Indian PM vows justice in Gujarat

Mr Vajpayee said communal violence was "localised"

Indian premier Atal Behari Vajpayee has issued his strongest condemnation yet of last year's riots in Gujarat, saying the guilty will be brought to justice.

Over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in riots in the western state that followed a deadly arson attack on a train carrying Hindu pilgrims.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Mr Vajpayee called the riots a "tragic aberration".

"Justice will not only be seen to be done; it will be done," he said.

Mr Vajpayee told the newspaper: "There is no doubt that those perpetrating such violence should be punished. Our public, media and judiciary are following it closely.

"The violence in Gujarat was a tragic aberration and we have condemned it unequivocally. It is important to remember that these tragic incidents remain localised - the secular fabric of India remains intact."

Court's anger

The Financial Times said Mr Vajpayee's comments showed it was unlikely he would overtly use the "communal card" at the next general election, due before November 2004.

The riots took place in February and March last year after 58 Hindu pilgrims died in the train attack in Godhra, which was blamed on a Muslim mob.

Opponents of Mr Vajpayee's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party have strongly criticised its defence of the chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi.

Rights activists say Mr Modi's administration has failed to pursue those guilty of the anti-Muslim violence.

India's Supreme Court has also attacked the administration; in September it said Gujarat had denied justice to the victims.

Last month, it ordered the state government to appoint new public prosecutors to investigate the religious violence.