Singh ticks off State on communal strife

Referring to the communal situation in the country, the prime minister, who chaired the chief ministers’ conference on internal security here, mentioned about Karnataka and said: “The State witnessed a number of communal incidents this year.”

However, Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said though there were some incidents, the State was able to contain them immediately.

The country must be on guard against attempts by “communal fanatics” to accentuate tensions, disturb peace and weaken the fabric of India’s inclusive society, the prime minister said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram also mentioned about communal violence in five states, including Karnataka, (where the highest number of incidents were reported) and said he would write to the chief ministers of those states asking them to pay special attention to the maintenance of communal harmony.

Law and order

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Yeddyurappa said: “Due to some communication gap, the prime minister must have mentioned Karnataka along with other states in his speech. I have clarified to both the prime minister and the home minister, and they were satisfied with my reply. A few stray incidents have been blown out of proportion. These incidents were brought under control within 24 hours, which indicates the importance the State government accords for law and order situation”.

Troublemakers

Yeddyurappa said organisations like the Karnataka Development Front (KDF) were actively involved in inciting communal violence in Mysore and other parts of the State. He said the Centre should take note of the organisation’s activities.

The chief minister also urged the Centre to allot a battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Belgaum.

He sought the Centre’s assistance for establishing a full-fledged Commando Training Centre in the State and meeting the expenditure on police personnel managing coastal security and anti-terrorist cells.

DH News Service