The day we realise that our Muslim problem is not about secularism and communalism but about justice we will come closer to dealing with it. But, as we saw from reactions to Tehelka’s sting operation, we are still a long way from understanding the problem, leave alone dealing with it. Reactions were depressingly predictable. From secularist quarters, we heard the usual hysterical condemnation of Narendra Modi and his communal politics without anyone mentioning that he was only imitating what Rajiv Gandhi’s government did to the Sikhs in 1984.

From the spokesmen of Hindutva we heard that the Tehelka expose was politically motivated. What we need to know is why the criminal justice system has failed to punish men who admit without compunction, albeit on a hidden camera, that they tore open the wombs of pregnant women and hacked Muslims to pieces before burning them alive. What we need to know is how we dare call ourselves civilised if monsters like this remain free.

Some of the killers were jailed briefly for the crimes they admit to on Tehelka’s hidden camera, but apparently had no difficulty in obtaining bail. Why? There have been many, many reports on the Gujarat violence. Commissions of inquiry continue to ponder over various angles of the violence that began with the attack on the Sabarmati Express at Godhra railway station in which kar sevaks returning from a pilgrimage to Ayodhya were killed. The commissions will probably continue pondering for years before they produce voluminous, unreadable reports, but what about justice? When can we expect to see killers in jail? When can we expect to see some hanged? Why does it always take so long?

... contd.