For more than a month, Gujarat has witnessed barbaric violence directed against the Muslim minority following the gruesome attack on the Sabarmati Express at Godhra.

The Gujarat state government headed by Chief Minister, Narendra Modi, has become infamous for the way it has dealt with the violence. Instead of firmly dealing with the rampaging gangs, the state administration has in a shocking manner connived with their criminal activities. The Constitution has been trampled upon and the state administration is totally biased against citizens who belong to the minority community. The Vajpayee government has done nothing to check this brazen violation of the Constitution and the rule of law and the BJP defends the indefensible role of the Chief Minister. In such a situation, if there has to be any restoration of normalcy and credibility to the state administration, it is imperative that Narendra Modi be removed from the Chief Ministership. Nothing less will assure the people of India that the rule of law will prevail in Gujarat.

The People's Front has decided to call for a big popular mobilisation on 17th April 2002 to demand that Narendra Modi be removed from the post of Chief Minister; firm steps be taken to stop the continuing violence and to book the culprits and bring them to justice. The Central Government should ensure that the recommendations of the National Human Rights Commission regarding the investigation and trial for the crimes be immediately implemented.

In Delhi, there will be a mass demonstration at Jantar Mantar. In all other states, in major centres, protest rallies and processions will be conducted. We appeal to all citizens who are concerned about the future of democracy and secularism to join these protests in large numbers.