Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

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NATIONAL INTEGRATION COUNCIL
VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS
OF
THE MEETING HELD AT
NEW DELHI
ON
13TH OCTOBER, 2008
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MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
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FOR OFFICIAL USE

C O N T E N T S
PART - I
SPEAKERS AT THE MEETING
1. Home Minister
Page No.
1
2. Prime Minister 2
3. Shri Udit Raj 7
4. Dr. John Dayal 9
5. Shri A.B. Bardhan 11
6. Shri Rajnath Singh 13
7. Shri Fali S. Nariman 15
8. Shri Asgar Ali Engineer 18
9. Admiral (Retd.) L. Ramdass 20
10. Shri Sitaram Yechuri 21
11. Shri Amar Singh 24
12. Shri Amrik Singh 27
13. Shri Tarun Kumar Gogoi, C.M., Assam 28
14. Shri N. Ram 31
15. Smt. Sushma Swaraj 33
16. Shri Parkash Singh Badal, C.M., Punjab 34
17. Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, C.M., Andhra Pradesh 38
18. Shri Omar Abdullah 40
19. Dr. S.N. Subba Rao 41
20. Smt. Vasundhara Raje, C.M., Rajasthan 45
21. Swami Agnivesh 46
22. Shri Navid Hamid 51
23. Maj. Gen. (Retd.) B.C. Khanduri, AVSM, C.M., Uttarakhand 53
24. Shri Okram Ibobi Singh, C.M., Manipur 57
25. Shri Moosa Raza 59
26. Dr. Karan Singh 61
27. Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal, C.M., Himachal Pradesh 64
( i )

28. Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa, C.M., Karnataka 66
29. Shri Durai Murugan, Minister for Public Works and Law, 70
Tamil Nadu
30. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi 71
31. Shri Navin Patnaik, C.M., Orissa 73
32. Shri Digambar Kamat, C.M., Goa 76
33. Shri Syed Shahabuddin 79
34. Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, C.M., Maharashtra 81
35. Prof. Bhim Singh 83
36. Shri Md. Shafi Qureshi 84
37. Shri Nitish Kumar, C.M., Bihar 88
38. Smt. Shabnam Hasmi 90
39. Shri Mohammad Madani 91
40. Shri Lalji Verma, Minister for Finance, Uttar Pradesh 92
41. Shri M.V. Mysoora Reddy 94
42. Dr. Valsan Thampu 95
43. Smt. Annie Raja 97
( ii )

PART - II
SPEECHES TAKEN ON RECORD
1. Shri Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister
Page No.
103
2. Shri Lalu Prasad, Railway Minister 107
3. Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of
Chemicals & Fertilizers And Steel.
109
4. Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Chief Minister,
Andhra Pradesh
115
5. Shri Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister, Assam 119
6. Dr. Raman Singh, Chief Minister, Chhattisgarh 124
7. Shri Digambar Kamat, Chief Minister, Goa 129
8. Shri Narendra Modi, Chief Minister, Gujarat 132
9. Shri Harmohinder Singh Chatha, Agriculture Minister, Haryana 141
10. Shri Shibu Soren, Chief Minister, Jharkhand 145
11. Shri B.S. Yeddyurappa, Chief Minister, Karnataka 147
12. Shri V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister, Kerala 154
13. Shri Himmat Kothari, Home Minister, Madhya Pradesh 157
14. Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh, Chief Minister, Maharashtra 159
15. Shri Okram Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, Manipur 165
16. Shri Parkash Singh Badal, Chief Minister, Punjab 168
17. Shri M. Karunanidhi, Chief Minister, Tamil Nadu 175
18. Major General (Retd) B.C. Khanduri, AVSM,
Chief Minister, Uttarakhand
178
19. Prof. Bhim Singh 183
20. Communist Party of India (Marxist), New Delhi 185
21. Shri Jyoti Basu
Annexure
189
List of Members of the National Integration Council (2008) 193
( iii )

PART - I
SPEAKERS AT THE MEETING

VERBATIM PROCEEDINGS
Shri Shivraj Patil, Union Home Minister
Respected Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji, Respected Chairperson UPA
Smt. Sonia Gandhiji,‘ Hon’ble Ministers, Hon’ble Governor of Jammu & Kashmir,
Hon’ble Chief Ministers, Hon’ble Leaders of Political Parties, Hon’ble Leaders in different
walks of life, officers and friends,
I have great pleasure and feel privileged to welcome all the Hon’ble members of
National Integration Council to this meeting. I would like to thank the Hon’ble Members
for making it convenient to attend this deliberation. The agenda circulated, indicates the
topics which may be considered by us. The time available for us is going to be limited
for there are many members who would like to speak. Hence, we have to be brief and
precise in our statements. A few documents giving facts and figures and schemes
made, are circulated to the Hon’ble members. They may be used by them. However,
we are interested in hearing their own views and suggestions.
The unity is sine qua non for our existence and all round development. It
needs to be protected, preserved and strengthened, which would be done with
determination and without failing to understand that the innocent persons and groups
and sections of the society are not maligned and branded wrongly. How to achieve
these objectives? Through the Governmental actions – YES; through Governmental
actions this can be done. Through the efforts and understanding of the people –
YES; the efforts and understanding of the people can help us a lot in this respect.
Through the efforts and understanding of the individuals – YES; through the
cooperation and coordination between them, answer to this question is also YES.
We would like to have Governments acting promptly and effectively. How tough
they should be, how correct and just they should be, how cooperative with one
another and with the people as a whole and individually they should be, we should
decide and act upon those decisions. How careful we should be in expressing our
views in favour or against some actions of the society is also of great importance.
If we keep saying and doing things continuously, which is not conducive for the
communal harmony, we should understand the consequences and results of the same.
Should we or should we not understand that there are a few in the society, who are given
to create problems for us all. How to deal with them is our problem. On these and
other issues, we would like to hear the views of the Hon’ble Members. The Hon’ble
Members are wise, experienced and balanced in their attitude, having knowledge as to
how to govern, as to how to deal with the people, and as to how to deal with the
problems. Their views would help the government make and modify their policies.
1

They would help the people and individuals to be more correct co-operative and
helpful. I have circulated my speech. It speaks more about the governmental actions
and the policies. It does not touch in great detail upon what the people, organizations
and individuals can do. That may be explained through the speeches of the leaders and
wise and more experienced members of this Council. You are eager to hear the leaders
and also to express your own views. Hence, I conclude my initial statement here only.
If need be in response to some points which are raised or mentioned, I may say a
few words later on. I thank you for your attention and I request the Hon’ble Prime
Minister to address this assembly.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister
Respected members of the National Integration Council, we are meeting at a time
when our nation is facing many and simultaneous challenges. Responding to challenges
at the best of time, is a very complex exercise. It gets even more complicated when the
security calculus is a matrix of many imponderable factors. Throughout India’s modern
history, our Country has seen many challenges, challenges that would have fragmented
nations of lesser intrinsic strength or lesser will. I have, therefore, no fear of our ability
to withstand the current challenges. I do believe, however that it is important at times
like this to look within ourselves, and draw upon our national genius to overcome
problems that appear, at times, to overwhelm us. There are a number of issues that
need strong reaffirmation in today’s context. One, we must be conscious that in
seeking short term remedies, the fundamental underpinnings of our inclusive society
are not undermined. Another is to maintain a strong sense of nationhood. In the recent
past we are witnessing signs of increasing fissiparous tendencies, especially in areas
like the North East, in Jammu and Kashmir, in Orissa and Karnataka, in Assam and
some other parts of our country. Third, some times the situation is aggravated by
external interests that wish to de-rail the essential unity of India. Further, as witnessed
recently in Orissa, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Assam, we see ethnicity and religion
being used as arguments to stir divisions. We have defence mechanisms to prevent
such divisive trends from spreading, as also the necessary instruments to overcome
them. We need, nevertheless, to be subtle in the manner in which these are
employed. It is a tribute to our political process that over the 60 years and
more since independence, we have successfully met the challenges without in
any way undermining our social fabric and tradition. We can take pride in our
inheritance of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-caste society. We must not,
however, ignore the fact that there is need for utmost vigilance and caution to
sustain such an inheritance. The chief characteristic of our civilization has been
unity in diversity. We have never attempted to impose uniformity or dilute
diversity. We have believed in a composite culture where, while individual
identities are retained, traits are shared. The continuity and strength of our
civilisational process depends on this implicit recognition of our ancient value
system. Central to this is a recognition of the futility of violence and of the need
2

for reconciliation, especially of all those caught up in the vortex of today’s
conflicts. I am stressing this point since violence seems to be permeating society
today, across the length and breadth of our country - whether it be terrorist
violence, whether it is violence with an ideological veneer such as that adopted by
the Left Wing Extremists, or communal violence. We need to meet today’s
mindless violence with the requisite amount of force, but must also ensure that this
is tempered by reason and justice which is the normal order of governance.
Terrorism and terrorist acts undoubtedly present us with a serious dilemma. Terrorism
is the major scourage, the world faces today. Several individuals are being
involved into participating in terrorist acts, by projecting a sense of real or
perceived grievance. The use of violent methods by those embracing terrorism is
abhorrent to any society. There can be no compromise with terrorism and
terrorists have to be dealt with firmly. At the same time, it is important that in trying
to counter terrorism, wrong methods and means are not adopted. Any impression
that any community, or sections amongst them, are being targeted, or that some
kind of profiling is being attempted, should be avoided. The means are as
important as the ends. This is vital, as otherwise it could lead to a major
polarization of society. In dealing with Left Wing Extremist Violence, one must
recognize that many of those who are being encouraged to take to violence have
suffered from years, and sometimes generations, of violence at the hands of
exploiters and unscrupulous elements. Many of those involved are amongst the
‘poorest of the poor’ and are merely demanding a place in the sun they have been
denied so far. Yet we cannot ignore the reality that today’s naxalities are armed
with sophisticated weapons, and adept at guerilla warfare techniques, and have
caused the death of many innocent people and members of the security forces.
A proper distinction has, hence, to be made so that, while there is no attempt
made to minimize the threat posed by them, and to deal effectively with this
problem. The poor tribals and others should not be made to suffer needlessly at
the hands of the authorities as well.
Perhaps, the most disturbing and dangerous aspect today is the assault on our
composite culture. Ethnic and religious communities have lived together
peacefully during the past millenniums. We take pride in the fact that people of all
castes, communities, religions and languages live together peacefully, and our
culture imbibes the best from each one of them. Yet today, we see faultlines
developing between, and among, communities. Recent tragic events in Orissa,
Karnataka and Assam have pained all right thinking persons. There are clashes
between Hindus, Christians, Muslims and Tribal groups. An atmosphere of
hatred and violence is being artificially generated. There are forces delib
erately encouraging such tendencies and also spawning militant outfits who
engage in irrational violence. These need to be firmly dealt with. There is, at
the same time, real need for better understanding of the forces at
3

work. There is need for better intelligence about such elements; our investigation
methods need to be further refined. The process of governance needs to be
strengthened and the rule of law maintained, but in a manner that brings hope
and succor to the poor and the needy.
There has been considerable debate in our Country on how to handle these
issues of sectarian and communal violence. There cannot be two views on the
fact that such attempts must be thwarted with the full power of a State that is
intent on protecting its democratic foundations. Those who threaten our communal
harmony, integrity and peaceful coexistence deserve very deterrent punishment. In
doing so, we need to be bound by the framework of our Constitution and the
political democratic process that enables us to reconcile differences through
dialogue. We should not be provoked to suspend or subvert a democratic
process in the search for solutions. A democracy has a special onus in that it has
to ensure protection of civil liberties even as it seeks to enforce law and order. It
has also to be done in a manner that respects the Constitutional boundaries of
a federal polity. This creates the complexity that we need to collectively address
and resolve and I urge you Hon’ble Members to put forward your suggestions
on how this can best be done.
It is not by accident that these incidents are increasing in our society. As
members of the National Integration Council, we need to collectively consider
whether short-term narrow political ends are driving some of us to encourage
forces of divisiveness that are today threatening the unity of our people. A
country like ours which is defnined by coexistence of different ethnic groups
and religions, and cemented by an acceptance of a pluralistic and tolerant
framework, cannot afford the promotion of such divisiveness for narrow partisan
ends. There is no politics that has a right to assert over the rights of the common
man or the integrity of our nation. The responsibility of the political leadership is
to preserve and promote this pluralistic and democratic framework. I would like
to appeal to all political parties to bear in mind this fundamental political responsibility
that enjoins on each one of us to ensure that we not only preserve but promote
this unique confluence of cultures that India has become, over the many past
centuries.
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, when he convened the National Integration
Conference in 1961, wanted to find ways to respond to the evils of
communalism, casteism and other forms of regional, linguistic and sectarian
divides. It was this Conference that set up the National Integration Council and
adopted as its charter the need to maintain the pluralistic ethos of India. I
feel it appropriate to quote the declarations of objectives adopted by the
Council in 1968: “the foundations of our national life is common citizenship,
4

unity in diversity, freedom of religions, secularism, equality, justice - social, economic
and political, and fraternity among all communities”. The National Integration
Council reiterates its faith in these values and dedicates itself to their
achievement”. It is these very goals, dear members, that we set for outselves as
a nation, and which the National Integration Council is expected to further and
promote and these are values which have come under stress.
This is a time that therefore, calls upon each one of us to collectively
reassert our identity as a pluralistic, multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multilinguistic
country; whose Constitution respects and upholds the freedom of all
religions. We must thwart all efforts to create divisiveness in our polity to
further sectarian interests. If we do not do this, we would be failing in our duty
towards the toiling masses of our country who struggle every day for economic
betterment and a life of dignity. We would also be failing in our duty to build an
India that provides our children the opportunities to realize their dreams.
As people engaged in public life, all of us are aware that there are multiple
deprivations in our country that can be manipulated, perhaps cynically manipulated,
to promote divisions in our society.Our task of nation building is still work-inprogress.
Our energies ought to be singularly focused in ensuring that the
commitment we made at the time of our independence “to remove poverty,
disease, ignorance and the inequality of opportunity” is fully met for all our
people. We are at a point in history where the world is looking at India as a
country which is successfully transforming its economy in the context of a
functional working democracy. Our economic transformation is all the more
exciting because it is happening through political dialogue engendered in a
democracy, where contending views clash and reconcile. The process of economic
development itself has a way of creating winners and losers, and it is only a
democratic framework that ensures equalizing opportunities and justice for all
sides. Our government has sought to create a framework of inclusive development
that can structurally address the divides in our society. We have also sought to
address the root causes of left extremism resulting from alienation of tribal
communities through the Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers
(Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 and also sought to ensure a right to
work through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
The fast rate of economic development that we are witnessing would in
itself become an antidote to several forces of sectarianism that we are
witnessing today when inequalities of economic opportunities become the
fodder for divisive politics. At the same time, determined efforts have to be
5

made to empower the marginalized sections to lead a life of dignity and self
respect so that they become effective partners in processes of development.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the National Integration Council provides a forum
where we should find the strength to rise above narrow partisanship and divisive
politics. The Council needs to exert its immense moral authority on the nation
collectively to ensure that the pluralistic and secular foundations of our country
are nourished, maintained and strengthened. We need to isolate and fight those
who promote divisiveness. The common citizen in this country wants peace and
harmony in society. The common citizen of this country is not bigoted but generous
and compassionate and nurtured in a tradition of tolerance, intrinsic to all faiths
that now nourish our composite culture. Let us collectively endeavour to preserve
these values which the people of our country cherish. I thank you.
Home Minister
We would like to thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister for his thought provoking
address to this assembly. On the agenda, we have six subjects. Out of six subjects,
four subjects were given by the members of the committee which was constituted to
select the items for discussion in this meeting. There are two new items which are
included in this agenda for our discussion. I think it would be in the fitness of things to
allow the Hon’ble Members who have given these items to be discussed to make the
initial statements on these subjects and later on to leave the floor open to all other
hon’ble members, to make their statements on the topics mentined in the agenda together,
independently, jointly or in whatever fashion they would like to make. Mr Udit Raj is the
Hon’ble Member of the council, who was a member of the committee also and he has
given a topic to be included. I would like to request him to make a brief statement on
that.
Shri Narendra Modi
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6

