Alp-Sankhyak Adhikar Manch, representing those displaced during the 2002 post-Godhra riots in Gujarat, today claimed that the BJP government in the state hasn't transferred ownership rights of the new houses built for them.
The Manch, a city-based NGO, had organised a gathering of those displaced during the riots, who are mostly from the Muslim community, here.
Around 3,000 families are living in 83 colonies built for their rehabilitation by various NGOs across nine districts, said advocate Shamshad Pathan of the Manch.
Most of these residents are, however, yet to get legal ownership of their new houses, Pathan said.
These colonies were initially built as temporary shelters on the outskirts of cities and towns, but eventually they turned into permanent houses for the displaced people, the Manch said in a release.
"This non-ownership has deprived them of various government schemes. They do not get loans as the houses are not in their names," said Pathan.
"Many of these colonies lack even the basic amenities, such as internal roads, street lights, schools, sewage lines, drinking water connections and hospitals," he claimed.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Majid Shaikh, a riot victim, said, "I lost my property, and eight family members during the riot (in Naroda-Patia area). I have been living in a colony in Vatva area since then. However, the house is not in my name."
Independent MLA Jignesh Mevani, invited to address the gathering, said he would take out a march of 1,500 protesters to Gandhinagar to press their demands.
"Let's gather 1,500 persons from these 83 colonies and march towards Gandhinagar to lay a siege to the Assembly. I am confident that a solution will emerge then," Mevani said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
