I am mailing you from the UK. I am a lawyer and legal academic here in the UK in the field of international law and human rights. My area of specialism is human rights in South Asia, particularly caste discrimination and human rights law... I am writing from across the seas in a gesture of support.

If there is anything of a more practical nature that would be useful please let me know. Specifically, I have recently started work on a case report and analysis of the Best Bakery case, which I have been asked to produce for a UK-based academic legal journal… This will cover these recent developments so if there is any information which you would like to send me, please do so.

Annapurna Waughray, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK ([email protected])

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"When the going gets tough, the tough get going"

Please don’t lose heart due to (the) Zaheera episode. It only strengthens our resolve and highlights the brutal nature of the Gujarat regime. The fight is never easy for those who stand up to fight a corrupt and immoral system.

A word of consolation, everyone knows about the weakness in her heart as a woman terrified by what she saw. She simply got swayed by the blend of threats and lust brought to her by the mean brokers of CM Modi & co. Obviously he has power to misuse.

I, like millions, admire the courage shown by your organisation.

Wish you every best in this tough battle for the weak and helpless. For them you people are like angels.

Firozuddin Firoz ([email protected])

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I have been following your role in Best Bakery case.

Thanks a lot for supporting victims. Kindly support them

wherever they are, whoever they are and against whosoever.

It may be Muslims today, Sikhs yesterday and Christians tomorrow and Hindus somewhere someday.

It’s a courageous act from you.

In the course of your commitment there will be many flip-flops such as Zaheera’s. But the truth never claims to come easy...

Zaheera may be playing to (the) gallery or is under threat. No matter what, the Best Bakery (incident) did happen and that should motivate you. Great Work!!

Khalid Faridi ([email protected])

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My salute to your determination and efforts for up-holding the truth.

Keep it up! Your struggle will be a beacon for others. Many Teestas are in (the) making due to your efforts.

I cannot do much but my prayers are with you. May GOD help you in all your efforts for bringing the truth to light.

M Shabahat Ali Khan, New Delhi ([email protected])

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I am extremely sorry about Zaheera’s roundabout turn. But very soon she will repent.

We all know about your sincerity, selflessness and courage. Keep it up. Justice and truth will prevail. God will be with you.

Malika Babasaheb Mistry ([email protected])

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It was really so WONDERFUL of you to support Zahira Sheikh and back her to the hilt. That was a real act of courage.

Given that, her behaviour comes across as extremely unfortunate.

It can be really tough. And yes, it hurts. However, do continue the struggle. SATYAMEVA JAYATE!

Milind Kher ([email protected])

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Hope you are fine and in the best of health and spirits.

I do not know whether you remember me after such a long time since visiting your rep. in A’bad and several telephone & e-mail communications with you, but we always remember you, of course, not we but thousands of your well-wishers are following you and follow your each and every step after your successful communal combat.

I don’t know how can I thank you for the trouble you are taking to fight for the crime against humanity but we all pray for safety, security and success in your life and may (you) be guided to the right path you deserve, specially may your Gujarat mission bring fruitful results of your hard work.

Please, so let me know what can we do for you and for your result oriented mission to be completed soon???

Shabbir Patel, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia ([email protected])

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You have rightly said, Zaheera is still a victim (of what only time will say). I consider the entire event as a challenge to human rights activists. However, there is no question of credibility. I, on behalf of my friends from (the) NGO world and from the community, express our total solidarity. Truth will definitely come out, Teesta! We only need patience, courage to take stands and feelings of togetherness.

Sophia Khan ([email protected])

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We support you in this hour of trial, with Zaheera Sheikh turning against you at the behest of Narendra Modi and his gang of marauders.

Ma’am, it is people like you who make me feel there is a shred of sanity left in our country. You make us proud to be Indian. Thank you very much.

Tabrez J Siddiqui, Göttingen, Germany([email protected]

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I have been following developments in the Best Bakery case. It must be quite an ordeal for you to go through – seeing persons you tried to help turning hostile. Anyway, we know that truth will triumph and these witnesses will be exposed for what they are – villains falling for the bait of money.

It must be terribly trying to fight the forces of communalism in this country. You have been doing a valiant job as editor of Communalism Combat.

We know that you will keep up your spirits knowing that God is on your side.