Home Minister
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Home Minister
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Shri Udit Raj
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Hon’ble Chair, all distinguished members, we are debating here on a very very
important and sensitive issue, that is threatening the unity and integrity of the nation.
Hon’ble Prime Minister has mentioned elaborately and Hon’ble Home Minister also, but
I am thankful to the Home Minister that he has included such an agenda which is
normally not debated and discussed. Of course everybody is charged here on the issue
of unleashing of violence on Christians in Kandhamal and elsewhere, and also the
bomb blasts and Naxal Problem is also there. Of course we all demand, I think most
of us are of the view, are in agreement that Bajrang Dal and VHP are not behaving
better than their extremist of any kind……… Apart from it we feel that caste politics
is not less dangerous as compared to the communal politics. Most of us bear in our
mind that the communal politics is the only factor which is deterimental to the growth or
integrity of the nation, but I would like to request and appeal to Hon’ble members and
those who are leading the nation that they should have proper balance, balanced approach
that the caste politics is equally dangerous to the nation. Caste politics outweighs
development, need of education, issues of human right violations and other things.
Anyone who goes and appeases the sentiments of the castes becomes a leader. He
does not need to address the issues of developments of others. In other words indirectly,
caste politics is more harmful to the nation than other kind of violence, other kind of
issues which are threatening the unity and integrity of the nation. Dr. Ambedkar
stood for annihilation of the caste but now I see many political parties and leaders
in the name of Dr. Ambedkar, they are using caste, they are consolidating caste,
they are promoting casteism. Isn’t it urgent need to address these issues, I think
we should do so . In my little own way, we are trying to do it, but we are not
allowed, because sentiments travel faster, travels faster than the politics of
development, politics of the conscience. So, Hon’ble Members I request you,
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Sonia Ji, that please take these things into account that the
caste politics is equally dangerous to the unity and integrity of the nation. I am
7

sorry to say it that instead of getting it diluted, caste politics is increasing by leaps and
bounds, and some way it is also linked to the communal politics. The mindset which is
operating in proliferation of the caste politics, same mindset somewhere is contributing
to communal tension, that the same kind of people want to remain in the seat of power,
whether using the caste or whether using community, religion, whatsoever it may be.
So, at the end I will request that the caste politics, divisive politics, must be dealt with. I
am sorry to say it. The nation in which we are and there are other nations which started
their development, their democracy much after us, for instance China, they have gone
much ahead of us but where are we? Of course our growth rate is higher but I don’t
think that it is percolating down to grossroot level. May be growth rate is about 9 %.
But still India lives in many centuries behind, in some part of India there are the people
who are living thousand years behind. The fruits of techonology, industrial growth,
market economy, globalization have not, are not reaching the people. So, we have to
also take into account and I think the caste politics is also responsible for this. So,
those who in the name of Dr. Ambedkar are doing caste politics should be rebuffed,
that politics should be rebuffed and of course, right thinking people should come
together and should promote each other. Unfortunately Indian media is not playing the
role which it should have. That is very unfortunate. If the media is not doing it then of
course there are other sections and the sections who can set the direction of the country
are here, so they can set it. We have been in the habit of thinking very traditionally and of
course that is not going to solve our problems, for this has to be taken into very seriously
and with this, I thank you all, thank you.
Shri Navid Hamid : That after three and half years this National Integration
Council is meeting and I sincerely think that as there are around 150 members and
there are seven important issues which have to be discussed and deliberated
upon. I sincerely request that this meeting should be extended to two days and
there should be no impression this is like a meeting of National Development
Council. The Chief Ministers should be given the chance to speak at the end of
discussion because there are number of activists here who are working at the
ground level and who have more information about the communal and the violent
situation across the country and my sincere request is that they should be allowed
at the initial stage.
Home Minister : Well I would like to thank Mr. Udit Raj for his statement. Now the
suggestion which you have given cannot immediately be accepted because the Hon’ble
Chief Ministers and other members have their programmes organised for tomorrow
also. So without consulting them, it would not be possible. But I would request all the
Hon’ble members to make their statements as briefly as possible. If they complete their
statements in seven minutes time, it would be very useful and we would like to give the
opportunity to all the members who want to speak and if necessary we can
8

sit late also but taking this discussion to tomorrow probably will cause many
problems for many of the members. So now there are no other members who
were members of the committee who had given the topics, so I leave the floor
open to other Hon’ble members
One of the NIC Member - I wish to speak Sir.
Home Minister : Please give me a small slip, so that I will call out your name
and then ...........yes. May I request the other member who was standing up over
there to make the statement, you can speak later on. Yes.
Shri Sitaram Yechuri : Since you said that as you rightly pointed out that the
Hon’ble Chief Ministers are here and leaders of the recognised All India Parties are
here, I will suggest you to please adopt a procedure as to who to call, I mean do not
leave it to the floor of the house for hands to be raised for everyone here who would
like to speak sir. So a procedure has to be drawn up by the chair, I mean we appreciate
your sincerity to democratic principles and practices but don’t let that to lead to anarchy.
So what I suggest is, you decide who you should call first and please we will all abide
by that.
Home Minister : We will do that but I will get the names of the persons
who would like to participate so that I can call out their names from the
podium over here. Now one or two speakers ........ (intervention) ...... just send a
chit ......... (intervention)......... well, definitely they will be allowed to speak but
then there are others you know you are saying that they do not get the
opportunity and they will like to speak we would like to accommodate as many
as possible. You just send your names and we will call out the names and
supposing I call out the name of a person or a leader who is not willing to
speak then it becomes difficult, so let one or two speakers and then we will get
into that ......yah....yes.
Home Minister : Thank you. I now request Dr. John Dayal to make his statement
please.
Dr. John Dayal
Good Morning, you gave us seven Minutes, I will take three. My name is
John Dayal, I speak on behalf of Archbishop Vincent M. Concessao and Dr.
Valson Thampu and two other Christian members of the National Integratcion
Council. But they are not here as Christian members, we are here as citizens of
India. Mr. Home Minister, Sir, you cautioned us quite correctly to speak in a
manner that words do not hurt anybody. Mine will not, because I seek
permission to weep and if my tears hurt anybody, I apolozise in advance, sir. Even
9

as I speak, an hour ago, I got an SMS, that a church is burning outside Bangalore, in
Bangalore rural. I would not like to torture you with a litany of the toll of the last two
months. It is attached in my written speech which is on the table. But sir for us, the
threat has never been solely against the Christian community, it is major victims that we
are in recent months. The Nun, who was raped, was a catholic but it is a democracy
which has been ravished. It is a women’s dignity that has been ravished. It is all that is
holy in India that has been ravished. I as Indian citizen am ashamed, and the Prime
Minister quite correctly spoke for the nation when he said the nation has been put to
shame. Sir, the Chief Minister is here and I and my colleagues have been at the doors
of each one of you separately and therefore we take this opportunity to speak to you
collectively. Is Kandhamal not a part of India, does the Constitution not run there?
Does the writ of Law not go there? Can Indian police forces not enter there? Or is it
a foreign country or a plot of land of the moon? How does this happen? Sir, many of
us are members of this National Integration Council and continue to be members because
it was set up by great Jawahar Lal Nehru. It has not met for three years and I think
that is one of its major tragedies. Perhaps, if it had, we would have been not reduced to
the situation where we face a trial by gun, sword, fire, raping, tantamount to ethnic
cleansing of three hundred villages in Kandhamal. The choice given to my people
there is very simple, fifty thousand people have been told, please come home, if you
become a Hindu. Forcible conversion of this nature and this is what we are accused
of. Violence, they say, is retribution, just retribution many of them say, for forcible and
fraudulent conversion to Christianity. Sir, I take this opportunity and I think I speak
for every Christian in India, for every church from the biggest cathedral to the smallest
Church. We denounce forcible and fraudulent conversions. They would by definition
be illegal, immoral, unethical and against the teachings of the church. Five decades of
church documents which are available to each one of you, if you were to google. The
work of conversion is not of a man, repeated exercises by the National Minorities
Commission and efforts by the aggressive Governments of many states which have
passed these laws have failed to provide proven cases of forcible or fraudulent
conversions and yet state guarantees on freedom of faith, including the propagation of
faith and human rights are smothered, there are calls for moratoriums and black laws
and people brutalized in police harrassment. Conversions are moratorium on the
conscience of Indian citizens. Is Indian religion a religion………….………………….
………………….… (NO RECORDING DUE TO MIKE FAILURE)………..……...
No, the mike is mechanical, it has no ideology but surely Indian constitution
guarantees this freedom of conscience of which freedom of faith is but a small
part. Do not do anything to take away a freedom of conscience of India that is
the mool mantra of five thousand years old civilization. The violence is of course
Sir must cease forthwith. Our people must be allowed to return home in peace in
Kandhamal and other districts of Orissa. We must be allowed to profess faith in
honour, without fear, without the sort of forcible conversions, and so called
10

Ghar Wapsi sword at the throat. This is what the constitution guarantees us. We seek
no more. Sir, I will take a minute. There are things that can be done to stop it. Stern
action against hate crimes, in acting of the communal violence bill, comprehensive
relief and rehabilitation, and the quick representation to all minorities and this in Kandhamal
and other places is abysmal in its implementation, a thorough revamp of education
system. Schools upon schools, in villages upon villages, they are teaching five year
olds how to hate. They are teaching ten year olds how to kill. When they become
fourteen, they kill. Above all the State, Parliament, Supreme Court and Executive
must ensure that no one remains under the illusion unfortunately very well founded
represent that communal politics, hate and demonisation of religious minorities, can
bring them electoral dividends in an India of 21 st century. Sir, I would be failing my
community if I do not mention the issue of dalit Christians, for too long has this taken to
be sorted out, community has been like a ping pong between Court, Government,
Commissions, time to took a decision say yes.
Home Minister :Thank You. May I request Mr. A.B. Bardhan to make a statement
please.
Shri A. B. Bardhan
Distinguished Members of the National Integration Council, I do not wish to
indulge in generalities. Very lofty sentiments have been already expressed both by you,
Mr. Patil and also by the Prime Minister. But it seems to me that the lofty sentiments
are not followed by deeds. More than forty years are over since this whole question
of National Integration Council came up and we have met only eleven times or thirteen
may be. It has taken us so long to wake up knowing fully well that the whole integrity
of our country is being torn apart by religious conflicts. I think we should have woken
up much earlier that is the first point that I would like to emphasize. If you want to get
the National Integration Council seriously, I do not say that it should become a meeting
that takes place very frequently, but we should wake up in time and hold the
meeting much earlier as desired, at least once a year. My second point is Sir, without
going into any generalities, I must say that of all the subjects that have been
listed, the whole question of communalism must be taken very seriously. Whatever
is happening in the name of fighting terrorism, I think is not helping to fight against
communalism. We are in fact doing everything to alienate more and more a very
important community of our country. Next to the Hindus which is the majority
community, the most numerous community that is there in our country, are the
muslims. We can’t think of India without thinking both of the Hindus and Muslims,
and of course, Christians and Sikhs, and everybody else. There is no doubt about
it. I think we are going far astray by alienating the entire muslim community. We
first of all thought that the terrorists are a small group of people who are misled. But
11

now it seems to me that the net is being spread over many muslims areas, in the name of
finding out, pursuing the terrorists. A wide net is being spread, in the name of finding
out who are responsible for the various blasts, an entire community, the youth of the
community, the educated members of the community are being targeted and in fact the
media and the police whose job it is to find out the criminals and to prosecute them at
least, bring them up before the courts, they are resorting to media trials. I think this
should be checked, I do not wish to go into the whole question of the encounters that
have taken place but I would like to suggest that if at all you want to end the regime of
fear, of alienation that has spread amongst various sections of the community, it will be
necessary to hold at least some Judicial Inquiry. I do not wish to challenge or to doubt
those who have been martyred for the causes of fighting terrorism. I do not wish to
raise that issue but I think that the whole issue of the encounter that took place in Batala
House, needs to be investigated. That would be one thing that would bring at least
some comfort to the muslim community, in very large sections of the community. I think
that it is also necessary, Sir, to warn the police that they cannot go on arresting people
at random. Many of our people in Azamgarh and elsewhere have been arrested? What
was their fault. The only fault is that there names are muslims. The only fault is that
some of them are qualified. The only fault is that some of them have been highly
educated. That seems to be now the new target. This has got to end. Therefore, I
really suggest that the whole question of Judicial Inquiry must be ordered because
many issues have been raised about those encounters. That should be ordered. That
will be a big contribution towards bringing back that community to the national
mainstream. My second point, Sir, is that article 356 is not the remedy on every
occasion. It is many times very counterproductive. It leads to much more confrontation
and with elections very nearby, we should not talk in terms of Article 356 so
loosely. But then there are several other articles in our Constitution. Attacks have
taken place against the Christians in Kandhmal targeting the Churches, targeting the
orphanages, targeting the Christian missionary schools. Many of us have been educated
in missionary schools. Sir I must say that I have been educated in a Christian
missionary school and I consider that was a very good school. I had gone to Karachi a
year back. I visited the school where Mr. L.K. Advani was educated. It too is an
excellent mission school. Never for a moment was there any attempt at religious
conversion in our mission school. I have noted that the Chief Minister of Orissa has
said that he is being targeted. No Sir, I do not want Orissa to be targeted like that. But
then if for more than a month, things continue as they are, something has to be done.
Mere advisories are of no use. They are only scraps of paper. There is an Article
known as Article 355. Why can’t the Government use that article in order specifically
to tell some of the State Governments, that they have to run their governments according
to the rules of the Constitution according to the provisions of the Constitution. This
should be done because after all the Centre has certain responsibility, when things are
happening in any part of the country. State Governments are responsible for law
12

