The committee has recommended that the camp, which has come up forcibly on forest land, should be closed.

A high-level committee of the Uttar Pradesh government has concluded that "additional facilities" that victims of the Muzaffarnagar riots are receiving in relief camps is "a reason for them to not go back to their homes".

The panel has also concluded that some of these people, driven from their homes by the communal clashes that began in late August, have taken loans that they are reluctant to repay, and are hopeful of getting possession of the land that they are currently occupying.

The 'Sadbhavna Committee' headed by Shivpal Singh Yadav, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's uncle and minister for public works, revenue and irrigation, had visited Muzaffarnagar and Shamli on October 5 and 6, "surveyed" the riot-hit villages, and met with the families of victims and government officials "to understand the situation".

"The committee has come to the conclusion that there are several reasons why people are not returning to their villages," says the report. "The victims are fearful that if they go back to their villages, they may not be safe and secure there. Some victims have taken loan from local people and brick kiln owners and are scared that if they go back then they will have to return the money. The additional facilities that they are receiving in the relief camps is also a reason for them to not go back to their homes," it says.

According to the report, "the relief camp in Malakpur (Shamli) has come up on the forest land and the displaced people are told that they should keep the possession of the land because the government will give this land to the people who have the possession".

The committee has recommended that the camp, which has come up "forcibly on forest land", should be closed.

The report has alleged that "managers" of the relief camps have a vested interest in keeping them running. It has urged the government to take over the running of the camps.

... contd.

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