Date:05/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/05/stories/2008030550060100.htm

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Protect North Indians, Centre tells Maharashtra

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Centre has asked the Maharashtra government to prevent attacks on North Indians, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, pointing out that it was the duty of the Centre to direct the States to take action if they failed to act on their own. Disapproving of the violence by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, he said every citizen had the right to go and work anywhere. It was not just a Constitutional right but was part of “our composite culture” as well, he said responding to the queries raised by members on Monday on the action taken by the Centre and the Maharashtra government.

He appreciated the people of Maharashtra for not supporting the MNS agitation. He said the State government had assured him that whatever was necessary was being done. “If they fail to do it, the Centre will direct them to do so,” he added.

Pointing out that the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, 1999 was in operation, Mr. Patil said the State government had filed more than 300 cases against 1,500 people for “substantive offences,” besides preventive action against 5,000 people.

Not wanting to go into the number of people forced to leave the State, Mr. Patil said one had to be cautious with figures as they could have a ripple effect. “But even if one person was forced to leave, the State, the Centre and the nation are answerable,” he added. He said the State government had assured him that people from other parts of the country were free to celebrate their festivals in Maharashtra. No one would be allowed to disrupt religious celebrations.