and order but the Centre is responsible for ensuring that the life of our citizens, the life of
all our religious communities are also duly protected. I think that, that also should be
taken note of. So with these three suggestions, I want to conclude.
Number 1 – that atleast an annual meeting of National Integration Council should be
held.
Number 2 – that there should be a judicial enquiry about the encounter that has taken
place near Batala House.
Number 3 – That the police are restrained from targeting a particular community and all
young members and educated members of that community, picking them at random
and detaining them for days together and then coming out without any chargesheet
against them. Many issues have been raised, many doubts have been expressed. They
have to be addressed through a Judicial Inquiry. and
Number 4 – the attacks against the Christians. The Orissa Government or whatever
other state government is told that they have to run their governments in according to the
Constitution.
Thank you sir.
Home Minister : May I request Shri Rajnath Singhji to make his statement please.
Shri Rajnath Singh
iz/kkuea=h th] x‘gea=h th] jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn dh cSBd cgqr gh egRoiw.kZ gS vkSj tc
Hkh jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn dh cSBd gksrh gS] lkjs ns”k dk /;ku bl jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn dh vksj
gksrk gSA iz/kkuea=h th] eS a bl jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn ds ,ts aMk ds lEcU/k es a dguk pkgw axkA dy
jkr rd fjokbTM ,ts aMk bl National Integration Council dk ge lc dks izkIr gqvk gSA eS a
le>rk gw a fd jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn tSlh cSBd gks jgh gks] rks mlds ,ts aMs ij xEHkhjrkiwoZd igys
ls gh fopkj gksuk pkfg,A ;fn fjokbTM ,ts aMk bruh nsj jkr rd ge lcds ikl igq apsxk vkSj
fdlh dks bl ckr dh tkudkjh gksxh] LokHkkfod :Ik ls mlds eu es a ;g fopkj iSnk gksxk] bl
cSBd ds izfr ljdkj dks ftruk xEHkhj gksuk pkfg,] ljdkj mruh xEHkhj ugha gSA fjokbTM ,ts aMk
es a Extremism bl ‘kCn dk iz;ksx rks fd;k gS] ;g ,ts aMk dk vkbVe gSA ysfdu vkius vius Hkk”k.k
es a Hkh mYys[k fd;k gS fd VsjfjTe&;g fdruh xEHkhj lEL;k bl ns”k dh gSA eS a le>rk gw a fd
VsjfjTe bl ‘kCn dk iz;ksx bl ,ts aMk es a djus es a D;k vkifRr FkhA tcfd vki tkurs gS a fd dbZ
,slh fjiksVZl vkbZ gS a ftu fjiksVZ ls ;g ckr iwjh rjg ls fl) gks pqdh gS fd bl oDr ckgjh nqfu;k
es a VsjfjTe ls lokZf/kd izHkkfor dksbZ ,d ns”k gS rks og Hkkjr gSA ;g ;w0,l0 LVsV fMikVZes aV dh
Hkh ;g fjiksVZ vkbZ gS] ml fjiksVZ es a Hkh ;gh rF; lkeus vk;k gS fd bl le; vkradokn ls lcls
izHkkfor ns”k] vf/kd izHkkfor ns”k ;fn dksbZ gS rks og Hkkjr gSA nqfu;k ds tks Hkh ns”k bl vkradokn
ls izHkkfor gS a og okj vkWQ Vsjj dh ?kks”k.kk dj jgs gS a] ysfdu nwljh rjQ ge lc jk”Vªh; ,drk
ifj”kn dh cSBd dj jgs gS a vkSj mles a VsjfjTe tSls egRoiw.kZ fo”k; dks ge ,ts aMk vkbVe ugha cuk
jgs gS aA ;g fuf”pr :Ik ls fpark dk fo”k; gS aA iz/kkuea=h th tgka rd Communal Harmony
dk iz’u gS] fuf”pr :Ik ls Communal
13

Harmony gksuh pkfg, vkSj eS a viuh ikVhZ dh rjQ ls Hkh dguk pkgw axk fd bl ns”k dh
Communal Harmony dks cuk, j[kus ds fy, ftl Hkh izdkj ds lg;ksx dh vko”;drk gksxh]
gekjh ikVhZ iwjh rjg ls lg;ksx djsxh] ysfdu ;g Hkh lans”k ljdkj dh rjQ ls ugha tkuk pkfg,
fd ;fn State Governments ds lkFk fdlh izdkj dk dksbZ HksnHkko fd;k tk jgk gSA dukZVd
es a tks fgalk gqbZ] pkgs mM+hlk es a tks fgalk gqbZ] mldks ge lcus condemn fd;k gS vkSj eS a
congratulate djuk pkgw axk mM+hlk ds phQ fefuLVj fe0 uohu iVuk;d vkSj dukZVd ds phQ
fefuLVj fe0 ;snqjIik dks Hkh] fd mUgks aus iwjk iz;kl fd;k rkfd ogka dk violence fu;af=r gks ldsA
ysfdu ;fn vkfVZdy 355 ds rgr ;fn ,Mokbtjh tkjh dh tkrh gS] bu LVsV~l dks] rks nwljh Hkh
,sls LVsV gS a] mu ij Hkh ljdkj dh utj gksuh pkfg,A blls Hkh cM+k violence mu States es a gqvk
gSA ysfdu mUgs a dksbZ ,Mokbtjh xouZes aV ds }kjk ugha tkjh dh tkrh gSA blls yxrk gS yksxks a
dks fd dgha u dgha ,d HksnHkko fd;k tk jgk gSA eS a le>rk gw a fd ,slh fLFkfr iSnk ugha gksuh
pkfg, vkSj lkFk gh eS a ;g Hkh dguk pkgw axk iz/kkuea=h th] fd dE;wuy gkeZuh dks cuk, j[kus ds
fy, ;fn fHkUu fHkUu leqnk; vkSj fHkUu fHkUu oxZ ds yksxks dh vkil es a cSBd gksrh gS rks eS a le>rk
gw a fd og ,d izdkj dh vPNh igy gksxhA dsjy es a 27 flrEcj dks ,d cSBd gqbZ Fkh vkSj ml
cSBd es a gekjs ;s Central Bishops Council vkSj dsjy ds Christians Fks vkSj fgUnw community
ds Hkh cgqr lkjs yhMlZ ekStwn Fks vkSj eq>s lekpkj i=ks a ds ek/;e ls tkudkjh feyh gS] bl cSBd
dk Hkh ,d vPNk eSlst x;k gSA ysfdu dukZVd vkSj mM+hlk es a tks dqN Hkh gqvk gS] ges a ;g ns[kuk
iM+ sxk fd mlds ihNs ewy dkj.k D;k gSA ;g lp gS fd freedom of religion, constitution
gedks izokbM djrk gS] bles a dgha nks jk; ugha gSA ysfdu bl izdkj dk vkØks’k] bl izdkj dk
xqLlk tks ogka dh majority community es a gS] mlds vUnj Hkh D;ks a iSnk gksrk gSA bl ij Hkh ges a
xEHkhjrkiwoZd fopkj djuk pkfg,A Forceful vFkok allurement ds vk/kkj ij duotZu ugha gksuk
pkfg,] ;g ge Hkh ekurs gS aA gekjk lafo/kku Hkh ;gh dgrk gS] ysfdu eS a le>rk gw a fd dksbZ u dksbZ
bl izdkj dk duotZu ykW Hkh gksuk pkfg, rkfd ;g lqfuf”pr gks lds fd tks duotZu gS og
oSyhM gS vFkok vuoSyhM gSA bl izdkj dk dksbZ u dksbZ ,d ykW Hkh gksuk pkfg,A vkSj lkFk gh
;gka ij fo’o fgUnw ifj”kn vkSj ctjax ny dh ckr vkbZ gSA eS a dguk pkgw axk jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn
es a] eS a le>rk gw a fd bls dksbZ political forum ds :Ik es a bldk mi;ksx ugha djuk pkfg,A ctjax
ny vkSj fo”o fgUnw ifj”kn dk tgka rd iz’u gS] eS a dguk pkgrk gw a fd ;s jk”Vªoknh laxBu gSA
fleh vkSj bafM;u eqtkfgnhu tSls ;g laxBu jk”Vªnzksgh laxBu gS] ysfdu ctjax ny vkSj fo”o
fgUnw ifj”kn dks] ;g dksbZ vkradoknh laxBu ugha gS] ftlij izfrca/k yxk;s tkus dh ekax dh tk
jgh gS vkSj gekjk rks ;g Hkh dguk gS fd Jheku~ ;fn dgha ij dksbZ vkradoknh ?kVuk gksrh gS] fo”o
fgUnw ifj”kn] ctjax ny vFkok fdlh Hkh ikWfyfVdy ikVhZ dk dksbZ O;fDr mles a indulge djrk
;fn ik;k tkrk gS] mlds f[kykQ dkjZokbZ dh tkuh pkfg,A ge mldk Lokxr djs axs] ysfdu dsoy
appeasment policy ds rgr] dsoy vote bank dh politics ds fy,] ;fn bu lc lkjs fo”k;ks a ij
ppkZ dh tkrh gS rks fuf”pr :Ik ls ;g nqHkkZX;iw.kZ gS vkSj Jheku~ ;g fopkj djuk iM+ sxk ljdkj
dks Hkh cgqr lkjs yksx vkidh cabinet es a cSBs gq, gS a] ;fn vki tkrs gS a Assam rks ogka ij muds
}kjk ;g dgk tkrk gS fd lkjs caxykns”kh infiltrators dks citizenship ns nh tkuh pkfg,] tcfd
Supreme Court dk Hkh ;g dguk gS fd caxykns”kh infiltration ;g ,d izdkj dk
14

external aggression gSA ;g fons”kh vkØe.k gSA eS a le>rk gw a fd bldk cognizance government
dks Hkh ysuk pkfg, vkSj ;fn dksbZ VsjfjTe ds ekeys es a] ;fn dksbZ fxjQ~rkj fd;k tkrk gS rks iqfyl
dks bl ckr dh vktknh nh tkuh pkfg,] ;g NwV nh tkuh pkfg, rkfd mldh og tkap djs] irk
yxk;s fd lpeqp og terror activities es a involved gS fd ugha gSA cM+ a s cMs + fnXxt usrk mlds ikl
mlds ?kj ij lgkuqHkwfr O;Dr djus ds fy, pys tkrs gS aA blls ge D;k eSlst nsuk pkgrs gSA vc
tks dqN Hkh fnYyh es a gqvk] ;gka ds cgknqj baLisDVj fe- ,e0lh0 ‘kekZ us ftl cgknqjh dk ifjp;
fn;k vkSj vkt ml ,udkmaVj ds Åij gh question mark yxk;k tk jgk gS mls fake
encounter dgk tk jgk gSA Jheku~ D;k gksxk] lqj{kk cy ds tks toku gS a] muds eukscy dh Hkh
rks gedks fpark djuh iM+ sxh vkSj eS a dguk pkgrk gw a fd gekjs tks Hkh security forces gS a] ftl fnu
muds eukscy ij vnuk ‘kd gksxk] izfrdwy izHkko iM+ sxk eukscy VwVsxkA Jheku~ vkradokn vkSj
extremism vfrokn bl ladV ls fdlh Hkh lwjr es a fuiVk ugha tk ldrk blfy, eS a] vkils eS a
vuqjks/k d:axk bl vksj Hkh /;ku fn;s tkus dh vko”;drk gS vkSj var es a eS a vkidks viuh rjQ ls
iwjh rjg ls vk”oLr djuk pkgrk gw a fd bl ns”k es a tkfrxr fo}s’k fdlh Hkh lwjr es a ugha iSnk gksuk
pkfg,] Hkk”kkxr jktuhfr Hkh ugha gksuh pkfg,] vkSj lkEiznkf;d lkSgknZ cuk jguk pkfg,A D;ks afd
lPpkbZ dks ge le>rs gS aA tc rd bl ns”k es a lkekftd lkSgknZ ugha] lkEiznkf;d lkSgknZ ugha
gksxk] ,drk ugha gksxh] rc rd ge Hkkjr dks tSlk egku Hkkjr cukuk pkgrs gS a] oSlk egku Hkkjr
cukuk fdlh Hkh lwjr es a lEHko ugha gks ik,xkA
/kU;oknA
Home Minister : May I request Mr Fali Nariman to make the statement please.
Shri Fali S. Nariman
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home Minister, I thank you Sir for the Opportunity
of saying a few words. I believe sir we are here divided into two groups-those who
have the privilege and ample opportunity to speak in the nations Parliament and yet
regretfully do not choose to speak but walk out and disrupt the proceedings, and the
rest amongst whom is my good friend Justice Seth and myself. I would respectfully
comment to all the Hon’ble members, for the Prime Minister in his opening remarks did
say that we now have become after sixty years a society rant with dissention and that is
just too much hate speech around. Hate speech leads to violence, violence begets more
violence and ultimately the peace that we can think of and therefore prosperity is
always eluding us and will continue to elude us. Yes, Prime Minister, there are forces
outside the country who do this. But there are forces also within the country who do
this. It used to be said that in ancient times there was the dinasaures and my whole
impression now a days is that the population of dinasaures in this country is fast increasing
at a fearsome pace. Dinasaures in one religious camp give impetus to the breeding of
them in another, as recent events in India show. Scientists tell us that it was a great
15

meteorite that finally destroyed all the dinasaures on this earth and I like to think that the
meteor was symbolic wrath of god. I myself have lived and flourished in secular india
which all of us have and in the fullness of time I would like to die in secular India, if god
wills. But we should not trouble dear God because he has lot of other things to do
and we on this earth must try and strive to see what we can do, in order to achieve this
state of affairs. The affairs which I believe Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru put in the fantastic
book Discovery of India which I pleaded with the former education Minister and the
present Education Minister to prescribe it as a compulsory text in colleges which greatly
inspired young people at that time like me, namely how India really has evolved. People
just don’t know how India has evolved, people just don’t know how we are supposed
to live as one community, people around the world if you travel around the world, they
all tell you and wonder how the people exist as a nation and that’s our great pride, I
take great pride in saying that we exist as a nation and yet we find that there is one group
or another who goes about doing a great deal of things which are totally nasty. I have
just two contributions to make, namely to remind Hon’ble members of two things. The
first is for those, Sir, who are intolerant of conversions – and there is a lot of talk about
it. I would just like to remind you that the religious hegemony of Brahmanism was
contested by a Kshatriya Noble man, who founded Buddhism. The new religion rejected
the determination of status by birth and the higher article ranking of castes about
which one hon’ble member spoke. For more than two hundred years, this posed a
real threat to Hinduism and then with superlative missionary zeal, Adi Sankaracharya
almost single-handedly restored the authority of the Vedas as the basis of Hindu thought.
Please, not by force, but, by persuasion, by his discourses through out the length and
breath of Hindustan, just imagine how this man without communication, in those
days in bullock cart, no planes and no cars, went from length and breadth of this
country and put an end to the hegemony of great religion Budhism in India and he did
this by exercising, please his time honoured but not constitutional right, there was no
constitution, its time honoured right to propogate his own religion. The constitution
gives us this right about article 25 and that time no constitution. And he succeded the
inhabitance of this vast land where we absorbed into Hinduism that had begotten
them and the story of this mass conversion has been described by an oriental scholar
in a very fine phrase and this is how he described this - “Brahmanism killed Buddhism
by a fraternal embrace. Brahmanism killed Buddhism by a fraternal embrace”.
Second, I want to remind you of what a Hindu Mr. T.T. Krishnamachari said in the
constituant assembly. Permit me Prime Minister to take just two minutes of your
further time to read this. When he approved of draft Article 19, which is our now
Article 25 and the inclusion of the word propogate, he uttered some home truths.
He said, Sir, I know as the person who has studied for 13-14 years in Christian
institutions, no attempt has been made to convert me from my own faith and to
practice Christianity, and he said I would ask the house to look at the facts so far
as the history of this type of conversion is concerned. It depends on the way in
16

