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CPI (M) demands strong action against Bajrang Dal

Special Correspondent

BJP- RSS combine instigating communal violence

KOLKATA: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) leadership has demanded strong action against the Bajrang Dal under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

“It is not enough to call such organisations communal; as they are also resorting to terrorist violence,” the party’s general secretary, Prakash Karat, said here at the conclusion of the three-day meeting of the CPI(M)’s Central committee here on Tuesday.

Condemning the recent atrocities perpetrated on minorities and growing incidents of communal violence in various parts of the country, the committee observed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) - Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) combine “is instigating communal violence according to a game plan keeping in mind the coming Lok Sabha elections and assembly elections in five States.”

The Bajrang Dal has been spearheading the attacks on the Christian community “and its involvement in terrorist violence through the manufacture of bombs and placing of explosives have come to light, the latest being in Kanpur,” Mr. Karat said.

He criticised Naveeen Patnaik government in Orissa for “failing to effectively intervene to protect the minorities in Kandhamal by discharging its Constitutional obligations.” The committee noted with serious concern the attacks on Christians in parts of Karnataka, and on minorities in Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Revamp of security agencies

On the recent terrorist attacks in different parts of the country, Mr. Karat said, “the solution to the problem does not lie in introducing more draconian laws as is being harped upon by the BJP.”

“The terrorist attacks need to be met with effective intelligence, revamping of the security agencies and their coordinated action,” he said.

Mr Karat also criticised manner in which the police have responded to terrorist attacks in various places by rounding up Muslim youth indiscriminately. “This has created fear and insecurity among the minority community and the CPI (M) demands an end to such targeting and harassment of the community,” he said.

The committee has called on all party units to observe a “Week Against Communalism and Terrorism” from October 30 to November 5. The party will conduct a sustained campaign against the communal forces and work for a broad mobilisation against the Hindutva communal forces.

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