Date:14/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/14/stories/2008101459531200.htm

National

“Centre’s steps aggravated communal tension”

P.Sunderarajan

NEW DELHI: Casting doubts on the motive of the Central Government in sending a Home Ministry team to the State following recent attacks on churches and Christians, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.Yeddyurappa on Monday alleged that the Centre’s approach had “aggravated” communal tension, instead of reducing it.

“In our considered opinion, there was no need to send a Central team to Karnataka, even after law and order was restored and for those officers to speak to the press even before submitting a report to the Union Home Ministry, especially when a judicial enquiry has already been ordered.

Steps

Such steps, which appear politically motivated, we feel, aggravated communal tensions rather than reducing them.”

He also criticised the Central government for singling out the State for sending advisory notes under Article 355 and that too when peace and normality were restored within two days due to effective and immediate steps taken by the State Government.

Participating in the 14th meeting of the National Integration Council (NIC), he urged the Centre to consider bringing a Central legislation to prevent forcible and induced religious conversions and said the efforts by some Christian organisations such as ‘New Life’ to forcibly convert or to induce conversion to Christianity in recent times needed to be noted by everyone with concern.

He alleged that apart from monetary inducements, their efforts included publishing provocative booklets that denigrated Hindu gods and goddesses.

Minority welfare

The Chief Minister stressed that his government was committed to the welfare and development of religious and minority communities and gave top-most priority to maintaining peace, harmony, and law and order.

He accused the Centre of “soft-pedalling” on terrorism and said it should come out with a Central legislation to handle terrorist activities, similar to POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) implemented during the BJP-led NDA government.

Noting that the NIC meeting was being held after a gap of three years, he urged that it be held at least once a year.