'Intolerance rising, govt must control fringe elements'

NEW DELHI: Veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayar today said that intolerance has been on the rise in the country in the past 6-7 months but it has not reached a "dangerous level", and that it is the government's responsibility to control the extremist elements.

Speaking to reporters after a function organised by India Dialogue on the eve of Constitution Day, he said the Prime Minister must tell fringe elements in his party that the language used is "not acceptable" as it leads to fear in the minds of people.

"I have been feeling that intolerance is increasing over the past 6-7 months. It is also the responsibility of others, but the main duty is of the ruling party and the government to control this. It has, however, not reached a dangerous level and there are some extremists who need to be controlled.

"Modi sahab should tell fringe elements that this is not acceptable as talks by some leaders in the party lead to an atmosphere of fear," Nayar said.