which certain religionists and certain communities treat their less fortunate brethern. The
fact that many people in this country have embraced Christianity is due partly to the
status that it gave to them and then he continued why should we forget the particular fact
an untouchable who becomes a Christian, becomes an equal in every matter, alongwith
the high caste Hindu and if we remove the need to obtain that particular advantage, that
he might properly get, it is undoubtedly a very important advantage, apart from the fact
that he has faith in the religion itself, well the incentive for anybody to become a
Christian, will probably not exist. Kindly ponder over this. A Hindu said this. Now,
this is the sort of society that we were all really and I think what is totally lacking is a
broader education, which I would request hon’ble distinguished member on the dias,
the Minister of Human Resource to please contemplate, we are lacking in all this because
I think a lack of proper education, not literacy, a proper education. And secondly
sir I believe that the trend we are today seeing is a reflection on what our representatives
do in Parliament. Please remember that, when I had the privilege of being six years
in the Upper House and I had a privilege of seeing the present hon’ble Prime Minister
as leader of the opposition. I had the privilege of the seeing Mr. Jaswant Singh as the
leader of the house. I have never seen each of these individuals, ever, ever, despite all
the disruption, ever either raising their voice, going into the well of the house or
refusing the house to function. They belong to two different parties, two antagonistic
parties. Why can’t all their followers do the same. I always said and I don’t understand,
why, why, disrupt house, why disrupt proceedings and this really is the root
cause because when you say the irresponsible press somebody said irresponsible. I
don’t think the press is irresponsible, we are irresponsible. Don’t call the media irresponsible,
we propogate all this when we shout etc. and so on, that’s why the media
pick it up, why should not they. It is meant for them to pick it up. It is we who
should restrain us. We call us the representatives of the people. Very distinguished, we
get all the perks, all the privilege. We still enjoy them when we retire and yet this is the
way, we behave and we should all be ashamed of ourselves, all members of parliament,
past and present. I am very sorry. We should all join and see that parliament
continues to function and that’s a very very important thing and I regret to say every
time Parliament is summoned, hardly anything is done. In two successive parliaments,
I still remember, Sir, in two successive years, I found that the finance bill where
all of us wanted to speak, many of us, was passed in two minutes, two minutes.
When all of us wanted to speak, what for, because there was too much noise. People
would not let Parliament function. If you don’t let Parliament function, you will not let
the country function. I regret to say. You must allow Parliament to function. We must
all do this, we took an oath, when Mr. Gujral was prime minister, but what happened.
Nothing happened to that oath & I feel very very upset sir as the citizen of this
country. It is such a fantastic country and today please remember the baton is
passing to Asia, financial world is passing to Asia, the political world is passing to
Asia and yet we are behaving as if we are still an uncivilized law. Education is
17

arely the technique of transmitting civilization that what Will Durant said in his history
and we have to cultivate that technique. Therefore, we are all people who are
sophisticated. We are all the people who have the privilege of education, privilege of
being Members of parliament and yet we behave just like the rabble. I am very sorry to
say that, and we all therefore sir to cure ourselves before we preach and therefore I
very much welcome what Mr. Bardhan said that this gathering sir, should meet a little
more often Every six months or every year perhaps, even six months may be even
better. That should we can all ventilate our individual grievances because nobody in
parliament vents his all grievances. We all walk out of parliament. So I would
respectfully suggest sir, that this is a very well timely thing, we can’t achieve everything.
We can’t prevent violence, I agree and please if you want to ban anything. I say ban
intolerance, but how do you ban intolerance. You can’t ban intolerence unless you
preach and propagate tolerance. By law, you can’t do it, therefore I am against banning
anything. Everybody says ban this party, ban that party, I say no. You do it by persuasion,
if you can. Use the provisions of the penal code if you can. Why no prosecution is
being launched, just because we don’t have the will to launch prosecution. 295A of the
penal code says any one who incites religious hatred has to be prosecuted, prosecute
him. Nobody will give him bail, if you do it, but you are not doing it. I don’t know who
is not doing it. Yes, use 355, use it and I don’t agree with the Supreme Court verdict
that is an observation that says that 356 only follows upon 355. It does not. 356 stands,
355 stands alone and must be used alone. Thank you sir, I have taken so much time.
Home Minister : May I request Mr. Asgar Ali Engineer to make his statement.
Shri Asgar Ali Engineer
Thank you sir, for this opportunity. First thing I would like to say that in the
meeting of National Integration Council last time 3 years ago, it was decided here
that this meeting will be held every year and unfortunately this was totally forgotten
so much so that when country was burning, I along with Swami Agnivesh Ji and
Thampu Ji, had to write a letter to Prime Minister to convene the meeting of National
Integration Council. I would also like to say that a sub committee was formed to
study pattern of communal violence and recommend measures to stop communal
riots. I was member and Hon’ble Minister of State, Home, Jaiswal Ji, was its
Chairman. We formulated recommendations to, there were five members on that
committee and we finalized recommendation and we hoped that soon these
recommendations will be implemented and National Integration Council meeting will
be called to discuss it. Nothing happened. It is this kind of casual attitude to this
burning question which perpetrates, hatred and communal violence in this country.
I would also like to say that I began my fight against communalism in 1961 after
Jabalpur riots and I was very hopeful then that we will succeed in one day. It is
more than 45 years and I find more and more communal violence spreading in this
18

country. Forty five years after my resolve, I am really feeling very depressed that
whether my country of which I am so proud, secular democracy, our constitution we
feel so proud we hold our head high but when it come to ground reality, we have to
hold our head in shame. That 60 years after our independence, our talk about secularism,
inclusiveness and all that, so much violence has been taking place in our country.
Hon’ble Prime Minister rightly pointed out that no community should be profiled but
this is what is exactly happening on the ground. A community is being profiled and their
young people are lifted without any proof, just they are tortured, made to confess and
that confession is given wide publicity through out media. The media I am very sorry to
say, has not been performing its duty properly. It publishes very prominently the version
given by the police and no investigative reports, nothing, and the whole nation
thinks that Muslims are terrorists. Which is very very wrong. Those people who are
tortured and made to confess, they are made real culprits and those who are terrorizing
entire communities in Orissa, in Maharashtra, several other places, even their names are
not published. Simply a group is mentioned, so how are we going to remove this curse
of terrorism and communal violence from our country. Batala House - well may be
encounter is not fake but why not hold any inquiry. It will come out clearly that it was
fake or it was not fake. Why fear any, if somebody says police will be demoralized by
holding an inquiry, do not you think the entire community is being demoralized,
demoralized by not holding an inquiry. There is need for holding an inquiry, so that if
encounter is genuine, those critic would be silenced and if it is fake, those who have
done, should be punished properly. So that such events don’t repeat in future. It is
question of pride of our country, of our values, our politics, does not reflect our constitution.
60 years have passed, our entire election calculus is based on caste and communities
. Candidates are set up on the basis of their caste and communities. I am reminded
of Maulana Azad in 1952, when first general elections was to take place. He was
given ticket from Rampur. Maulana Azad said why I am being given ticket from
Rampur. I have never done any work there. They said Maulana, there are more
muslims, you will easily win. Maulana Azad tore away the ticket and said did I fight for
independence for my country to represent only muslims. I want to represent all people
of India. He did not accept Congress ticket from Rampur and then he was given from
Haryana and he successfully fought election. These were the ideals of our leaders,
freedom fighters, who sacrificed every thing for freedom of our country and today our
entire election calculus is based on caste and community. Why casteism will not
increase, why communalism will not increase, it is bound to increase unless we reflect
constitutional values in our politics, ground level politics, we always referred to lofty
principles of our constitution and we feel very proud of that and we must feel proud
of our constitutional principles, but at the same time we should feel shamed that our
ground politics does not reflect that. Today, I have traveled right from Kerala to Kashmir,
interacted with people. I am forced to say that there is great deal of anger among
all Muslims in this country today, amongst all Christians in this country
19

today. How can we create communal harmony, when there is so much anger among
Muslims and Christians. They feel totally alienated. They want to contribute to the
constitutional values of this country. How do they, they are not properly represented,
they are not represented in parliament, they are not represented in State assemblies, they
are not represented in Government Services, they are not represented in police. How do
they contribute for the Nation, unless they get an opportunity to have adequate
representation everywhere. Christians who have contributed so much to our country,
education, health services, they are under attack today and no action is being taken for
more than a month. Violence has been going on, I am sorry to say Hon’ble Prime
Minister, Madam Sonia Gandhi, Hon’ble Home Minister, that things are not in order in
the country and we are all feeling suffocated. Those who stand by secular values, for
commnal harmony, are really feeling suffocated today. We felt very suffocated, when
Gujarat happened and we welcomed UPA victory, we all felt liberated. That now have
come out of this communal patch. But again we are feeling suffocated and under UPA
regime, I am very sorry to say that I am very anguished today and I feel my efforts for
last 45 years have not fructified and still much worse is happening than what happened
in 1961 Jabalpur riot, when I took oath to devote my life for communal harmony.
Please do something, stop this communal madness, this terrorism. Nobody from Muslim
community stands for terrorism and yet impression goes round that all Muslims are
terrorists. Which is very very wrong, very very wrong. There may be some elements,
mischevious elements, there are such elements everywhere, but they are not known by
the community. Only in case of Muslims, they are identified by their community. Let
media, let Government, let Police stop this kind of campaign, to win over the hearts
and minds of minorities in this country. The glory of this country, the constitutional
values of this country would be upheld if we win the hearts and minds of minorities
today.
Thank you very much.
Home Minister : I may request Admiral Ramdass to make his statement please.
Admiral (Retd.) Shri L. Ramdass
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Madam Gandhi and Distinguished Ministers on the dais
and other friends here. I have been listening to pearls of wisdom which have flown
out of all of you this morning. I would like to make a just few comments and flag
a few points for consideration by this very elite community. I was a young man
when we attained our Independence. As barely 14, I have traveled a long way
all the 61 odd years and I have seen the steady downwards slope on which we have
been sliding. As the Hindu rate of growth has gone to Manmohaniks rate of
growth, unfortunately on the various fields of social and economic freedoms and
justice we have slipped badly. It was for these reasons of intolerance and
20

manipulation by our British masters that we became two Nations. But let us not
repeat the same mistakes. First we targeted a particular section of the people within the
Hindu system the caste system. I have the great privilege and honour to command navy
where we did not distinguish – caste, creed, community, religion. We continue to
attach religion or caste for votes with electoral politics as indeed we have been doing
and actually honed it to such a fine art that it has become a very difficult to choose
whom to vote for. I would strongly recommend that. Although it is none of my
business to, except as a citizen to say, it is time that we did a audit of ourselves in our
conduct. Are we really doing right kind of things for that poor man or woman on the
street. Are we genuinely guided by Gandhi’s words. Is this action is going to help
one to wipe out the tear drops from his or her eyes. I don’t think so. I think we
need to go back to move forward and I would suggest that caste communal hatred,
targeting various communities on just religion, whether it is Sikhs, whether it is Muslims,
whether it is Christians, tomorrow it may be the Parsis and the only community
responsible for this, it is Hindus and I am a Hindu, only in name but I can say this
much that we have become very intolerent, very uncaring of human beings and just
imagine the poor tribals, the very poor Adivasis who have tremendous problems as it
is, and what we are going to do. Set up one set of tribes to fight against another set
of tribes. Reminds me of British Action after 1857 mutiny. They had setup Gurkhas
against the Sikhs, the Muslims against the Punjabis and the Punjabis against the Biharis
and that is how our regiments came into being. General Khanduri is here the Chief
Minister of Himachal. All I am trying to say, I am sorry – Uttaranchal, thank you sir, I
think without the cross roads if we don’t do something seriously about it, could be,
I think, and this requires a consensus of all political parties, its not just A, B or C, we
can not blame each one for the wrongs of the other. We are all to blame and my serious
request is please let us put our heads together, see what we can do, because a time
will come when we may find our country back to what it used to be with many little
kingdoms and fieldoms, with nobody, no chiefs and no Indians to rule. Thank you
very much, Sir.
Home Minister : May I request Mr. Yechuri to make his statement.
Shri Sitaram Yechuri
Thank you sir, thank you. Hon’ble Prime Minister, Chairperson of the UPA,
other distinguished members of the dais and the audience.
On behalf of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), I would like to say that this
meeting of the NIC is being convened at the very critical moment in the life of our
country. The orgy of violence against the minority Christian community has continued
for weeks in Orissa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and many other parts of the country.
Reports of communal clashes are pouring in from various other parts
21

of the country as well. At the same time, the series of terrorist attacks in Delhi as well as
various state capitals poses a severe challenge to our country’s unity and integrity.
Before this NIC meeting, such attacks against the minorities have continued for several
weeks. Infact, the meeting should have been convened much earlier. The Union
Government has a responsibility towards maintaining the unity and integrity of the country,
which has not been discharged in the manner warranted by the deteriorating
situation. The Union Government’s responsibility, particularly so on the issue of protecting
the right to life and security of the tribals and dalits in our country. The Union
Government has failed to intervene in the situation, even after six weeks of continuous
attacks against the Christian minority in Orissa. However, the Agenda circulated for
this meeting is a vast canvas covering all aspects of potential conflict intentions, adversely
affecting National Integration. In this short meeting, it is virtually impossible to
discuss all these issues, however important and relevant they may be. On many of these
issues like the question of social justice and the struggles against the connected caste
based social operations, regional economic imbalances providing grist of the mill of
regional chauvanism adequate facilities for improving the welfare of religious minorities
as enunciated by the Sachar committee report etc. The CPI (Marxist) had a
definite point of view and this has been articulated earlier in the NIC and publically in the
past. I therefore wish to confine today some suggestions to the two issues of these
communal clashes and attacks and the terrorist responses and activities and attacks that
we have witnessing of day. As this reports on attacks on Christian Minority come,
they also come on the grouesome reports of the communal violence in Assam. More
than 50 lives have been lost, a lakh of people have been forced to flee their homes.
These clashes between ethenic Bodo tribals, the local people and the Muslims is a very
grave development, which is taking place in a State, which has repeatedly seen such
disturbances in the past, from which our Hon’ble Prime Minister is elected to the
Parliament and which we think is a very serious threat to the unity of our social fabric.
But more horrific sir, has been the latest report of a six member muslim family being
burnt alive in the Biashaw town in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh, this happened
yesterday. So far 10 lives have been consumed in the communal violence there. In the
Dhule District of Maharashtra, communal violence has taken a toll of many innocent
lives. This is the third case of communal violence in the state of Maharashtra within a
week. Rajasthan continues to be tense, with some reports coming from Udaipur. The
various reports of communal polarization are coming from other part of the country.
The situration in J & K, where communal polarization was sharply aroused,
continues to remain source of concern for the unity, integrity of our country. In
this connection, Sir, the National Commission on Minorities has come out with its
observations on both – Orissa and Karnataka, and in those reports on the attacks
on the Christian Minorities, it has noted that the State Governments have not taken
adequate precautions and since Hon’ble Chief Ministers are here, I am sure, they
will definitely respond to this aspect, but here is not an issue of pointing fingers
22

