Won't tolerate attacks on dalits, says HM

Under attack over the recent violence against dalits in Gujarat, the government today asserted in Rajya Sabha that it will not tolerate such incidents at any cost and rejected the opposition charge that atrocities against the community had increased in NDA rule.

Replying to a debate in the House, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the Gujarat government has taken prompt action in the case involving thrashing of some dalits by cow protection activists and had arrested 16 accused and suspended 4 police officials including an Inspector.

The state government is also working to set up a special court to try this case within six months, he said.

During the day-long debate, the opposition blasted the government over attacks on dalits and minorities, alleging that a "Taliban-like attitude" was prevailing in some parts of India and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence over such issues.

Responding to the opposition charges, Singh said: "Our government will not tolerate any physical violence or verbal abuse against dalits".

The Home Minister rejected the opposition charge that cases of atrocities against dalits have increased in last two years and said he could reel out figures of such incidents that took place under Congress rule. "But these things will not help. We have to think about solutions".