AHMEDABAD, AUGUST 12: Since Monday, Gujarat Haj House relief camp has been a hub of activity. Security has been beefed up and authorities had put up shamianas and chairs to seat VIPs. Identity cards had been handed over to riot victims housed at the camp. The reason: A visit from the newly-appointed First Citizen of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

However, as it turned out, Kalam’s visit lasted only 15 minutes. ‘‘We were told the President will spend at least half-an-hour here but he was here for not more than 15 minutes,’’ complained one inmate Mohammad Karim.

The first to meet the President here was 15-year-old Mohammad Yasim Naimuddin, who was brought from Rakhiyal. He had been badly burnt during the riots. Mohammad said: ‘‘I told the President how I was thrown into the fire. I tried to run away but someone from the mob would again throw me into the fire.’’ Mohammad’s two siblings died due to severe burns and his family is yet to get compensation.

Kalam gave instructions to OSD S. Bhukari to take care of his medical treatment. ‘‘He mentioned that full medical support be extended to the boy and his family,’’ Bhukari said.