Sunday, March 20 2005 15:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Close on the heels of the United States denying visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, two United Kingdom based voluntary organisations are planning protest demonstrations during his proposed visit in London, to participate in the 'Vibrant Gujarat' celebrations next Saturday (Mar 26, 2005).

This was announced at a public meeting organised yesterday (Mar 19, 2005) by the organisations, AWAAZ and South Asia Watch.

Welcoming the US decision to deny visa to and revoke tourist/business visa of Modi, Suresh Grover of AWAAZ said, "We need to create necessary momentum to keep up the international pressure, when he comes in London on Friday (Mar 25, 2005)."

Indira Jaising, eminent human rights lawyer and senior advocate of the Supreme Court, was the chief guest at the public meeting.

Jaising, who is also the chairperson of the Lawyers Collective (India) and director of the Women's Rights Initiative, New Delhi, alleged that the Gujarat riots in February 2002 were "pre-meditated".

Angelika Pathak, researcher at Amnesty International's South Asia Team, said that Amnesty had recommended to the Gujarat Government to investigate promptly, thoroughly and impartially all reports of alleged police connivance or participation in acts of sexual violence against women and bring to justice those responsible.

It suggested that the State Government should recruit an adequate number of women police officers and appoint investigating officers who specialise in cases of sexual violence and receive specialist training, including in the requirements of collecting, analysing and preserving of medical and other forensic evidence.