PM Manmohan Singh promises to push Communal Violence Bill

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today promised to push the Communal Violence Bill and ensure safety and security of people as a group of Muslim leaders met him here today to express concern over growing polarisation in the country.

A 15-member group of Muslim scholars led by Jamait-i-Ulema -e-Hind leader Mehmood Madani met Singh for nearly 30 minutes to discuss the communal situation in the country against the backdrop of riots in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh.

The delegation members told the Prime Minister that polarisation was increasing in the country and it was a matter of concern.

In this context, they said the government should push the Communal Violence Bill which has been hanging fire for long.

According to PMO, Singh told the delegation, "We have called a meeting of National Integration Council on 23rd September where all concerns will be raised. Your concerns will be addressed. The government will take steps to ensure security of all citizens, he told the delegation."

Samajwadi Party member Kamal Farooqui, who was a part of the delegation, said they told the PM that if the Communal Violence Bill had been in place rioting would have been deterred.

"The PM said many people had objections to the bill. We told the Prime Minister that we want Communal Violence Bill be brought not just for Muslims but also for others if they are victims. If a majority of Muslims happen to be victims, they should get assistance. If others are victims, then it should be for them as well," Farooqui said.