Date:20/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/20/stories/2008032060991200.htm

National

“Government apathy” to sectarian attacks draws fire

Special Correspondent

Congress targeted as most incidents occurred in its States

NEW DELHI: The government came in for sharp criticism in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday for remaining “a mute witness” to the attacks on Hindi-speaking people across the country. Upset at the killing of 14 labourers in Manipur this week, members from the Hindi belt warned that growing sectarianism could jeopardise the unity and integrity of the country.

While one member demanded the resignation of Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the Congress was singled out for criticism as most of the attacks happened in the States ruled by the party.

Responding to the concerns, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi said he would convey the sentiment of the House to the Prime Minister: “The government will not remain a mute witness to such acts.”

Raising the issue after question hour, Ramji Lal Suman (Samajwadi Party) said the Centre should intervene. “What can be more shameful than people killing one another on linguistic differences?” He was referring to notices left on the person of the dead asking Hindi-speaking people to return to their native places.

While Shahnawaz Hussain (BJP) accused the government of turning a Nelson’s eye to the attacks, Devendra Prasad Yadav (Rashtriya Janata Dal) said the assailants, by targeting people on the issue of language, were actually attacking the Constitution which allowed Indians to live anywhere in the country, a view echoed by Nikhil Kumar (Congress).

Bihar example

Calling for central intervention, Mr. Yadav said people should learn from the example set by Bihar which was always hospitable to outsiders.

Referring to the fact that the issue of sectarian violence had been raised thrice this very session — first over the attacks in Maharashtra, then in Assam and now in Manipur — Prabhunath Singh (Janata Dal-United) wanted to know whether any purpose was served by these discussions as the government was not taking any action despite assurances.

Such violence was a threat to national integration, Mohammad Salim (CPI-M) said, and called for action against the parallel government in Manipur. Fearing a backlash, he said efforts should be made to secure the lives of people from the northeast.

Mr. Gurudas Dasgupta (CPI) said it was not a matter concerning only the Hindi-speaking people. “If this continues, the unity of India will be in jeopardy,” he said demanding an all-party meeting.

“Ashamed” that the Centre had not taken any action, he wanted central forces deployed in Manipur.

Similar criticism came from the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Biju Janata Dal. Kerala Congress member P.C. Thomas said a joint parliamentary committee ought to be set up to look into the issue of sectarianism.

“The Centre has not taken this matter seriously, so Parliament should step in.”