Narendra Modi government promises zero tolerance towards communal violence

NEW DELHI: Promising zero tolerance towards communal violence, the Narendra Modi government today said a national policy will be framed in consultation with states to curb the menace.

Addressing the joint sitting of Parliament after the recent Lok Sabha polls, President Pranab Mukherjee said the new government will ensure utmost vigil in the area of internal security.

"A policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, extremism, riots and crime will be pursued...A national plan will be chalked out in consultation with the state governments to effectively curb incidents of communal violence and the challenges posed by left wing extremism," he said.

BJP had earlier opposed the UPA government's move to enact a stringent Communal Violence Bill, terming it as "the most obnoxious piece of legislation in independent India".

The party was maintaining that the proposed legislation would hurt the federal structure of the country as it provides for direct central intervention in case of riots.

The President said states will be assisted for modernisation of police infrastructure and equipment to tackle new forms of terrorism, including narco-terrorism and cyber threats.

Mukherjee said the government will take steps to equip the security forces with the latest technology and to improve their working conditions.