'Donations for Guj
quake relief sent to extremists'
IndiaInfo.com, February 26 2004 19:20 Hrs (IST) original
London: "Massive donations" raised by "activists
of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)" in Britain for earthquake
relief in Gujarat were sent to certain "extremist groups" involved
or directly implicated in large-scale violence in the State two
years back, a London-based campaign group alleged today (Feb
26, 2004).
"Activists of the RSS have been raising funds in the name
of charity for natural disasters like earthquakes, and giving
them to extremist organisations that preach hatred against Muslims
and Christians," Awaaz - South Asia Watch Ltd - claimed
in a report entitled "In Bad Faith? British Charity and
Hindu Extremism".
The report was released in the corridors of the House of Lords
on the eve of the second anniversary of the Godhra carnage.
It alleged that "Sewa International" sent million
Pounds to its Indian counterpart Sewa Bharati, a front of Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), for relief of earthquake victims.
"Money from the UK was given to RSS front organisations
that are involved or implicated in serious violence or hate politics
in India. Much of the money was spent on schools that promote
hatred and fanaticism," the report said, according to a
press release issued by Awaaz.
Asked to comment on the report, a spokesman of Sewa International
said it would be inappropriate to respond to it while the allegation
was being investigated by the British Government body that regulates
charities.
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