19 Sep : In the light of continuing incidents of violence and vandalism directed against a minority community in Karnataka, the Central Government has directed the State government to take immediate steps to ensure that peace, normalcy and an environment of confidence and security is restored in the State immediately. In a message sent today, the Central Government has said that the continuing incidents of violence against and intimidation of members of the minority community in different parts of the State and also the fact that the elements behind such incidents continue to remain free and issue threats and provocative statements aimed at creating fear and communal hatred are a matter of serious concern. It has also generated a perception that adequate measures to bring the situation fully under control and effective action against those responsible for the violence, vandalism etc., are not being taken by the State Government. Coming in the wake of similar developments in some other States, this has caused widespread concern and apprehension besides being in breach of the Constitution and the law of the land.
The Centre has stressed that this kind of situation cannot be allowed to continue. It has also been directed that apart from effective action against the persons who have indulged in violence, vandalism and intimidation, and apprehension of anti-social elements who are vitiating the atmosphere, patrolling in the vulnerable areas, deployment of adequate force and its use to prevent and control any further violence is also necessary. The Home Ministry has asked for a detailed report about the situation and the action taken/proposed to be taken by the State Govt. in this regard, immediately.
The Centre has again written to the government of Orissa to ensure against recurrence of any further incidents of violence, vandalism etc. and to take effective measures for restoration of peace and normalcy. Separately, a message has also been sent to the government of Madhya Pradesh where some incidents of violence and vandalism of religious places for minority community have been reported in the last few days.
In the light of all these developments, the Centre has written to all other State Governments to take all possible steps to maintain communal harmony and provide protection to members of all communities and their places of worship etc. and towards this end to maintain vigilance and take all necessary precautionary and preventive measures.