Our prayers are with you.

Vernon D’costa, Chennai

It is difficult to believe what you are subjected to, even  when we understand that this is a ruthless fascist state. Yours is the fight of all the brave people fighting a relentless battle for human rights and dignity. Your response to such a mean attack on you is very dignified and correct. I am sure you realise that all of us are with you.

Wish you the very best in your brave fight.

Vasanthi Devi, Chairperson
Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women

I express my solidarity with Citizens for Justice and Peace and the commendable work it did during the Gujarat riots and its efforts for bringing justice to the people of Gujarat. In fact, it has been my persistent approach that organisations should stand by the people all the time. Because most of the time they leave the people in lurch after some time.

Zahira’s turnaround is not new for people like me who have been following up and fighting such cases and stand by the people. Sometimes victim individuals feel that everything is happening due to them and they start behaving larger then life. Though I have sympathies with Zahira, who must have been threatened with dire consequences because there is no possibility of a fair trial in Gujarat at the moment.

An individual cannot become bigger then the cause of an entire community and such turnarounds also should not dither us from fighting our cases for the victims of the communal holocaust.

In solidarity

Vidya Bhushan Rawat, Social Development Foundation, New Delhi ([email protected])

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I was deeply pained to hear of the recent developments in the Best Bakery Case. I called the next day to say that we are with you and empathise with you. Your commitment to your fight for justice will never go in vain. This is only a testing time for you. We all admire you and hope and pray that you be given the strength and courage from above to engage in the pursuit of truth and justice, a cause that you cherish so deeply.

Bernadette Pimenta & All at Sevadham
Thane ([email protected])

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What a dirty trick played on you through Zahira! I expect the poor girl has been trapped. But the truth will come out.

Keep up the good fight. We are all with you and Javed.

George Verghese, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi

([email protected])

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We hope and pray that this will find you in good health and best of spirits.

Don’t lose heart on the volte-face of Zahira Sheikh.  We as members of another human rights organisation will stand by you at all odds.

M Gulam Mohamed, President, Manitha Needhi Pasarai
Editor, Vidiyal Velli monthly, Chennai ([email protected])

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Let me first of all, on behalf of everyone at People’s Watch – Tamil Nadu, my own behalf and all at home, express to you how close we are to you at this crucial time of the struggle that you are assisting through the Best Bakery case and its fallout. We realise that this is a long journey for you and your colleagues and kindly do let us know if there is something that you would like us all to do. We do not want to do anything at a time when things are not clear…

Be assured of all our solidarity again in all that you are engaged and this I state on behalf of several groups in Tamil Nadu that we are engaged with.

Henri Tiphagne, People’s Watch, Tamil Nadu
([email protected] )

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I know that you are passing through a difficult moment
and your credibility is being questioned. I am writing this
only to tell you that I and your other friends here are in solidarity with you.

Walter Fernandes, North-Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati ([email protected])

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We are with you in these testing times. Medha Patkar and all of us at NBA stand in solidarity with you.

Zahira’s ‘U’ turn was not a big surprise considering the forces at work (the real criminals) constantly trying to subvert the process of Justice. This makes your work more difficult and more historically challenging.

We wish you the good blessings of ‘Diwali’, which at meaning level, celebrates the exorcising of evil from society.

In solidarity,

All at NBA

Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan ([email protected])

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We are watching the developments with concern, it is obvious that it is the handiwork of the State and the police to tarnish the image and condemn social activists like you and your work.

Teesta, Javed; We are with you at this juncture.

Please let us know the future course of action.

Prabalan, Nedunchezlian, Balaji, Concerned group from Chennai([email protected])

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Greetings from Chhattisgarh & SAILS!

This is to let you know that all friends and comrades in Chhattisgarh are with you at these trying times. We do realise that the systematic attack on you is not personal but part of the vilification campaign by the fascist forces trying to discredit human rights activists like you. Please feel assured that all of us stand in solidarity with you and your organisation. If need be, we shall take this struggle to fight the fascist forces on the streets. Please do let us know if we can do anything more in this regard.

Once again, assuring you of our support and solidarity.

On behalf of

Activists & People’s Organisations in Chhattisgarh
Rajendra K Sail, Chhattisgarh ([email protected])

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We admire your commitment and hope that justice will finally be done.