at anybody. The issue is there have been lapses, they need to be corrected in the
country’s interest. So please take it in that spirit, it is not a question of pointing fingures
and accusing somebody. But if that is a case, the National Commission on Minorities
says that the State Governments have been soft on Bajrang Dal. If that is the case, then
surely it needs to be corrected and if such is the case again then certain, I mean, nondiscriminatory
yardsticks are not being applied, then that needs to be corrected
immediately. Because how you are tackling such activities from various organizations
of different religious denominations. So while this is happening on one hand, the terrorist
attacks on the other. These are very serious threat to our internal security and unity,
integrity of our country. I think all measures, this is needless to add, every one here
will support all measures that are required to beef up internal security, strengthening
the intelligence aparatus, modernizing your police and security forces. Various reports
have been made in the past towards this end but we will all support that these need to
be strengthened as well as measures must be taken to ensure that home grown terrorists
do not use lines beyond our borders for their activities and facilities and these also
need to be curbed. But at the same time as has been widely believed and perceived that
the terrorist response, one of the contributors for this terrorist response, all of us know
the various factors, one of the contributors has also been the perceived or the real
injustice felt by various religious minority groups. Now if this perception is there, this
needs to be immediately erased because sharpening of communal polarization feeds
unfortunately an impermissible terroristic response. And it is this duality, so to speak
one feeding the other that needs to be combated and this has to be done on the basis of
impeccable imparliality by the organs of the State. We all keep on stating but it is a fact
that terrorism knows no religion, it is simply anti-national. And I would like to draw
the attention of the NIC to the fact Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra is here, when
the bomb attack took place in Malegaon, when some Muslims were coming out of the
Ramzan fast, the DGP (Law and Order) was asked whether there is any reference or any
suspicion, that this could be a Hindu hardliner response. He says yes, that is
something that we can not rule out. Now if that is a case, I would like to draw the
attention of the National Integration Council to the fact, that police investigation in past
few years have noted the involvement of Bajrang Dal in various bomb blasts across the
country - 2003 in Parbani, Jalna and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra, 2005 in Mau in
Uttar Pradesh, 2006 in Nanded, 2008 in the RSS office at the Tenkasi in Thirunelveli,
2008 in Kanpur. Now all these things point out to the fact that if this is correct and
which our belief is because this is on basis of the police investigation, then the action
against the Bajrang Dal, under the Unlawful Activities Act, must also be initiated.
And as I stated earlier the efforts to combat terrorism and internal security must be
strengthened, and organizations and individuals, irrespective of their religious denominations,
must be dealt with the some yardstick. No persecution of any community,
as widely perceived by the Muslim Minority, in the name of combating
terrorism, should be permitted. Sir, I wish to reiterate CPM’s understanding that
23

the unity and integrity of the vast plurality and rich diversity of India can be maintained
only by strengthening the bonds of commonality that runs through the diversity. Any
effort at imposing a uniformity, which the Hon’ble Prime Minister also spoke of, any
effort to impose uniformity-religious, linguistic or cultural, upon this diversity, is a
surest recepie to promote disintegration. It is the task of all the political parties, social
groups, civil society, who cherish the republican foundation of our secular, democratic,
modern India to strengthen the collective social consciousness. So while we all call
upon the Government do that, I think all the members of NIC and all the parties
represented here should also take upon themselves their task of how to strengthen this
collective social consciousness and that means that we celebrate and do not bemoan
the diversity of India. Finally Sir, I would like you to apprise us when you will speak,
whether in connection with Orissa, the Central Government has invoked the article 355.
If you have invoked the article 355, what has been the response. If you have not
invoked may we know why you have not invoked because we think the Central
Government is also responsible mainly for the country’s unity and integrity and we
wish you to discharge responsibilities properly. So therefore I conclude only by
offering our unstinted support to this all important task of combating both communalism
and terrorism, which we feel are the main dangers that promote the forces of disintegration
in India.
Thank You
Home Minister : May I request Shri Amar Singh to make his statement please.
Shri Amar Singh
vknj.kh; iz/kkuea=h th] lksfu;k th] eqyk;e flag th] eap ij cSBs reke usrkx.k vkSj bl
lHkk es a mifLFkr lHkh eq[;ea=hx.k vkSj fe= cU/kqA
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eksnh th Hkh ;gka cSBs gSaA eSa ;kn fnykuk pkgrk gwa fd tc xqtjkr esa naxs ‘kq: gq, Fks rks
dkWejsM ;spqjh vkSj eSa] naxs ds nwljs fnu gh tc iagqps Fks vkSj iagqp djds eksnh th ls tc ckr
dh Fkh rc mUgksaus dgk fd xqtjkr vkidh llqjky gS] ysfdu vkidh lqj{kk dh eq>s cgqr
fpark gS] D;ksafd vkidh rq”Vhdj.k dh jktuhfr ls nwjn”kZu vkSj lekpkj i=ksa ds ek/;e ls
lcdks irk gSA dy j{kk ea=h dh gSafl;r ls tktZ QukZaMht vk, Fks] mudh Hkh lqj{kk ugha
gks ikbZ] rks vkidh lqj{kk dk Hkh [krjk gSA vkSj ;g ckr eksnh th us esjs vkSj lhrkjke
;spqjh th dh mifLFkfr es a dgh FkhA loky ;g ugha gS fd eS a lqjf{kr gw a ;k ugha] loky ;g Hkh ugha
gS] eSa T;knk le; ugha ysuk pkgrk] fd cVkyk dk.M ;k ftl ckjs esa jktukFk flag th us dgk
fd ge iqfyl QkslZ dks fMeksjykbZt dj jgs gSa ;k ge vkradokn dks c

jke jkT; dh] jke dh ge yksx cgqr ckr djrs gS aA jktukFk HkkbZ] vkidk ny cgqr ckr djrk
gSA jke dks e;kZnk iq:”kksRre dgk x;k gSA jke us ,d /kksch ds dgus ls viuh xHkZorh iRuh dks
fudky fn;k A ch0ch0lh0] lh0,u0,u0] fganw] tkxj.k reke lekpkj i=ks a es a lp ;k >wB] lekpkj
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ujheu th] bu yksxks a us cVkyk dk.M ds ckjs es a ,d fookn [kM+k fd;kA oks dRy Hkh djrs gS a ]rks
ppkZ ugha gksrk] ge vkg Hkh Hkjrs gS a rks gks tkrs gS a cnukeA lkjs] ,d nks ehfM;k ugha] ch0ch0lh0
us ] bf.M;u ,Dliz sl us] lh0,u0,u0] vkbZ0ch0,u0 us lcus fy[kk] eS a ;g ugha dgrk fd
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fd ;s yksx bles a ‘kkfey gks vkSj mudks ekjk x;k gSA xz sVj dSyk”k tgka ij ce foLQksV gqvk ogka
ij gekjh iRuh vkSj nks NksVs cPps jkst tkrs gS aA ml fnu ftl fnu ce foLQksV gqvk mudh Hkh
e`R;q gks ldrh FkhA ysfdu iz”u ;g gS fd iqfyl QkslZ dh fMeksjykbZts”ku dh ges a fpark gS vkSj
gksuh pkfg,] ysfdu eS a vkidks crkuk pkgrk gw a fd dy gh eS a r:.k xksxksbZ th ls feyk FkkA dy
fnu Hkj eS a vle es a FkkA nks yk[k yksx dSEi es a] 55 Lo;a eq[;ea=h xksxksbZ th us dgk fd ekjs x;s
gS aA ysfdu esjh lwpuk fd 100 ls T;knk yksx ekjs x;s gS a] ftles a cPps Hkh gS a vkSj ekjs tkus okys
yksxks a es a eqLyeku T;knk gS a] ysfdu cksMks HkkbZ Hkh gS aA cksMks dk ,d xq zi dkaxs zl ds leFkZu es a gS] ,d
xq zi blds fojks/k es a gSA nksuks a xz qi dg jgs gS a bles a ge ‘kkfey ugha gSA vf/kdkfjd :Ik lsA rks
D;k vkleku ls Viddj fdlh us ;g naxs fd, gS aA vkt egkjk”V ds /kwfy;k es a] fnYyh ds tkfe;k
uxj es a vkSj vktex

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vkSj ftl rjg ls muds vUnj Mj vkSj [kkSQ gS] mldk fujkdj.k dj lds a] rks lEHkor% ,d eafty
ij ge igq ap ik,axsA eS a rks flQZ bruk gh dguk pkgw axkA fleh ds leFkZu dks ysdj gekjs Åij
cgqr geyk gqvk] vkWy ikVhZ ehfVax gqbZ] mles a ykyw th dk uke ysdj] jke foykl th dk ysdj]
vkSj eqyk;e flag th dk ysdj ds] x‘gea=h th dh mifLFkfr es a v:.k tsVyh ds uke ij geyk
fd;kA eS aus bl] ;gka eqyk;e flag th cSBs gS a] eqyk;e flag th us flQZ bruk dgk fd muds
eq[;eaf=Ro ds dky ds nkSjku fleh ds fo:) mUgs a dksbZ Bksl lcwr ugha feyk gSA vxj vkidks vc
fey jgk gS Bksl lcwr] rks vki dkjZokbZ dhft,A fdlus euk fd;k gSA ysfdu ctjax ny ds yksx
ftudh iz”kalk vki dj jgs gS a] jktukFk HkkbZ jk”Vªoknh ds :Ik es a] vHkh rhu fnu igys gekjs ?kj ij
geyk fd,A ;s mudk jk”Vªokn gS\ ,d blkbZ yMdh dks] uaxk dj mM+hlk es a jkLrs ij ys tk;k
tk jgk gS] uohu iVuk;d th dk ,d c;ku vk;k fd ekbZ cksUl vkj lsdqyj] vki chtw iVuk;d
th dh larku gS a] chtw iVuk;d th dk ge lc vknj djrs gS aA lektoknh ijaijk ds yksx mUgs a
viuk usrk ekurs gS aA vkt Hkh mUgs a viuk usrk ekurs gS aA mu chtw iVuk;d dh ijEijk vkSj jok;r
ds vki vkneh gS aA vkids ;ksj cwUl vkj lsdqyj] dksbZ MkmV ugha dj jgk gS] ysfdu vki viuh
lsdqyj gM~Mh dks n/khfp dh gM~Mh dh rjg cuk djds ;s jksdrs D;ks a ughaA ,d blkbZ yM+dh dks
uaxk upk;k tkrk gS vkSj dgk tkrk gS fd Hkkjr ekrk dh t;A ;s dkSu lh Hkkjr ekrk dh t;dkj
gks jgh gS] eS a tkuuk pkgrk gw aA pkgs vki ns[k ys aA vHkh ;spqjh lkgc dg jgs Fks fd dukZVd]
fnYyh] xqtjkr] rfeyukMq] e/; izns”k] vkaU/kz izns”k es a ;gka cSBs gS a eq[;ea=h th dy ,d ?kVuk gks
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dh xyrh ugha gS] oks jk”Vªoknh gS] fleh dh xyrh gSA ge ns”k dks ctjax ny vkSj fleh ds vk/
kkj ij ugha] vkradokn vkSj xSj&vkradokn ds vk/kkj ij ge bldks ckaVs] rks mfpr gksxkA
vkradokfn;ks a dks ltk ns a] ;s pkgs fganw gks a ;k eqlyeku gks ;k fl[k gks ;k blkbZ gks] ysfdu
fgUnqLrku ds 20 djksM+ eqlyekuks a dks ge vyx&Fkyx dj ns axs rks vki tku yhft,] blds cgqr
xEHkhj nq”ifj.kke gks axsA vkSj tc vkidh Hkh lRrk vkrh gS] ,u0Mh0,0 dh] rks lkjs fookfnr eqn~ns
dks vki ‘kklu djus ds fy, Hkwy tkrs gS aA vki jke efUnj Hkwy tkrs gS a] mldks cSd cuZj ij j[k
nsrs gS aA vki fQj dkWeu flfoy dksM dh ckr djuk Hkh Hkwy tkrs gS a D;ks afd fganqLrku dh lRrk
dks vki bu fookfnr eqn~nks a dks ysdj ugha dj ldrsA ?k.Vh ct xbZ gS] blfy, eS a T;knk le; ugha
ysuk pkgrkA ysfdu eS a pkgrk gw a fd ;w0ih0,0 ls] eqyk;e flag th ls] Mk0 lkgc vki ls] ———
-------------------------------- vkSj tqfMf”k;y izksc dh ckr geus blfy, ugha mBkbZ gS fd ges ‘kqHkk gS] ges a
‘kd gS ml iqfyl baLisDVj dh ‘kgknr ij ;k ml bUdkmaVj ij] blfy, fd nw/k dk nw/k vkSj ikuh
dk ikuh gks tk, vkSj ,d ekbukWfjVh dE;wfuVh ds vUnj tks vlqj{kk dh Hkkouk gS og vlqj{kk dh
Hkkouk nwj gksA vktexsA vkSj varqys lkgc vkidks ;kn gksxkA jk”Vªokn es a lfEefyr unok
ds Åij tc iqfyl dh jsM gqbZ Fkh vkSj tc vkidks vkids gh gkse fefuLVj ugha feys Fks rks
26

