It is imperative that certain facts are stated to prevent the perpetuation of lies being propagated since 2002. Here are some of them:
Fact 1: Shoot at sight orders had been issued by the Government on February 28, 2002, itself. Being an Ex-DGP and a Member of Parliament at that time, I was in touch with the office of DGP Gujarat and the Commissioner of Police, Ahmedabad. I was keen to tell them: (a) Call in the Army at once; and (b) issue "shoot at sight" orders to all officers of the rank of Sub-Inspector and above. It was comforting to learn that the Gujarat Government had already taken both steps by 2.30 pm on February 28. The State Government had also requested for armed police reinforcements from neighbouring States, besides calling for the Army.
Fact 2: On the February 28 police had shot dead 10 Hindus and wounded 16 Hindus.
Fact 3: On the next day, that is, March 1, another 24 Hindus were shot dead and 40 Hindus wounded by the police.
Fact 4: In the entire period of riots, the police had shot dead 80 Hindus and wounded 207 Hindus. But no Delhi-based media showed any interest in reporting these casualties.
Fact 5: The Muslim counter-attack, which commenced from March 1, was no less ferocious. In the first three days alone, of a total of 611 deaths, 101 were caused by police firing. Of these, 61 were Hindus and 40 were Muslims.