Siraj Hussain, Vice-chancellor, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi

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In the name of Allah Most Gracious, Most Merciful

As Salamu Alaikum (Peace be unto you),

The recent events that have unfolded in the last few days go to show that one has to be really patient and relentless when pursuing The Truth.

We have no doubt that you have all the patience and courage to fight the odds that have suddenly cropped up. May Allah give you more courage and may you be successful in bringing out the Truth. Our Duas and wishes are with you.

May Allah guide us All to the Right Path and give us strength to support the Truth.

Abbas, Islamic Library & Study Centre, Baroda

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MOVEMENT FOR PEOPLE’S UNITY

Please allow me, on behalf of the Movement for People’s Unity, Chennai, to express militant and heartfelt solidarity with you and the Citizens for Peace and Justice in your struggle against communal fascism, especially in this hour of trial.

The challenge you face today illustrates the kind of ruthless opposition that anyone taking on the forces of fascism must be prepared to encounter.

We salute your courage and conviction in standing up to formidable pressures and not letting them swerve you from the path of peaceful resistance to the sworn foes of people’s unity.

J Sri Raman, Convener, MPU, Chennai ([email protected])

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PEOPLE’S MEDIA INITIATIVE

(PRESS NOTE)

PMI supports CBI probe in Zaheera Sheikh turnaround in Best Bakery case.

Kirit Bhatt, Jayashree, Shashi Sonawane, Dr. Sanat Kumar Vyas and others, For People’s Media Initiative, Mumbai

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INTELLECTUALS’ FORUM FOR SECULAR DEMOCRACY

(PRESS RELEASE)

The forum noted with shock and dismay, the disturbing utterances of Ms. Zahira Sheikh retracting again her statements and levelling wild charges against the NGO "Citizens for Justice and Peace", particularly, the role of widely respected social activist and well known journalist, Ms. Teesta Setalvad, especially, at this crucial stage of judicial proceedings during the retrial in the Best Bakery case. We feel that the wounds inflicted upon the civil society by the Gujarat genocide in 2002 could only be healed through the judicial process and for that the historic action of the apex court in transferring to Maharashtra the Best Bakery case is laudable. Unfortunately, the subversive, criminal, anti-social and anti-national elements have played all their cards to thwart the judicial process by applying undue pressure upon Ms. Zahira Sheikh to retract her statement and undermine the good work done by Ms. Setalvad and her friends who stood like a rock defending the rights of the Gujarat riot victims and the democratic values of the country against the onslaught of the Gujarat govt. on the one hand and the rabidly communal and divisive elements on the other.

All of us should strengthen the hands of and give full support to, and rally behind Ms. Setalvad and her colleagues to fight the communal forces whose sole aim is to spread hatred and divide the society. The citizens of this country would like to know the facts behind the volte-face of Ms. Zahira, and without prejudice to the Best Bakery case under retrial in Maharashtra, the forum demands a fair and free inquiry in the matter to bring to light the reasons for retraction of statement by Ms. Zahira and the persons responsible for this.

The Best Bakery case is an ongoing fight between those who want the rule of law and justice to prevail and those against such minimal norms, and is likely to set future benchmarks for social justice, democratic values and human rights in the country. The Best Bakery case has, unfortunately, reached a stage where it appears as if the country’s justice delivery system is on trial.

The forum also demands the dismissal of Narendra Modi government in the interest of fair justice and highly questionable role that the Gujarat government has ever since been playing with its communal approach in all matters in the state. The possible use of intimidation and/or inducement, monetary or otherwise, (should) be thoroughly enquired by the central agency.

Intellectuals’ Forum for Secular Democracy, Aligarh

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TEACHERS’ DEMOCRATIC FORUM,

ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY

The Teachers’ Democratic Forum, Aligarh Muslim University, expresses its profound sense of indignation at the blatant attempt to subvert the course of justice in cases against the alleged authors of genocide in Gujarat. Ms. Zaheera Sheikh, according to her own statement, was compelled to change her original testimony against the accused by threats. Now, it has been through obvious material blandishments and massive official collusion that she has been induced not only to withdraw her original accusations, but to make defamatory charges against Ms. Teesta Setalvad and all those who have so courageously stood up for the cause of the Gujarat riot victims.

