90 dead in riots in 2014; government claims 19 per cent decline in violence

NEW DELHI: Altogether 90 people were killed and 1,688 others were injured in 561 incidents of communal violence in the country this year so far, a decline of 19 per cent as compared to the corresponding period of 2013, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that as per available information, during the current year upto October, 2014, 561 incidents of communal violence have been reported in the country in which 90 persons were killed and 1,688 persons were injured.

Rijiju, however, said there has been a decline of 19 per cent in communal incidents during the period January-October 2014 as compared to the corresponding period of 2013.

There were 694 communal incidents during January-October 2013.

The Minister said these incidents are reported to be attributed to religious factors, gender related issues, land and property disputes and other miscellaneous issues.

The Constitution of India guarantees the Right to Freedom of Religion under Article 25 and 26 and violations of such rights are dealt with under the extant laws in force.

The central government issues alerts and advisories on developments having bearing on communal harmony, share advance intelligence with the states and union territories and deploy Central Armed Police Forces including Rapid Action Force on the request of the states and UTs to render assistance in such situations.

"The Communal Harmony Guidelines of 2008 circulated by the central government, amongst others, provide for the involvement of voluntary organisations to maintain communal harmony and to defuse tension in the event of communal situation," he said.