Opp demands separate law to prevent mob lynching incidents
A Akhter / New Delhi
Terming the mob lynching as the worst form of crime, the Governmenton Monday said in Lok sabha that law and order was state subject and states should maintain it.
Replying to a six hour debate on the situation arising out of reported incidents of atrocities and lynching in mob violence, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said in the Lok Sabha that such crime should be condemned by one and all.
“Law and order is state subject and states should maintain it” he said.
He said, Centre did not discriminate between states and extends all possible assistance whenever needed. The Minister also said that the opposition is raising such issues as they are devoid of any real issues.
He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified the intention of this Government on the first day itself that all problems of the country should be resolved through collective efforts.
The Minister said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the mob lynching incidents many times during political as well as public meetings. Mr Rijiju said, the Government is committed to the Constitution of India and is functioning as per Constitutional norms.
The Minister asserted that swift action has been taken in all states from where incidents of mob lynching were reported. He said, FIRs were immediately registered and the accused persons were brought behind bars.
He said, advisories were issued to states on the issue directing them to take action. He said, protection and preservation of milch cattle is the responsibility of the state and 24 states and 5 Union Territories have framed their own laws in this regard. He asked the opposition not to rake up such issues as it affects the image of the country.
Earlier, initiating the discussion, Mallikarjun Kharge of Congress expressed concern over such incidents and blamed government for failure to check such crimes. He alleged that there was a situation of threat and fear among the people due to the alleged killings on the basis of religion and the name of cow protection.
Mr Kharge said, the name of groups who are responsible for these incidents must be disclosed and action should be taken.
Sougata Roy of TMC demanded a separate law to prevent mob lynching incidents saying such crimes are not defined in the Indian Penal Code. He alleged that most of the cases happened in BJP ruled States and majority of the victims were from minority community.
He charged the top leaders of the ruling party with shying away of condemning the killings in the name of cow protection. Heated exchange of words took place between the TMC leaders and Treasury benches over the certain remarks made by Sougata Roy. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar also took exception to his remarks and termed them unparliamentary.
Union Minister and LJP leader Ram Vilas Paswan said, the Congress party was devoid of any issue and trying to raise the issue of lynching under the garb of community. He said, the House should unanimously pass a resolution condemning all such incidents. He also appealed to all the political parties to request the States to take action against the culprits within 24 hours and file cases of murder.
Mr Paswan also refuted the opposition charges that Prime Minister has kept mum on the issue adding that Mr Modi has appealed twice for stern action against the people involved in killing in the name of cow protection.
Mr Paswan also wanted to know from the opposition whether they will like the Centre to send Armed Forces in the States to control incidents of mob lynching.
Participating in the debate, Hukumdev Narayan Yadav of BJP refuted the Congress allegation saying that government is taking all necessary steps to check the violence.
He said, Prime Minister has repeatedly condemned the incidents and warned of stern action against the guilty. He said, it is for States to take action against people involved in violent incidents in their areas. He also alleged that certain elements are behind the mob-lynching just to defame the government.
