BJP flayed for `protecting' divisive forces

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD, OCT. 1. Communal forces were becoming stronger due to the policies of the BJP led Central Government which was also `protecting' sectarian and divisive organisations like the RSS, Shiv Sena, VHP and Bajrang Dal. Expressing concern at this trend, the south zone convention of the Rashtriya Secular Manch held in the city, decided on a series of measures to preserve and promote secular values, according to a press release of the Confederation of Voluntary Organisations (COVA).

Attended by Dr. Asghar Ali Engineer, Mr. Mohit Sen, Mr. L.S. Hardenia and Dr. Vithal Rajan and representatives from different organisations, the convention decided to support and assist each other in their programmes.

It felt that the Government ban on SIMI was partial as organisations like the RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena which had also been spreading communal hatred and giving arms training to its cadre in contravention of existing laws had been left out.

The convention passed resolutions condoling the victims of terror attacks on the World Trade Centre and called on the US to desist from war in Afghanistan as it would lead to loss of civilian lives. In the same vein, the convention also condemned the call of Imam Bukhari of Delhi's Jama Masjid for Indian Muslims to join the war in support of the Taliban. Such statements provoked communal hatred and lead to misunderstandings, the resolution said.

Resolutions were also passed against the Government's proposed anti-terrorism ordinance and for the re-constitution of the National Integration Council.

A future programme of publishing regular newsletters, organising seminars and workshops to train activists of secular organisations and cultural activities was decided upon. A National Vigilance Team to monitor communal situations and undertake fact-finding missions to riot affected areas had also been formed.

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Section  : Southern States
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