Friday, January 14 2005 13:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Giving a mixed review of the human rights situation in India, a US rights watchdog has hailed the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government's decision to repeal an "oft abused" anti-terrorism law POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) and re-evaluation of education policies that have fostered "communitarian resentments".

The US Human Rights Watch, however, alleged that military, para military and police forces engaged in serious human rights abuses not just in "conflict zones" such as Kashmir but also when dealing with criminal suspects and detainees.

The violence inside Kashmir continued. Bomb and grenade attacks by militants in crowded market places constituted the intentional targeting of civilians. Attacks, apparently by militants, on moderate Kashmiri leaders have hindered the peace process, it alleged in its annual world report released yesterday (Jan 13, 2005).

With regard to Gujarat, it said that "failure" of the State Government to bring to justice those responsible for post Godhra communal riots continued to be "a source of tension" throughout the country.

However, it said the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) have taken several positive steps to secure justice for the riot victims.