NCM expresses concern over delay in arrest of riot accused

MUZAFFARNAGAR: National Commission for Minorities has expressed concern over the delay in arrest of Muzaffarnagar riots accused and said it was a necessary step towards restoring confidence among the riot victims.

"Not one accused out of 27 in six rape cases has been arrested even two months after the incident," NCM member Prof Farida Abdul Khan said, adding that there is fear among the victims that the accused will not be arrested.

She also appealed to NGOs to work for rehabilitation of riot victims.

On the prevailing conditions in relief camps, Khan said facilities in the camps were not enough, but stressed that victims should asked to evacuate forcefully.

"They should go back to their native villages only after gaining confidence," she said.

Khan also visited relief camps in Loee, Shahpur, Basikala and Kutba, where eight persons, including a woman, were killed during the riots.

Over 60 people were killed and thousands left homeless during the riots in Muzaffarnagar and adjoining areas in September.