United Nations’ Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on Freedom of Religion or Belief Asma Jahangir has said that religious intolerance has risen in India in the last decade. Ms Jahangir told a press conference towards the end of her visit to India that “institutionalised impunity for those who exploit religion and impose their religious intolerance on others has made peaceful citizens, particularly the minorities vulnerable and fearful. About the 2002 Gujarat riots, she said there are credible reports that inaction by the authorities was evident and most interlocutors alleged complicity by the State government.
According to a report, expressing her concern, Ms Asma said, “I am distressed…. I am not that hopeful that justice will be done.” she said in a response to a question on the condition of riot victims.
“Even today there is increasing ghettoisation and isolation of Muslims in certain areas in Gujarat. It (Gujarat) is a cause of concern because atmosphere is oppressive there,” she said in a response to a question on the condition of riot victims.