Incidents of intolerance L&O problem, states responsible: Prakash Javadekar

BENGALURU: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar today said incidents of intolerance was a law and order problem and the state governments had the responsibility to take action.

"Indian ethos is of tolerance, and therefore government's stand is that all should have tolerance. It is the diversity and plurality of India is what our treasure is," he told reporters here while responding to a question on increase in incidents like the ink attack on J&K MLA Sheik Abdul Rashid.

He said that the Prime Minister never addresses on caste basis or religion basis. "He calls 125 crore people, because all are equal and all are equal stakeholders in the progress of the country."

"Incidents of intolerance is the law and order problem, it is the responsibility of the state government whether it happens in Himachal, in Karnataka, in Uttar Pradesh. The respective state governments must take action," he added.

Activists allegedly belonging to a right-wing organisation blackened the face of independent MLA of Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Abdul Rashid using paint, ink and mobil oil today protesting against his hosting a beef party in Srinagar earlier this month.

Commenting on Hindu Mahasabha's decision to observe Nathuram Godse's death anniversary as 'balidan diwas', Javadekar said "Mahatma Gadhi is the father of the nation and assassination of Mahatma Gandhi is absolutely unacceptable..."

He, however, did not wish to comment on BJP ally Shiv Sena's protest against cricketing and cultural ties with Pakistan.

The Union Environment Minister was in the city to review the condition of lakes here.