I very much share the concerns expressed by Deputy Sherlock about the killings and serious human rights abuses which occurred in Gujarat in 2002, and the strong evidence which exists to suggest that some individuals within the State Government of Gujarat were involved.
In view of very deep concerns in this regard, and particularly in light of the strong evidence of involvement by the State authorities in the violence and rights abuses which took place, the EU agreed, shortly after these events in 2002, to refrain from any high-level EU visits to the State of Gujarat and from all direct contacts with Chief Minister Modi or his Ministers and reaffirmed this position in 2006. It was also decided that members of the Gujarat Government should not be facilitated in relation to any official visits to EU Member States. This remains our position.
The EU, individually and collectively, avails of all suitable opportunities to raise with the Indian Government a variety of areas of concern in relation to human rights and rights of minorities, including our concerns about the situation in Gujarat. The central Government in New Delhi is indeed aware of the situation and of the EU's concerns in this regard. Our concerns relate not only to the specific events of 2002 but also to the evidence of continuing discrimination and impunity in Gujarat.
State Elections will be taking place in Gujarat in December this year and we will be monitoring developments there closely, particularly to gauge if the outcome to those elections will enhance the prospects of further investigation of the events of 2002 and the bringing to justice of those who perpetrated the violence and abuses which took place at that time.