Gujarat communal violence finds mention in UNDP report

A United Nations report on Thursday mentioned the communal violence in Gujarat, while discussing the importance of cultural liberty and growing distrust among ethnic groups threatening peace, development and human freedom in various parts of the world.

"Sectarian violence killed thousands of Muslims and drove thousands more from their homes in Gujarat and elsewhere in India, a champion of cultural accomodation," the UNDP report on Human Development released in Delhi said.

The report mentions Prevention of Terrorism Act in the context of laws across the world to deal with coercive groups and their activities.

While talking about the danger of anti-terror laws being abused or made permanent, it said the Indian government 'allowed its earlier anti-terror law to lapse in 1995 after accusations of human rights violations', an apparent reference to Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act.