Human rights watchdog, Amnesty International has criticized Uttar Pradesh government for not giving compensation to more than 190 families displaced after 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots even four years after the communal incidents. “Communal riot survivors (190 families) are yet to receive compensation and continue to stay in squalid conditions in resettlement camps,” Amnesty International’s Indian arm said.
As per official records, 1,800 families have been compensated. But, the Amnesty report alleged that unpredictable definition of a family was laid down by the officials in a bid to deny them compensation. Many families were denied compensation as authorities claimed they were part of a larger joint family that already had received money.
The government defined ‘family’ as a group of people living together and using a common kitchen. But even in cases where families were able to show that they lived in distinct homes, the report claims that they did not get any financial assistance.
Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts of UP faced one of the worst Hindu-Muslim riot in 2013. The violence was triggered by killing of three men who had opposed harassment of a young woman. More than 60 people were killed and over 50,000 others were displaced in the chaos that swamped over 250 villages. Hundreds of families were forced to leave their homes and live in camps.
Even after four years, many families continue to live in camps with little access to water and electricity. In October 2013, the state government declared compensation of five lakh to families from worst affected areas.