vkius lqcg eq>s cqyk;k FkkA eS a vkids ?kj x;k Fkk vkSj unok dh ml jsM dks eqyk;e flag dh
enn ls] mldks jksdus dke geus fd;k FkkA vkfjQ fe;ka us vkidks bUryk dh FkhA nks ?k.Vs rd
dkaxz sl dk lnL; gksus ds ukrs] vkt vki ea=h gks x;s gS] vkidks dkaxs zl ds ea=h ugha fey ik;s FksA
ml le; vkius eq>s ;kn fd;k FkkA rks unok tSls jk”Vªoknh laLFkk ds Åij Hkh mlds Åij Hkh
‘kqHkk fd;k x;k FkkA tc unok ds jk”Vªokn ij geyk gks tk,xk] ml ij iz”uokpd fpUg yxsxk]
varqys lkgc vki xokg gS a vkSj eS a vkidks cgqr eqckjdckn nsrk gw a fd vkius Hkkjr ljdkj ds ea=h
dh gSfl;r ls dgk Fkk fd eqlyekuks a ds vanj tks vlqj{kk dh Hkkouk gS] vkius vyhxs]
tkus a] D;ks a fd vxj ;s vxj vlqjf{kr eglwl fd;s] ;s vxj vyx Fkyx gq,] rks ns”k VwV tk,xk
vkSj ns”k dh bl VwV dk cpko ge ugha dj ik,axsA
cgqr cgqr ‘kqfØ;kA
Shri Amrik Singh
I wanted to say something in continuation of what Mr. Asghar Ali Engineer has
just said. The fact of the matter is that the unprofessional conduct of the police is
making people unhappy everywhere. This crisis has been building up for more than half
a century. Now we have reached a stage where the conduct of the police in certain cases
has become downright unprofessional. What do we do?
Ultimately it boils down to a political issue and I am not very qualified to say
much about it. But I have this feeling that, even amongst the politicians now, there is a
feeling of having gone too far. Whether I am right or wrong, I cannot say. But I get this
feeling that most people are defending something which is indefensible. This being so,
what do we do further?
The Ministry of Home Affairs had appointed a special committee and some kind
of a draft act was also prepared by Soli Sorabji. In one or two states, some positive
steps have also taken but the whole thing is in area of semidarkness. My own feeling
is that this issue should be brought in to the open and worked upon further. How
precisely we will do it I cannot say. But it is an issue which needs to be put to be put
in the open.
Secondly, while I don’t want to start a controversy, I know this much
that some of the recommendations made by the Constitutional Review Committee
which submitted its report some years ago (and Mr. Sorabjee was of one of its
active members) are rather useful. I don’t want to go into the question of why
27

that report is not being taken forward. But there is one thing here which has a political
implication. I don’t know whether the political parties will agree with it or not but it is an
issue worth debating. What this committee said was that nobody should get
elected, unless he or she got 51 percent plus of the votes cast.
This proposal has important political implications. It has social implications
also. It is not so simple to implement it because most political parties think that they
will stand to lose but the fact of the matter is that if you want to do something about the
weakening of communalism, which is a very important thing, something of this kind is
necessary. My own feeling is that independent of what the Venkatramaiah Committee
said, it recommended so many other things this issue can be detached or given life
of its own and discussed on its own.
And thirdly Sir, I have a suggestion to make. According to the law in force, if
one is found in possession of illegal arms, there is some punishment. In my
opinion, this particular provision of the law needs to be defined further and stiffened
very much. If somebody is found in possession of anything illegal (anything in the
nature of an explosive for instance), there should be a minimum punishment of several
years and that punishment should be given as soon as possible.
The situation in Pakistan is different but the situation in India is not the same;
it is different. There are certain states, where, of course, illegal arms are found
perhaps more easily then elsewhere. This is not true of all states. In any case it is
something that needs to be acted against, and if the existing provision can be
amended, my own feeling is, it would have some kind of a positive and beneficial
effect.
Thank you Sir.
Home Minister : May I request Mr Tarun Gogoiji to make his statement please.
Shri Tarun Kumar Gogoi
Respected Prime Minister, Soniaji and respected Members of National Integration
Council,
I come from a State which is affected more with terrorism mainly. In fact the
first such movement started in the Assam, that time Nagaland was a part of Assam
also. Since very beginning then, the Mizoram also, then another part of Tripura,
then in my State Assam also. As you know, infect, there is largest number of
terrorist group in my State. No way in any other States has as a number of about
12 terrorist groups are there also. Whether ULFA is there, even BODO is
28

there, two groups also, in Bengali Tiger Group, Adiwasi Tiger Groups and among the
Tribal GPDS, DHDS, ALNA. So all sorts of terrorist movements are there. The reason
for terrorist movement definitely is feeling of deprivation, backwardness, no doubt
about it. That have this is number one and that is what reason which we are given top
most priority for economic development. Today because of the various measures taken,
the insurgency has been contained to a great extent today. Infact almost all the groups
have come to a ceasefire, except one, ULFA also. That is no doubt about it. Infact one
group of BLT, the BODO group, we came to a agreement also. That also today part
of Ministry also and thus no doubt about the all genesis of the problems started when,
when the foreigners agitation was started by the AASU. That time all along, earlier we
have been living both Muslims and Hindus or Buddhists and Christians very-very peacefully.
Assam is a place for this …………………………… there is a two great saints
one is Muslim, one is Hindu, what both are preaching is a communal harmony. You did
not find any dis- harmony, any misunderstanding. Misunderstanding started when they
started a foreigners issue, they give the impression, the all the Muslims are foreigners,
that was the reason for which it created a lot of problems. No doubt about it. Before
that there was no suspicion or misunderstanding. Then Rajivji, of course, realized about
importence. He came to an agreement, that is in 1985. It was decided that upto 1971
March, those, who came to Assam all will be regularised also and those who came after
1971, all will be rejected, all will be deported. We are very very much committed to it.
But still today the all sorts of propaganda has been going on. Just now I listened to
respected Rajnath Singh. He has been calling an external aggression, where is external
aggression. How many foreigners are there. I can challenge you with everybody, what
are the census figure. Census figure of 2001. There was a growth of Assam is 3%
list. How could you tell that the large scale infiltrations, yes infiltrations are there. But
to give them impression, it is threatening identity of the local people. It is a more
and more regretted. Even Advaniji recently also, repeatedly and of course I don’t,
fact is when they were also in power they did not take any step also, to check their infiltration
from Bangladesh. It is our government which took there all the steps to check
the infiltration. Home Minister himself visited all the state, nobody bothered to take
step also and today we are committed to. Even for the final solution also. We increased
the border outpost. How can you stop the infiltration? If you know, not take effective
measures, who took the effective measures. It is we, who took the effective
measures but inspite of that all allegation has been going on, then we have decided to
have a national register of citizens also. For final solution also. So that nobody can go
on accusing us, and all long they have been accusing us, in order to appease Muslim
also, these are not fact, how many seats I have won in 2001, thirteen we got. Another
it got opposition also. Today large number of opposition voted against us. Not
the question of a Hindu, Muslim. Question is a commitment. We are committed
to protect the citizens of India, who ever he may be. Whether he is a Bengali,
whether he is a Muslim, or anybody, that is our commitment. We don’t
29

other about our vote share. Even today. All along has been is a fight against the
BODOs and the illegal infilteration. Where? I can challenge that areas there is no
infilteration, may be few are there but question has been gone, infilteration has been
going on. It is not a fight against the illegal migrants, they have been together, they have
been living together for hundreds of years. They are not recruit. You will not find
anybody who is killed or houses have been burned or anybody in the camps are the
foreigners. But still all these propaganda has been going on. So that create a
misunderstanding, that create a hatered also. This is the type of propaganda that
should be stopped. I don’t blame Rajnath Singh, may be they have gone into, gone to
the facts and figures. Some propaganda has been going on in Assam. I can sit
together. I can discuss with everybody and I can prove myself also. I have no hesitation
also. Thus definitely we are against infilteration, we don’t allow any infilterator to stay
also, thus no doubt about it. But to create such a misunderstanding, hatred is one of the
reason. Otherwise all along we have been living peacefully. All along. Only in 1983,
there was a clashes because of these things after that yes, once and recently only. In
2001, there has been no clashes between one group and another muslims also and that
also confined to two districts of the 27 districts. There is a large number of Muslim
population in Assam, 31%, still we have been living peacefully. During the time Id was
there, Pooja was there, everything passed very peacefully, everybody joined together
also, in one part yes Bodo part that feeling is there. That feeling is not only against
Muslims. Earlier there was a clashes against adivasi also, because Bodos feel that their
lands have been grabbed by others. All the Bodos are not against the Muslim all along.
They felt out also. That this tribal bill protection was not even a fact also. It is not
protected properly but subsequently we have decided that those areas, yes to see the
interest of tribals, we have decided by the accord also that those who have been enjoying
the rights, they will continue to enjoy it. Subsequently of course but one group of
BODO, they did not support us also. Though we are in ceasefire also. But I must tell
within 72 hrs. we will be able to bring the situation under full control. For last 6 days,
no incident has taken place. Initially, yes, difficulty was there. So I had to rush back the
forces, like the forces from the centre also. But in 72 hours. situation was brought.
It has not spread to anything, with Christian people having get best of relations, with
Buddhist we have best of relations, muslim also. Even already I ordered for the CBI
enquiry also. Even my S.P. was also I suspended. DC was also transferred. I did not
hesitate to take action where there is derelication of duty. So I appeal to all those
people, Mr. Rajnath Singh, please don’t make exaggerations, like it is an external
aggression. Where is any external aggression, then say internal aggression. We will not
allow anything to. For external Government of India is prepared to resist the external
aggression and internal aggression, our government is committed. We will provide
protection to every religion, everyone, will do a justice.
Thank you very much.
30

Home Minister : I may request Mr N. Ram to make his statement please.
Shri N. Ram
Thank you very much, I think the report has many things the agenda has many items and
I would just like to focus on what we looked at recently, the media or sections of media,
namely the very serious situation that has arisen in Kandhamal district in Orissa. It took
quite a few weeks before the truth about this, anything like the truth about this, surfaced
and this despite letters written by various representatives of the Christian Community in
Orissa, notably Sister Nirmala, Superior General of the Missioneries of Charity and
Mother Teresa successor wrote letters to the Chief Minister of Orissa as well as to the
Prime Minister, specifying what had happened and by that I mean the particular incident
of the rape of the Nun in a place that was pretty close to the police outpost and the
brutalization of a Catholic priest. This was common knowledge, apparently among
Christians in Orissa. But it was covered up by the State Government and by fear I think
fear explain the absence of information on it, it took a long time. Anyway when it come
out, I think the response still most unsatisfactory. I just read the speech of Chief
Minister of Orissa, who prides himself on his modernity and secularism, rightly so from
his background but the explanation towards end on what happened fails to convince
anybody. Infact, it is unserious and I did not want to mention anything so specific as
this but we cannot get away with this kind of explanation on pages 15 & 16 of his
speech basically attributes what happened to conflict of interest in the matter of land
rights, employment opportunities and religion. Whereas everybody knows, the
organizations involved, the criminals involved, they have not been particularly coy
about who they are and this I think is a major failure, First on the part of the State
Government but also I think the Central Government must bear responsibility because
what was its, what was the Intelligence Agencies doing, what was official establishment
doing, why did they take more than a month to do the right thing and I think there has
been some improvement in the situation, but the situation is far from being, the crisis is
far from being resolved. A very large number of people, Christians largely belonging to
Dalit sections, have been internally displaced, infact the only improper conversion that
seems to be taken place there, is the conversion of ordinary people into refugees ,
internal refugees in Kandhamal district. The Archbishops have spoken out and I think it
is a matter of shame that even today justice has not been done although the situation may
have improved marginally. I appeal to the Chief Minister of Orissa to request the
Central Bureau of Investigation because nobody has faith in your State police after
what happened, they have refused to register the case, the doctors who conducted
the Medical Examination said that the report was ready by October 1 st but they just
failed to pick it up. So nobody has faith in this independence and objectivity of the
police and even if they are honest, for argument’s sake, for your own credibility of
your police, please consider, please handover the investigation and prosecution of
31

the case to the CBI. It is a matter, it is a decision for State Government to make unless
of course somebody goes to court, to High Court and the court orders the transfer, but
I think the Government has to do it. Secondly the Central Government advisories have
been helpful in Karnataka to some extent, but in Orissa to a much lesser extent and very
very late. You really have failed to respond to the gravity of the situation, and in particular
the Home Ministry. This is point that I think we must make. The second thing is the
this business of bogie of conversions. We have to have a proper debate on it. This is
not the occasion but the whole concept of secularism has been distorted by this
campaign against conversions and even in the guidelines issued by the Home Ministry,
you compromise on it on page 2, there is a reference to history of religious conversions/
re-conversions. That is the term the people compaigning against conversions use,
reconversion is anyone who is not a Hindu, who converts to Hinduism, is re-converted,
regardless of the what religion their family espoused and to employ this language, may
look like a small point. I think is a compromise and which is not very helpful at all. And
finally I want to make a point about the Media. I think the Media, most of my colleagues,
most sections of the Media as far as I am aware, have come out in defence of communal
amity and secularism. There are differences on what to do, honest differences, but I
think the Media have really in this case, in Orissa as it did in Gujarat, taken a very active
stand more than most agencies, most insititutions in our society and system, and I think
again looking at the guidelines, the whole approach is how to be careful, how to monitor
the media, how to brief the Media, the Governments need to be briefed by the Media.
The Governments need to learn from the Media also, because very often you don’t
know what is happening and I think a bolder approach must be taken to this because we
see ourselves as having a truth telling role, a whistle blowing role, where necessary. I
also agree that we have to be very restrained, social responsibility is important, but it is
not all about containing negative publicity in the Media. It is also about bringing out the
truth in the media and the Government encouraging this, and all political players must
encourage this. And I think this again needs to be rectified in the guidelines. I am also
bothered by the final statement by the Home Secretary in the Guidelines that he says this
is illustrative, rather than it is illustrative, anybody can add things to it and completely
distort, can turn upside down what you want to say. So guidelines are guidelines. They
are, it is like a code, they have no, may be they can’t be enforced easily or directly but
guidelines have to be specific and lay down what to do and what not to do. Do not
say this is an illustrative list in, which case, all kinds of things would be added to the
guidelines and these are my observations.
Thank you.
32

