‘Riot-hit areas, not people need security’

A Three-member central team, back after a visit to Gujarat, is of the opinion that select riot-affected areas in the state, rather than key witnesses and victims, require additional protection from paramilitary forces.

Sources refused to divulge the locations, but said the areas had been identified on the basis of the mix of population of the two communities, record of past events and profile of the accused in those areas. The Supreme Court had on March 15 asked the Centre to identify key witnesses for making arrangements for their security by central forces. The order followed a petition by Citizens for Justice and Peace that recounted the fear of insecurity among witnesses.

The team felt that handing over individual protection to central forces was neither feasible nor required. What was needed was a close watch of the existing local security cover for individuals, sources said. ‘‘Security has been beefed up and a new set of officers deployed. Besides, there are human rights teams there to ensure that victims or witnesses are not intimidated,’’ said sources. ‘‘It is impossible to provide protection to each individual.’’ The observations would be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs tomorrow.