The commission asked the state government to take immediate confidence building measures to restore the sense of security among the people and said the state police officials should not ask permission to perform their duty under law, but should act.

NHRC Chairman J.S. Verma’s remarks at a press conference here assume significance in view of reports of Gujarat police top brass meeting Chief Minister Narendra Modi and seeking a free hand to act.

“The police officials should not ask permission to perform their duty under law. They must act,” he said, assuring that he would lend all help in this regard.

Stating that though the entire episode was a “matter of inquiry”, he said, if the administration was not able to “anticipate” and “control” things, “to say the least, it is inaction and inefficiency”.

“Things could have been better and all that happened could have been averted,” he said, adding that if some “unusual” things happen, “it must be because of certain failure.” Justice Verma (retd) said.

He said that a full meeting of the commission would be held soon to consider the Gujarat situation and the NHRC would give its report soon on Gujarat.

A “comprehensive” report had been sought from the Gujarat government over the incidents to allow the administration to put forth its point of view, he said.

Terming both the Godhra carnage and ensuing developments as “equally gruesome”, he stressed that “topmost priority” be given to the restoration of peace and harmony, instilling a sense of security among the people of all religions and ensure rehabilitation of the survivors.

Describing his distress over the situation in Gujarat, he said when he visited the largest camp in Ahmedabad he was shocked by the scene there. The worst thing was that none of the ministers had visited the place.