The Hindu : Front Page : Fight terrorism & communal violence firmly, says NIC

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Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008
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Fight terrorism & communal violence firmly, says NIC

Vinay Kumar

Broad consensus on protecting rights of minorities: Manmohan

— Photos: V.V. Krishnan, AFP

Meeting the challenge: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Shivraj Patil and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad (foreground) at the National Integration Council Meeting in New Delhi on Monday. Addressing the meet, Dr. Singh said terrorism was a major challenge to the cohesiveness of the nation and it had to be met effectively. In the picture at right are Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Orissa Narendra Modi and Naveen Patnaik at the meeting.

NEW DELHI: While expressing concern at communal violence and terror attacks in various parts of the country, the National Integration Council on Monday resolved to preserve and protect at all costs the foundations of secularism, equality, justice — social, economic and political — and fraternity among all communities.

After a day-long meeting here, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the NIC adopted a six-point resolution which condemned all acts of violence, and covert and overt attempts to strike at the roots of the country’s “national integrity, solidarity and pluralism. It decided to deal with all forms of extremism, terrorism and violence firmly and in accordance with the rule of law.

The 14th meeting of the NIC recognised that unity in diversity and communal harmony constituted the bedrock of “our nationhood and civilisational values. Preserving this unique heritage is the challenge of our times and the bounden duty of every citizen.”

In his closing remarks, Dr. Singh expressed satisfaction over the “broad consensus” at the meeting on the need to contain communal discord and violence, protect minority rights, and uphold the ideals of nationalism, secularism, inclusiveness and non-violence.

“The Council has been unanimous in the condemnation of the recent acts of communal strife and discord in some parts of our country. There has also been agreement that terrorism constitutes a major challenge to the cohesiveness of our nation.” Dr. Singh told a galaxy of political leaders, including Chief Ministers, his Cabinet colleagues, and eminent persons from other fields who are NIC members, that the challenge of terrorism had to be met “effectively.” He cautioned that targeting and profiling of particular communities had to be avoided. “It has to be recognised that terrorists have no religion.”

Dr. Singh noted that suggestions were also received to put in place an institutionalised mechanism within the NIC to pursue relevant issues on a continuous basis.

Briefing journalists, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said some members did suggest a ban on the Bajrang Dal, which was accused of engineering violence against Christians in Orissa and Karnataka.

While admitting that there were differences between him and Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the steps taken to control communal violence in Kandhamal district, Mr. Patil said there was no rancour.

Both disagreed on how violence in Kandhamal could have been contained and their areas of disagreement included optimal deployment of forces and crackdown on those involved in inciting and indulging in violence against Christians.

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