Published on: Apr 28, 2015 @ 22:39
Our Correspondent
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today directed the state governments to take stern action against those involved in the communal violnce.
participating in a debate on Demand for Grants of Home Ministry, in Lok Sabha today he said that Centre could not intervene everywhere and it iwas duty of states curb such incident.
Under attack over ‘ghar wapsi’ and attacks on churches, he said that his govermnet will not tolerate anything that disturbs communal harmony and sought to put the ball into the court of states, saying they should act against such activities as law and order is their prerogative.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh also responded to questions over conversion, saying the govt wants an anti-conversion law but noted that India is the only country where minorities do not seek such a law.
He however said that the government today said it will not tolerate anything that disturbs communal harmony and states should act against such activities as law and order is their prerogative.
Responding point by point to issues raised by the opposition, including concern over attacks on churches, religious conversions, approach towards separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, left wing extremism and women safety, Mr Singh Mr Singh asserted that government will not tolerate anything that disturbs communal harmony.
He assured the House that government will protect minorities with all its might.
On conversion programme being carried out by some Sangh Parivar outfits, the Home Minister said the government is ready to have an anti-conversion law if opposition supports it.
In his over one hour reply to a two-day debate, Mr Singh also rejected the charge that the central government was soft on separatists. Mr Singh also expressed government’s commitment to rehabilitation of the exiled Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley and said Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has promised to earmark 50 acres of land as a first installment for this purpose.
Home Minister said the government is giving highest priority to womens’ safety and planning to set up Intelligence Units for Crime Against Women across the country. He said the government is taking a series of measures to prevent crime against women including regulating the sale of acid in the country.
The Home minister said, the number of deaths due to maoists’ attacks has come down in recent times. Expressing concern, the Home minister said, maoism is not only a challenge for the government but also for the entire nation. He informed the House that communication facilities are being strengthened in the maoist infested areas.
Mr Singh said the government is making all efforts to win the confidence of the people in North Eastern states.