19 years after Godhra riots, most from Gulberg Society want to sell their homes

On Sunday noon, Saira Sandhi and Rupa Mody glanced over their deserted houses, embraced each other and broke down while remembering the arson and killing spree that went on for hours on February 28, 2002, in their society in the communal riots, following the death of 59 kar sewaks returning from Ayudhya in Sabarmati Express.

Both these women are eyewitnesses and victims of the in post-Godhra riots. Saira lost four of her family members while Mody never saw her 14-year-old son Azhar from that fateful day. The movie Parzania has depicted Mody's ordeal.

Read | 2002 Godhra train coach fire: Key accused held after 19 years in Gujarat

The two women met in what is now an annual ritual at Gulberg Society located in the Hindu-dominated Meghaninagar area, where the riots were one of the worst in which 69 persons including former Congress MP Ahsan Jafri were killed by the mob.

In 2016, 11 persons were convicted for murder while 13 were awarded lesser punishment by a special trial court.

The residents meet every year on this day to pray for the victims. On the occasion, Saira Sandhi tells the women's group, "A majority of house owners want to sell their properties and move on. There is nothing left here for anyone except a couple of those who are rich. Therefore, we should sell our houses."

When DH asked about this, she said, "I do want to sell my house. My children would never live here. They will remain scared 24/7 even if they decide to shift to this society. Some people are using the place for their benefit such as taking rents and all but a majority don't get anything in return." Saira shifted to the Shahibaug area after the riots where she lives with her family.

Also Read | Gujarat Riots: Ex-SIT chief Raghavan's book describes Setalvad, Bhatt as detractors

Mody agrees. "Coming back to stay here will require lots of money (renovation of houses) which no one has. A majority of the owners are ready to sell but a couple of them including Tanvirbhai are opposing."

52-year-old Nargis Bano and her brother Aslam Mansuri, his 19-year-old daughter Sofia, also came to offer prayers. Bano lost her father and eight other family members. "We have been wanting to sell our house. Leaving it like this forever won't help us. If we get some money by selling it, it will help my brother's family a great deal."

For the past several years, efforts are being made to negotiate with builders to sell the society.

One of the owners, who didn't want to be identified said, "No Muslim builder wants to buy this since the area falls under Disturbed Area Act while we had tried to negotiate with Hindu builders who were interested but backed off due to four of the society members opposing it."

When contacted Tanvir, son of ex-Congress MP Ahsan Jafri, said, "I am not against the individuals who want to sell their properties. I am clear that I am not selling my house. I can't do that ever."