We demand an immediate CBI inquiry into the entire episode, with obligation to make public the results of its inquiry within a fixed period of time. Let the people of India know who the culprits behind the scene are.

All of us express our fullest solidarity with Ms. Teesta Setalvad and her brave colleagues.

Pradeep K Saxena (Prof. of Hindi), Afzal Husain (Prof. of History), Shireen Moosvi (Prof. of History), Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Irfan Habib (Prof. of History, retd.), Wasi Haidar (Prof. of Physics), Imtiaz Hasnain (Prof. of Linguistics), M Gulrez (Prof. of West Asian Studies), Rizwan Husain (Prof. of English, retd.), Iqtidar A Khan (Prof. of History, retd.), Arif Hameed (Prof. of Political Science), Shamir Hassan (Prof. of West Asian Studies), Asmer Beg (Prof. of Political Science), KP Singh (Prof. of Hindi, retd.), Iqbal Husain (Prof. of History, retd.), Farhat Hasan (Reader, History), Ramesh Rawat (Reader, Hindi), S Nadeem A Rezavi (Reader, History), Nonica Datta (Reader, History), S Zainuddin (Reader, Sociology), Jaya Menon (Reader, History), Arif Rizvi (Reader, West Asian Studies), Jawed Akhtar (Reader, History), Ishrat Alam (Reader, History)

It is so painful to observe how efforts are being made to obstruct the valiant efforts of Ms. Teesta Setalvad and Citi-zens for Justice and Peace who are fighting for justice against crimes against humanity that vividly happened in Gujarat with the complicity of the involvement of the Modi government and his minions.

The Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) is solidly behind Teesta and all the other NGOs who are in the forefront to ensure that justice is meted out and the guilty are punished.

This campaign of vilification will not divert the minds and the hearts of all those who value the brave Teesta and her team who are leading this fight.

Although Teesta doesn’t need a certificate of sincerity and valour, nevertheless we commend her stand of espousing the cause of justice. We want to assure Teesta and all the other NGOs who are fighting for justice that we are with you and are confident that truth will finally prevail and the guilty will be punished.

Our hearts reach out to Zaheera who is a victim of the pressure tactics of the communal forces. We pray to God, that He may give her the courage to stand up and speak the truth.

Dolphy D’souza, Spokesman, The Bombay Catholic Sabha

Mumbai ([email protected])

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APNA WATAN

The following letter was sent to the President and Prime Minister of India and Union Law Minister.

The citizens of India are increasingly getting frustrated and disillusioned by the deteriorating system of governance and administration of justice. Lack of transparency, disregard for the RULE OF LAW (so crucial to democracy) and blatant disrespect to the due process of law are increasingly being resorted to by strong political and monetary powers in order to manipulate and bypass judicial investigation, this is further eroding public confidence in the judicial system.

The series of events prior to the scheduled appearance in court of the prime witness Zaheera Begum in the recent turn of events in the Best Bakery case has shocked the nation. For instance:

Ø Her stay in a star hotel and travel by air to Baroda.

Ø Her virtual confinement in a guesthouse under guard.

Ø Blocking any access to her by independent agencies.

In spite of all the media attention and protestations from the public the serious questions raised by the above occurrences remain unanswered:

Ø Who are the people Zaheera left with and who accompanied her?

Ø Who paid for her travel and stay?

Ø Who is keeping her under virtual house arrest?

Ø Why don’t these people make themselves known and why do they operate in secrecy?

We are appalled at the baseless and false allegations against Ms. Teesta Setalvad whose integrity and credibility are beyond doubt and reproach. Her services to society especially to the disadvantaged section of people is well established and a matter of public record.

We urge Your Excellency to institute an urgent enquiry into the Best Bakery case by an independent authority, for a speedy and fair redressal of the victims. For potential witnesses to give accurate and fearless testimony it is imperative for them to feel safe and protected.

An impartial enquiry would be vital for restoring public faith and trust in the system of justice as guaranteed by the Constitution of India.

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Best Bakery case & combating communal forces

(PRESS STATEMENT)

The Best Bakery case has been sent to Maharashtra for re trial by a Supreme Court order. The order was based on an affidavit of Zaheera Sheikh, one of the key eyewitnesses, retracting her statements in the sessions court at Vadodara, alleging that they were made under threat to her life by the accused.

