PM regrets 'targeting' innocent Muslims

NEW DELHI: Expressing regret at the “targeting“ of innocent Muslims in the wake of terrorism creating a wrong impression of radicalisation of the entire community, PM Manmohan Singh on Tuesday directed the Central and state law enforcement agencies to show scrupulous regard for fundamental human rights of citizens, particularly of minority communities, while dealing with terror.

“No innocent person should be harassed...if a mistake is made, effective remedial measures must be taken well in time, “ he told chief ministers as they met here to review internal security. “It is imperative that we embark immediately on a pro-active policy to ensure that a few individual acts do not result in tarnishing the image of an entire community, and remove any feelings of persecution and alienation from the minds of the minorities, “ he added.

The PM suggested the government agencies, particularly law enforcement agencies, establish intimate contacts with community leaders and show adequate sensitivity to their concerns. “CMs ought to put in place effective mechanisms to achieve these objectives, “ he said.

Stating that the prevailing insecurity among Muslims was unfortunate, Mr Singh warned this could lead to adverse consequences “that can be extremely deleterious for our polity.

“Sensitising the states to the fact that the Muslim community nurses a strong grievance of not being made an active participant and beneficiary of socio-economic development, the prime minister called upon the chief ministers to pay personal attention to ensuring that “our minorities are effective partners in processes of social and economic change.“