FCO COMMENT ON THE SITUATION IN GUJARAT
(5th MARCH 2002)

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw met with representatives of Muslim organisations including Lord Patel, Shamsuddin Agha, President of the Indian Muslim Federation, Yousuf Bhailok, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Mohammed Gajia of the Council of Indian Muslims, Khalid Mahmood MP and Mark Hendrick MP this afternoon following the Godhra train burning incident in Gujarat on February 27th.

Following the meeting the Foreign Secretary said "I am greatly concerned and saddened at the deaths in both communities in Gujarat and hope calm can be restored as quickly as possible. I appreciate the efforts of the Government of India to this end. We have a direct responsibility for those British Citizens involved, and the FCO will be doing everything it can to help them. But of course our concerns and thoughts are for all those who have suffered."

"There has been serious communal violence in a number of cities and some smaller communities across Gujarat with several hundred killed and curfews imposed in some areas. The situation remains volatile, particularly in rural areas. We advise visitors to exercise caution and to monitor developments through the media before confirming travel arrangements. We strongly advise against travelling at present on highways in rural areas" recommends the FCO travel information service.

Following the Godhra incident, home burnings and rioting in many cities in Gujarat, curfews were introduced. These are only just being lifted in major cities like Ahmedabad (12th March) and Vadodra (Baroda).

Those concerned about relatives in the region should call the British High Commission's 24 hour help line in New Delhi on + 11 687 2161. Those planning to travel to the region should check the Foreign Office's travel advice on www.fco.gov.uk or by calling 0207 008 0232/0233"

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