Home Minister : May I request Mrs. Sushma Swaraj to make her statement
please.
Smt. Sushma Swaraj
/kU;okn x‘gea=h th] x‘gea=h th lcls igys rks eS a vkidk /;ku ,d ,slh cqfu;knh Hkwy dh
rjQ fnykuk pkgrh gw a ftldk lek/kku vko”;d gSA dy ges a ,ts aMk ds lkFk ,d vkeaf=r
O;fDr;ks a dh lwph Hkh Hksth xbZ Fkh] vki mles a ns[ks axs] mles a 146 lnL;ks a ds uke gS a] ftUgs a fofHkUu
Jsf.k;ks a es a ckaVk x;k gSA dsUnzh; ea=h gS a] lHkh izns”kks a ds eq[;ea=h gS] vk;ksxks a ds v/;{k gS a] ehfM;k]
O;kikj] Jfed] efgykvks a ds izfrfuf/k gS aA ysfdu bles a dksbZ Hkh Js.kh laln ds nksuks a lnuks a ds izfri{k
ds usrkvks a dh ugha gS] vkSj blfy, eS a vkils dguk pkgw axh fd vkMokuh th dk uke Hkh fo[;kr
O;fDr;ks a dh lwph es a 134os a uEcj ij fy[kk gS vkSj tloar flag th dk uke rks iwjh rjg unkjn
gSA usrk izfri{k ,d laLFkk gksrs gS a] x‘gea=h th O;fDr ugha gksrsA vkt bu inks a ij vkMokuh th
vkSj tloar flag th cSBs gS a dy dskbZ vkSj cSBk gksxkA ysfdu yksdra= es a usrk izfri{k dk in iz/
kkuea=h ds ckn gksrk gSA iz/kkuea=h dks turk ;fn lRrk /kkjd ds :Ik es a pqurh gS rks usrk izfri{k
dks lRrk ds igjsnkj] mlds izgjh ds :Ik es a pqurh gSA fo[;kr O;fDr;ks a es a rks fdlh dks pquuk ;k
u pquuk ljdkj dh ilan] ukilan ij fuHkZj djsxk] ysfdu vxj ge Js.khc) dj ns a bldks fd nksuks a
lnuks a ds usrk izfri{kks a dks ge gj gkyr es a bl ifj”kn es s a j[ks axs D;ks afd bruh egRoiw.kZ cSBd] brus
egRoiw.kZ fo”k;ks a ij gks] vkSj izfri{k ds usrk mles a u gks a] ;s fdlh rjg ls Hkh mfpr ugha gSA eq>s
yxrk gS eS aus ckr fjdkMZ ij yk nh gS vkids lkeus] vki bldk lek/kku vo”; djs axsA
nwljh ckr eq>s ,ts aMk ds ckjs es a dguh gSA vHkh jktukFk th us vkradokn dk ftØ
fd;k FkkA x‘gea=h th bl ifj”kn dh cSBd jkst jkst rks gksrh ugha gSA o”kZ es a ,d ckj Hkh ugha
gksrh gSA tc dksbZ izlax curk gS rks ge bldh cSBd djrs gSA blfy, cgqr LokHkkfod gS fd tks
fo”k; izklafxd gS a oks bles a ‘kkfey gksus pkfg, vkSj vkt ftl le; ;g cSBd gks jgh gS mles a lcls
T;knk izeq[k nks izlax gS a & lkEiznkf;d fgalk vkSj vkradoknA geus lkEiznkf;d fgalk dks rks bles a
tksM+k ysfdu geus vkradokn dks bles a ugha tksM+k vkSj ,slk ugha gS fd dsoy ugha tksM+k] gekjs pkj
eq[;eaf=;ks a us ckdk;nk i= fy[kdj iz/kkuea=h th dk /;ku bl vksj vkd‘“V fd;k vkSj ml ij
vey djrs gq, dy gesa ,d fjokbTM ,tsaMk feyk ysfdu mlesa ‘kCn vk;k extremism,
terrorism ughaA extremism vkSj terrorism dks ge leku /kjkry ij [kM+s djds ugha ns[k
ldrs] extremism dh izsj.kk cgqr ckj vkfFkZd vlekurk Hkh gksrh gS] {ks=h; vlekurk Hkh
gksrh gSA ysfdu terrorism vkradokn dh izsj.kk ,dek= vyxkookn gksrh gS] ns”k dks rksM+uk
gksrh gSA ge terrorism ‘kCn dk iz;ksx djrs gq, ladksp D;ksa dj jgs gSa] ;s eq>s le> esa ugha
vkrkA tgka rd lkEiznkf;d fgalk dk loky gS] gekjs ikVhZ v/;{k us Hkh dgk vkSj eSa Hkh dj
jgh gwa fd ge yksx lkEiznkf;d fgalk dk iqjtksj [kaMu djrs gSa] iqjtksj fuank djrs gSa vkSj
mldks jksdus esa vius iwjs leFkZu vkSj lg;ksx dk vk”oklu nsrs gSaA vkt ls pkj fnu igys
rhu vkpZ fc’kIl vkM+okuh th ls feyus vk, FksA eSa Lo;a ml cSBd esa ekStwn Fkh vkSj muesa
ls ,d vkpZ fc’ki bl ifj”kn ds lEekfur lnL; Hkh gSA vxj oks vk, gksaxs rks viuh ckr
33

dgs axsA nks ?k.Vs dh gekjh cSBd gqbZ vkSj mlds ckn ,d la;qDr oDrO; tkjh gqvk] ftles a violence
and vandalism dsoy fgalk ugha] fgalk vkSj mn~na aMrk nksuks a dk ge yksxks a us iqjtksj fuank dh vkSj
tks vHkh ,u0 jke dg jgs Fks] uu ds lkFk gq, cykRdkj dks rks geus ekuork ds izfr vijk/k crk;k]
crime against humanity A ysfdu mlh ppkZ es a ,d yEch ppkZ] 2006 es a Vatican es interfaith
dialogue ij ,d izLrko ikfjr gqvk Fkk] oks gekjh xkbMykbu gks ldrh gS] /kekZUrj.k ij gekjh
ckbcy gks ldrh gS vkSj blfy, gekjk ;g dguk gS fd tgka lkQ fy[kk gS fd vu,sfFkdy]
QkslZQqy vkSj fradulent meansa ls duotZu ugha gksuk pkfg,A eq>s yxrk gS fd tks izLrko lu~
2006 es a osfVdu es a ikfjr gqvk Fkk mlds vkyksd es a ge /kekZ arj.k ij ,d cgqr lkspk le>k vPNk
dkuwu ns”k es a cuk ldrs gS a] a ysfdu tgka rd vkradokn dk loky gS] cgqr {kek ls ;s eS a dguk
pkgw axh fd vkradokn ds lanHkZ es a ljdkj ds varfoZjks/k gj jkst mtkxj gksrs gS aA vki x‘g ea=h gS a]
vkidk viuk ea=ky; lqizhe dksVZ es a fleh ij izfrca/k tkjh j[kus ds fy, ;kfpdk nk;j djrk gS
vkSj vki gh dh ljdkj es a cSBs gq, nks dSfcusV ds ea=h fleh ij ls izfrcU/k gVus ds ckn lkoZtfud
:Ik ls [kq”kh dk btgkj djrs gS aA vkids vius leFkZd vkSj ?kVd ny cVkyk gkml es a tqfMf”k+;y
buDok;jh dh eakx djrs gS a vkSj vkids vius ,u0,l0,0] lk/kkj.k vQlj ugha National Security
Advisor ml tqfMf’k;y buDok;jh dh ekax dks ;g dgdj [kkfjt djrs gS a fd oks encounter
tsuqbu FkkA eS a ;s dguk pkgrh gw a fd gekjh lksp bruh fod‘r u gks tk;s fd ge vkradokfn;ks a
ds ekuokf/kdkjks a dh rks iSjoh djs a ysfdu tks muls ihfM+r gS] mudh ihM+k ij pqIih lk/k ys aA ;g
gks ldrk gS fd vkradokn ds dk.M es a tks yksx fxjQ~rkj fd, tk;s a mles a ls dy dks dqN yksx
eqdnes a ds ckn funks Z”k ik;s tk;s a] oks nks”kh ;k funks Z”k gks ldrs gS a ysfdu ftudks mUgks aus ekjk gS]
oks rks funks Z”k gh gS aA dksbZ nl cjl dk ckyd Ldwy tkrk gqvk] dksbZ dke ij tkrk gqvk etnwj
gS] dksbZ vius cki dk bykt djokus okyk vLirky ds ckgj cSBk gqvk ,d csVk gSA mldk rks drbZ
dksbZ nks”k ugha] blfy, de ls de ge nks vkalw muds fy, Hkh cgk ns a tks yksx ekjs tk jgs gS aA
?k.Vh ct xbZ gS] eS a yEck le; ugha ysuk pkgrh dsoy ,d lq>ko nsuk pkgrh gw a fd ;fn ge
lkEiznkf;d fgalk ds lkFk mlds dkj.kks s a dh Hkh fu’i{k leh{kk djs axs] vxj ge vkradokn ls ihfM+r
yksxks a dh ihM+k dk Hkh vglkl djs axs] vkSj bu nksuks a phtks a ij ppZk djs axs rks ;s ppkZ larqfyr fn”kk
es a c

cM+h ehfVaxks a es a dksbZ fjtYV ugha fudyrs] Hkk”k.k t:j gks tkrs gS aA ,d determined effort tc
rd ugha gksxh vkSj MhVsy ls tks bl situation ds reason gS a] lcc gS a] mudks ugha ns[kk tkrk]
mudk gy ugha fd;k tkrk] rc rd dksbZ fjtYV ugha gksxkA ;gka lcls T;knk rks ckr tks pyh
oks militancy dg yks] vkradokn dg yks ;k dksbZ ckr dg yksA ;s nks rjg ds gksrs gS a] ,d
bdksukfed] nwljk dE;wuy vkSj fjyhftvlA nsf[k;s eS a tks le>rk gw a eq>s tks vkt flpq,”ku gS
ns”k dh mldh bruh xEHkhj fpark ugha gS] ftruh dqN lkyks a ds ckn gksus okyh gSA bl topic dks
fdlh us touch ugha fd;kA vkt gekjk ns”k tks gS] mles a tks facts vk, gS a] FkksM+ s cgqr xyr Hkh
gks ldrs gS a fd 70 izfr”kr population ,slh gS ftldh vkenuh 20 :Ik;k jkst gSA rks
revolution ;k dksbZ ps at ;k dksbZ bl rjg dk mldks dksbZ uke ns ns aA tc xjhch bruh gS vkSj
gekjh ljdkjks a dh rjQ ls dksbZ xjhch nwj djus ds fy, yQt rks gS a ysfdu practical dne dksbZ
Hkh mBk, ugha tkrsA ge jkst i

public, lcls rks eS a tksj nsrk gw a bl ckr ds fy,] ugha vxj ;s ,sls rjg continue jgh ;k ge
lip sympathy djrs jgs rks ,d le; vk,xk fd lkjk ns”k tks gS oks naxalites ds dCts es a vk
tk,xkA eS a vkidks crkrk gw a] esjh rks mej ‘kk;n ns[ksxh ugha ysfdu vxj ;s] ,d rjQ ugha] ftl
txg naxalism gS ogka oks xjhch tks gS oks mlh dh otg ls gks jgk gSA ges a situation discuss
ugha djuh pkfg,A ges a tks izkCye gS mldk gy s nwljs ls fdlh ls] ugha fd nwljs dk D;k gS fdruk gS]
36

ks ;s ijls aVst] ;s ‘krs Z aa
yxkus ls ugha gksxkA Massive dksbZ izksxzke cukus pkfg, xjhch nwj djus
ds fy,A rc tkdj ;s tks fMQjs al gS] ;s >xM+ s gS a [kRe gks axs vkSj nwljk ges a iz SfDVdy dksbZ lcwr
Hkh nsuk pkfg,A vxj dgha >xM+ s gS a] Qlkn gS a] communal riots gS a rks ges a lcdks ogka tkuk
pkfg,A xq: rsx cgknqj lkgc vuariqj lkgc ls fnYyh vk, Fks oks fdlfy, vk, FksA oks ;gka vkds
mUgks aus ‘kh”k ns fn;k rkfd tks /kkfeZd vktknh gS oks dk;e jgsA fd ge /kkfeZd vktknh ds fy,
fdlh LVsV ls nwljs es a ugha tk ldrsA vdsys Hkk”k.k] ysDpj ls dqN ugha gksxk eS a vkidks crkrk
gw a fd iS SfDVdy] z lc political parties dks esjh fjDosLV gS fd ,slh ikWfylh] izksxzke cuk;s ftles a
dksbZ hatered u gks] ftles a dksbZ vkSj ckr u gks vkSj lkjs feydj fganqLrku dks Åapk ys tkus ds
fy, dksf”k”k djs aA rc dqN cu ldrk gS] ugh arks ;s detoriation vkxs ls Hkh gS vkSj blls vkSj
cM+h gks tk,xhA eS a FkksM+k lk vxj xyr ckr dg x;k gw a fdlh dks rks oks ekQ djs a D;ks afd eS a tks
fny es a ckr gksrh gS ogh dg nsrs gS a] blfy, tks dqN gqvk ihNs gks x;k] let us forget and
forgiveA vc ls gh dksbZ ‘kq: dj ys a] vkSj lcls esjh ;gh e”ojk gS fd tks fdlku vkSj xjhc ds
fy, tc] ‘kgj dk xjhc gS] mlds fy, dksbZ lkWfyM izksxzke ugha cuk,axs rks] fdruk nsj oks [kkeks”k
jgs axs] fdruk nsj ns[krs jgs axs] dqN yksx rks Qkbo LVkj gksVy es a tkrs gS a] dkjks a] eflZMht ij ps bl vkt dk ugha fQdz gSA eq>s dy dk fQdz gS] fd dy
fgUnqLrku es a D;k gksus okyk gSA nwljk eS a ;s Hkh dgw axk fd pyks administration Hkh t:jh gSA gkse
fefuLVj lkgc dks eS a fjDosLV d:axk fd LVsV es a ykW ,.M vkMZj dks Bhd j[kus ds fy,
modernization of police ds fy, [kqyk iSlk ns a] bles a datwlh u djs a vkSj cs”kd ;fn nks lkS djksM+]
nks gtkj djksM+ dgha ns fn;k rksA D;ks afd tc rd gekjs ikl brus fjlkslZ ugha] cs”kd vki dqN
dgs a fd vki subsidy ns jgs gS a fdlku dks ikuh eqQ~r ns jgs gS a] vkidh xyrh gS oks esjh xyrh
ugha gSA vxj eS a oks xyrh u djrk rks fgUnqLrku Hkw[kk ej tkrkA oks fdlku dks tks lfClMh nh]
mlus tks vukt cks;k oks ns”k ds fy, cks;k] ns”k dks fn;kA vki dks fn;kA mlus vius ?kj es a ugha
fy;kA ftruk T;knk iSnk fd;kA mlus T;knk viuk uqdlku djk;kA tks de iSnk djrk gS oks
de uqdlku djkrk gSA [ksrh dh gkyr ,slh gks xbZ gSA blfy, ;s dguk fd vkius fctyh fcy
ekQ dj fn;s] vkius QykW ekQ dj fn;k] ;s ns”k ds interest ds fy, gS aA eS a rks dgrk gw a ns”k dks
subsidize [kpkZ pkfg,] fdlku dksA cM+h rxM+h rkSj isA T;knk rkSj is djuk pkfg, vkSj xjhc
dh Hkh enn djuh pkfg, vkSj ;s tks viuh vkt ckrs a dj jgs gS a] communal hatred dh ;k vkSj
cM+h cqjh ckr gSA ges a lcdks feydj] bdV~Bs gksdj NksVh ehfVax es a QSlyk djuk pkfg, fd D;k
gedks djuk pkfg, vkSj lkjk dqN tks vkt gqvk gS ;s xyrh politicians dh gSA eS a vkidks lp
crkrk gw aA ge politicians gh bl caste, creed mldh rjQ ys tkrs gS aA Bhd dgk Fkk ,d lkgc
us fd tks fVdV nsrs gS a oks ;s ns[krs gS a fd gka ;s ;kno gS a] fd eqfLye gS a fd fl[k gS aA bl rjg ls
fVdVs a nsrs gS a] political parties okysA rks fQj ukjs Hkh political parties ml rjg ds yxkrh gS]
ftl rjQ oksV catching gksA rks ;s] ;s lkjh phts a dksbZ lk/kkj.k lh ckr ugha fd vkt geus
dkmafly dh ehfVax dj yh rks blls ge lkjs elys gy dj ys axs] ;s rks bdV~Bs gksdj cSBuk pkfg,A
ges a rks ;s Hkh nq%[k gS fd ge bdV~Bs gksdj cSBrs gh ughaA cSB ldrs gh ugha gS aA irk ugha D;k
ckr gS aA parliament es a Hkh >xM+k] ckgj Hkh >xM+k] LVst ij Hkh >xM+k] rks >xM+k politics rks ns”k
37