Now Zaheera Sheikh has retracted her statements made in the Supreme Court at a press conference held in a posh hotel in Vadodara, alleging that she was forced to make them by Teesta Setalvad and Raees Khan. The vested interests including Narendra Modi were quick in using Zaheera’s turnaround for tarnishing and attacking Teesta Setalvad and Raees Khan in particular and NGOs in general.

We believe that Zaheera’s allegations are made as a result of threat or allurement by certain communal elements. The role of Gujarat state in this episode also cannot be ruled out considering the extent to which Zaheera has been protected by the police and the quick welcome by governmental agencies to her statements.

Who organised the press conference in Hotel Surya Palace? Who paid for her stay in a posh hotel in Vadodara? Who provided her security in Ahmedabad? These and other questions need to be investigated.

The sessions court in Vadodara, the high court of Gujarat and Supreme Court all were unanimous in one (and only one) aspect. All of them came to the conclusion that the Gujarat police had messed up the investigation in the Best Bakery case. It is indeed shocking that the Gujarat government has till date refused to make any statement, let alone take any action against the police. Zaheera Sheikh had made allegations against Madhu Srivatsava and his cousin but till date the Gujarat government has not taken any steps to investigate into these allegations.

The undisputed aspect of the Best Bakery case is that 14 persons were killed in the bakery and none of the culprits have been punished. Gujarat government did not give police protection to any witnesses till the Supreme Court castigated it. Suddenly because Zaheera Sheikh is supporting the version palatable to the Gujarat government the machinery has swung into action and is providing unprecedented ‘protection’ to her.

The timing of Zaheera’s recent statement is curious on two counts:

Firstly, the Best Bakery trial has been proceeding at full speed and three eyewitnesses to the carnage have not only deposed but have identified the accused as the culprits. One of the witnesses, who deposed in the court for three days, was branded as insane in the Vadodara court and not allowed to depose. Thus strong evidence is emerging against the accused, which has created panic amongst the communal forces. Zaheera herself was to depose on 4th November at the retrial but instead of making her statement in court she chose to make the statement one day earlier at a press conference. Why was the statement not made in court?

Secondly, recently the police officials deposing before the Nanavati Shah Commission have been pointing the needle of suspicion towards Narendra Modi. Zaheera’s turnaround has come at this crucial juncture.

Mr. Modi has demanded investigation into the role of NGOs. Undoubtedly NGOs cannot avoid transparency and accountability. But two of the most opaque and unaccountable NGOs have been the VHP and Bajrang Dal. There is no clarity about their membership, funding sources or accounts.

The issue is not just that of Zaheera or Teesta. The larger question is the role of Gujarat state during all this period, the complete lack of any witness protection programme and the inadequate compensation provided to the riot victims.

We therefore demand:

(a) An independent inquiry by the Supreme Court or any agency appointed by the Supreme Court into (1) the recent allegations made by Zaheera Sheikh against Teesta Setalvad and others (2) into the circumstances and the forces which led Zaheera to make these allegations (3) The role of the Gujarat government, police and other organisations and individuals in the whole issue;

(b) In-depth investigation into the functioning and funding of various NGOs including VHP and Bajrang Dal;

(c) A law providing for adequate witness protection;

(d) An assurance from the Maharashtra state government that Teesta Setalvad and Raees Khan will not be arrested on the basis of Zaheera Sheikh’s statements.

The statement by Zahira Sheikh in Vadodara on Novem
ber 3 changing her position in the Best Bakery retrial is
disturbing. It indicates that the sinister forces that are operating to deny justice to the victims of communal genocide in Gujarat are still very active. Zahira Sheikh’s statement that Teesta Setalvad was in any way coercing her lacks total credibility. Even before Citizens for Peace and Justice took up the Best Bakery case asking for retrial in the Supreme Court, Zahira Sheikh had approached the National Human Rights Commission and given a lengthy deposition before the Commission officials. The eyewitness accounts of several other witnesses in the Best Bakery retrial at Mumbai also go to show that Zahira Sheikh is now acting under pressure. We are confident that the course of justice will not be derailed by this episode.

SOLIDARITY WITH TEESTA SETALVAD