C I V I L L I B E RT I E S 4.32 Regrettably, the ugly hand of terrorism was in evidence in a wide range of brutal acts spread over the country. Thus, on 25 September 2002, sharing the nation's shock and grief, the Commission strongly condemned the outrageous terrorist attack which occurred against innocent civilians in the Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar on 24 September 2002, continuing into the morning of 25 September 2002. The Commission observed that it had consistently taken the position that such criminal acts are in any circumstances unjustifiable, whatever reason may be invoked to justify them. They were violative of every conceiveable human right and the full force of the law must be brought to bear in dealing with such acts of terrorism and in bringing to justice those who perpetrate or abet them. In the same Proceedings, the Commission extended its deepest condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives or been injured in the terrorist attack, including those of the security forces. The Commission expressed its great appreciation of the prompt statements made by the leaders of political parties, as also leaders of various communities, urging that inter-communal harmony be maintained. It also urged all elements of civil society to cooperate fully with the authorities in their effort to maintain law and order and to preserve and protect the human rights of all of the people of Gujarat and, indeed, of the country as a whole. The Commission stressed that nothing should be done to divert the attention of the authorities from the fulfillment of their responsibilities in this respect, nor should any encouragement be given to any act or statement that could exacerbate the present situation. 4.33 Despite the provocation of terrorist acts, the Commission remained true to the duties entrusted to it under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It thus initiated and pursued action in respect of the 224 complaints that it received alleging the violation of human rights by personnel of the army and the 138 complaints of such violations by personnel of the para-military forces. 4.34 According to information provided by the Ministry of Defence, in the course of 2002-2003, the latter itself received some 60 complaints, alleging the violation of human rights by army personnel. Of these complaints, investigation in respect of 18 cases had been completed, while 42 cases were under investigation as of 31 March 2003. In two cases, the allegations made were found to be true and punishment was awarded. In one of these cases, relating to Jammu & Kashmir, the accused person was dismissed from service after serving three months of rigorous imprisonment. In contrast to the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Home Affairs has sent a 'nil' report to the Commission for the first two quarters of 2002-2003, and no report for the subsequent two ANNUAL REPORT 2002-2003 ... ... 53 ... ... ..