Godhra, the name that reminisces ugly scenes of a burnt train, half burnt human bodies, charred limbs and subsequent clashes that turned out to be uglier by any figment of human imagination. The year 2002 saw the worst of communal clashes in modern Indian history, perhaps, next only to those witnessed during the days of partition.

Given below are the comments of national leaders on Sabarmati Express attack and the subsequent carnage in Gujarat:

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee: said that he did not represent any particular community but the entire nation and it was his responsibility to maintain law and order.

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee terms the Gujarat carnage as a ''blot'' on the nation's image putting everyone on trial. He voiced confidence that the current frenzy would be controlled and communal harmony restored in the state.

Defence Minister George Fernandes: The attack on Sabarmati Express at Godhra Railway station was "well planned and well executed".

BJP chief Jana Krishnamurthy: The Godhra railway station mayhem was masterminded by forces inimical to India, who did not want communal harmony in the country.

Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain: BJP image has suffered a setback due to riots in Gujarat. Vajpayee must take "hard measures" to restore confidence of Muslims.

Gujarat CM Modi: "Those responsible" for violence at Godhra railway station would be detained under POTO.

Ex-West Bengal CM Basu: The attack on the Sabarmati Express seemed pre- planned. The culprits behind the carnage should be severely punished.

Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid along with other leaders demanded the arrest of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi under POTO and an inquiry under a sitting Judge of the Supreme Court into the incident.

Ex-Army Chief General V P Malik: The country cannot afford flash points like Ayodhya and Gujarat and would have to create a "must win" atmosphere for defeating the enemy across the border and curbing cross-border terrorism.

RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav holds Centre and the Gujarat government responsible for the violence in Gujarat and other parts of the state after the Godhra incident. He even demanded the Centre to immediately book top VHP leaders under POTO.

Shiv Sena MPs met Vajpayee to seek protection for Ayodhya-bound Ram sevaks in view of the attack on Sabarmati Express.

Union Minister Sushma Swaraj: The entire nation is concerned about the outbreak of intense communal conflict in Gujarat where both Hindus and Muslims were killed.

Former PM Deve Gowda wants a sitting Supreme Court Judge should be asked to head a Commission to go into the Gujarat incidents, saying that the inquiry by a retired High Court judge into the Godhra incidents was "distressing".