THE INDIAN STATE OF GUJARAT

Early day motion 709, tabled 11 February 2003 by Mike Wood (Labour). Signed by 34 members.

That this House is dismayed at the continuing harrassment and violence towards minority groups in the Indian state of Gujarat; is particularly concerned at the position of Christians and Muslims; notes that many thousands of Muslims are still housed in temporary camps after their homes and businesses were destroyed in the racial violence which flared up in February 2002; is further concerned that the authorities in Gujarat are leading the efforts to dismantle a secular India which has consistently ensured that devotees of the world's eight major religions and others can live in relative harmony; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to work within the framework of the United Nations and the Commonwealth to help prevent further deterioration in relations between the varied communities of present day India.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Liberal Democrat 7, UUP 3, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.