dks uhps ys tk;sxh] esjk rks ;s [;ky gSA blfy, eS aus vxj dksbZ xyr ckr dgh gks rks eS a {kek
ekaxrk gw aA
cgqr cgqr ‘kqfØ;kA
Home Minister – May I now request Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy
Respected Prime Minister, Chairperson UPA, the Home Minister and all the
dignitaries on the dais and all the Members of the National Integration Council.
I may bring to the notice of the National Integration Council, that my experience in
the State of Andhra Pradesh with regard to the Naxalite Violence, is extremely good. I
can definitely say that the Naxalite violence of the extremism, Naxalite related extremism
is totally under control and most of it, we could achieve because we took up a programme
of socio-economic development as well as effective law and order implementation. On
both the accounts, we took very effective steps, especially by way of providing the
basic infrastructure, basic facilities to the villages and providing good employment to
them and also seeing to it, that no unnecessary cases got clamped upon them and in
number of places, Sir, the Naxalites, the sympathizes of the naxalites, in earlier days
were being unnecessarily harrassed for just feeding the naxalites. This we have taken
as a policy and saw to it that in no such situation, cases were foisted upon the
innocent villagers. So many of them started coming towards us. We created a vested
interest amongst these villagers and the democratic system, and after four years I can
definitely say that the Naxalite violence in the State of Andhra Pradesh is totally under
control. With regard to the communal violence or extremism related to the communal
violence, there had been some instances in the last couple of years, may be about an
year and a half back in Hyderabad City, one instance took place where a blast
occurred in a Masjid called Mecca Masjid, a very famous Masjid in Hyderabad
City. As we all know, Sir, that this sort of extremist, they do not have any
differentiation of religion at all. In fact after all the investigation, it has been amply
proved now that the Mecca Masjid blast was also because of the Pakistan related
extremism. But some miscarried minority organizations while thinking that the
Mecca Masjid blast was because of some Hindu extremism. They, without
knowing the actual, the implications or the actual things behind entire story, they
created two other extremist incidents called Gokul Chat and Lumbini Park incidents.
I can definitely say that as and when these sorts of extremist activities did take
place, because we could effectively control the situation communally, in none of
this instances no communal violence erupted immediately after these instances. The
people responded very well - both Hindus as well as Muslims, and to give enough
confidence to all these religious groups as per their demands, we immediately
instituted CBI inquiry or Judicial probes as per the demand of these communities.
38

And we could get enough confidence amongst these religious groups. In the recent
past, yes, about 3-4 days back, one another communal incident took place in the State
of Andhra Pradesh in a district called Adilabad, which is very remote and farflung
district in Andhra Pradesh, in a town called, small town called Bainsa, during the Durga
Puja, Durga Procession, there errupted a communal violence, and two minorities and
two Hindus got killed. That, immediately the very effective steps of Government could
see to it that no further instances took place but day before yesterday night, one
another incident took place very closely, very close to this particular town. As of now
we are still not sure whether this is an accident or a communal related violence. But to
give enough confidence to these religious groups, to the minorities groups, the moment
they asked for a CBI enquiry into this incident, because the background is still uncertain.
It may be a communal related thing or it most likely may be an accident also a fire
accident also. So to give enough confidence to these religious groups, as per their
asking, we immediately instituted a CBI inquiry and we also constituted a Judicial probe
into the Bainsa incident that is an incident which took place two days earlier to that and
situation I can say, that by and large is totally under control. Sir, my experience is that
this sort of communal violences or instances are totally, it is not that the states
themselves can control. Most of the times there are origins from outside the state or
from outside the country and in such sort of scenario, the State police inspite of its
being very effective, is quite at loss to control the happenings of it. O.K. when once
something happens, whatever necessary steps will have to take, we will have to take and
we will take. But it is very difficult for State Governments to see to it that this enough
necessary steps are taken, so that these incidents do not happen. That part of the thing
is very difficult for us. But inspite of all that we are in tandem with Government of
India. We give the needful information to them and by and large things are quite
under control. With regard to the Dalit Christians, there is a strong demand from Dalit
Christian organizations, that Dalit Christians also ought to be included into the SCs like
Buddhists have been included. This has been their demand for the past 10-15 years
and my sincere request from the Government of Andhra Pradesh side is that the Dalit
Christians be included as a Scheduled Caste. Sir, by and large, I can say that things are
lot better now, than what they were earlier. There is a general feeling that religions have
to come together. By and large, a common man either a Muslim or a Hindu is not
interested in fighting with each other. They want to have a better living and they want to
have good employment. If only government takes all needful steps to see to it that we
give good employment to them, we give good health to them, we give good education
to them. They are more than happy and that is what is happening in the State of Andhra
Pradesh and I assure you that we work with Govenrment of India in keeping a very
good religious amity.
Thank you.
39

Home Minister : May I request Mr Omar Abdullah to make his statement.
Shri Omar Abdullah
Thank you Sir, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sir, Members of the National Integration
Council.
I will, because the agenda is too wide to cover in one day, I will restrict myself to
brief two brief points and I hope to finish before the bell rings.
First, Sir, is an observation that I have been making for some time now and I thought this
was an appropriate forum at which to flag this observation of mine and that is that over
time my belief, people are losing faith in the institutions that have been setup either to
govern or to protect them. They have either completely lost faith in as in certain part
of my State, or are rapidly losing faith. Whether its allegations of Human Rights violations,
whether it is encounters in Delhi, whether it is incidents of Communal Violence in various
parts of the Country, either the instigator of this violence have no faith that the institutions
will either find them guilty and punish them, or the victims of this violence have no faith
that the institutions set up for their protection will punish the guilty and ensure that they
are protected. Whether it is the police forces, that are in place to protect them. Whether
it is the investigative agencies that are in place to investigate allegations of incidents.
Even unfortunately in some cases, the Media, not so much the national media, but
definitely my own experience with local media has been that often times they play a
harmful role rather than a supportive role in our being able to take control of the
situation. Recent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir over the Amarnath land controversy
and the role that the local media played in that, would perhaps be a case in point. For a
long time we had faith in the institution of Judicial inquiries. We believed that a judicial
inquiry would arrive at the truth. Of late, Sir, we find even that is now on institutions
that is not immune to interference and influence. The same incident, the same evidence,
the same victims, the same circumstances, but two different Judicial Commissions
arrive at two different findings and yet we as citizens of this country, as individuals, are
expected to believe that Judicial inquiries are the final words in what is correct and what
is not. Sir, I believe that as members of this National Integration Council, as people in
positions of responsibility, whether in the media, whether in politics, whether in
Governments, whether in the various fields that we are a part of, we have a duty to
rebuild faith in these institutions. People must believe that the guilty will be found and
the guilty will be punished. Unless we can rebuild this faith. I am sorry, Sir, but
meetings like this, they will be good photo opportunities, they will be good opportunities
for us to meet friends that we have not met for a long time and they will be an opportunity
to lunch with you, but beyond that, Sir, these meetings will not serve the purpose that
you have
40

called us for. So therefore, my earnest appeal to you, Sir, is to somehow work with the
State Governments, with the investigating agencies, with us to rebuild faith in the institutions
that we have setup for the purpose that they have been setup for. Secondly, sir and this
is the last point that I will make, the fact of the matter is Sir, those of us who are in this
meeting, those of us who represent organizations here, if we sincerely believe, what we
say here, if we sincerely believe in the commitments that we make here, if we believe that
communal violence has no place in this country, if we believe that caste based politics
has no place in this country, if we believe the Justice have to be served, then I believe
75% of our problem is gone. The problem with us is Sir, that we come here, we make
very nice sounding speeches, we issue press notes after this when we go out to say this
we said all this, but when it actually comes to implementing what we have saying, then it
depends on the circumstances. If the communal violence or the caste based politics is
going to be advantagous for me in an election, then I will be quite happy to turn a blind
eye, nudge it along, wink along, give the process a little bit of boost and reap the
benefits from it. And I believe that, Sir, is the biggest danger that we face. Therefore if
we have come to this meeting, we obviously want to believe that National Integration is
important to this country and it has to be protected. Therefore, it can’t just be confined
to speeches. It has to be in our deeds as well because words are easy as the they say
words achieved. It is easiest thing to come here and say we don’t believe in communal
violence. It is extremely difficult to live up to that commitment. If those of us who are
here live up to what we are saying in this hall, I am sure sir that more than 75% of our
problems will no longer exist.
Thank you.
Home Minister: Mr. Subba Rao to make his statement.
Dr. S. N. Subba Rao
Thank You. In the midst of Chief Minister and others, I come as a grassroot worker. A
couple of statements I make, which you may find useful, including those sitting on the
dais. Somewhere I heard this saying “experience is a comb that one gets after one gets
bald” vuqHko og da?kk gS tks xatk gksus ds ckn feyrk gSA cgqr ckj gedks eglwl gksrk gSA fe0
ftUuk us dgk Fkk] just before his death, the greatest blunder I committed was the creation
of Pakistan. But that was too late to realize. ysfdu Mr. Khushwant Singh us fy[kk Fkk “It
is not Jinnah who created Pakistan. There are some of our Hindu leaders who wanted
creating two nations – a Hindu nation and a Muslim nation. So, we have created Pakistan
and we are suffering, and Pakistan is also suffering. So, from the experience, let us
learn. That is one point I wanted to make. nwljk ,d cgqr vPNk lw= gS & Hkkjr vFkok nqfu;k
ds iru ds fy;s] fxjkoV ds fy;s] rdyhQ ds fy,] nks izdkj ds yksx ftEesnkj gSA ,d dks ge
dgrs gS a & lfØ; nqtZu] ysfdu blls cM+ s ftEesnkj gS a & fu’d;Z lTtuA vesfjdk ds xka/kh] ekfVZu
41

ywFkj fdax us dgk Fkk the honest inactive citizen has no right to criticize the active
mischieveous people. ge dqN djrs ughaA I am only concerned with my bank account,
only with my two children and my wife. I don’t care what happens next door. A big job
for the National Integration Council is how to activate these inactive citizens of India -
they are in millions and millions and millions. So are we doing something about it?
Punishing the guilty, punishing the trouble makers, we are all talking punishing the guilty,
punishing, punishing. Mahatma Gandhi. I come from Gandhi Peace Foundation. I
admire the Government of India that you established Mahatma Gandhi at the United
Nations. With 44 nations moving a resolution to make 2nd October as international day
of non-violence is a great achievement for India. But will the Government of India do
something to establish Mahatma Gandhi in the lakhs of villages of India. Mahatma
Gandhi said we should have Shanti Sena in every village of India. But does the
Government here think of this. Suppose there is no violence in the country. What we
can do after the violence happens. Are we worried about preventing violence. iksfy;ks
dh nokbZ cPps dks rc nh tkrh gS tc og gV~Vk&dV~Vk gksrk gSA MkDVj mldks D;ks a iksfy;ks dh
nok nsrk gSA Polio is a disease, once your child gets it, there is no solution at all. So is the
case with violence. We have to create mechanism to prevent violence. Hence and for
that I am afraid, eS a dgrk gw a] Prime Minister, Finance Minister, everybody. Think how to
prevent violence. However, my recent camp was in Gorakhpur region, Hindus and
Muslims had killed each other but the Government has no money. One Buddhist Bhikshu
supported me to do this camp. I am going to the north east, my camp in November, you
please come, Government please come and see what happens there and then think
whether it is worth supporting financially and otherwise. But then no Government people
have time. Is this the message we are sending to young people of India. So young
people, they have this message: If you want to draw the attention of the Government,
drop a bomb. So let us learn to respect peaceful demands, peaceful action. And I am
happy the Government of India did respect one peaceful movement recently. Last year
thousands and thousands of poorest of the poor people came together to go to Delhi.
People said this is as big as the salt march, the historic salt march of Mahatma Gandhi.
The government said well, we will do all that you ask for, the poorest of the poor. Sir,
and that is how Naxalism can be prevented. Twenty five thousand people fully eligible
to became Naxlites but they have made a slogan. Can you believe me the poorest of the
poor, the slogan was **gj gkFk dks dke pkfg,] cUnwd ugha dqnky pkfg,**. So Naxlites are
asking for job and we say well if they can’t give a job, we will give 500 Rupees. Please
don’t insult, please don’t make beggars of the young people. Give jobs to everybody
and that is possible only through the village industries in the State. So we have to think,
how to get job to every hand and how to preach love for peace, harmony and goodwill
and some of us are doing this very effectively. The Indian young people, small
children and the youngest, a programme for one thousand children from our 25
States of India, small children, 8 to 12 and staying together, there are Hindus,
Muslims, Christians, Sikhs all religions are there, all languages are there and what a
42

eautiful atmosphere, their young children will create. Spend a little money to create
peace in this country, to strengthen goodwill in this country. Once the railway ministry
had given me, Shri Jafar Sharif is sitting here, he was Railway Minister, Arjun Singh Ji
and Jafar Sharif, they gave me a whole train of 14 bogies, come on, preach goodwill in
this country. So, goodwill trains ran 3 phases and what a beautiful atmosphere it had
created. Where is the money for all these things. Because all our money is spent for
Guns, Gun, Gun, Gun. Well, I don’t say, stop the Gun, we have to use it, but then let us
discourage the use of gun also. Now, next week is Diwali and what is the biggest toy
that is being sold in the market – Gun, Gun. So this Gun culture has to go and there, Mr.
Ram said media – Oh yes, wonderful, our media is wonderful because I am just back
from the United States, I see all computers, all the papers that the United States produce.
Indian papers are wonderful but then please don’t, don’t celebrate crime. Why
should we print the photograph of rapist, they do it because next day he is in the papers,
why do we encourage them. So let us, let us change our ways, our directions that is
very important. Media can play a very big role. I admire Dr. Ramdoss, no cigarette, no
smoking but then people say well, you are coming in the way of freedom. Is that the
freedom. In fact, suicide is a crime in India and nobody can say well how can you
punish me because I am trying to commit my suicide. Attempt to sucide is a crime.
Sucide is no crime, because the man is gone. Similarly, cigarette. Yesterday I was in my
centre in Bhopal, we have a de-adiction centre and these days young people come there
with some new injections and they say once these injections are inside you, then you
have no way at all. How difficult it is for them to overcome from there. So the media
must help there. Hence in prevention of all these evils in our country, media can play
great role. I hope they will. The Central Government is doing right things. The UNESCO
has a beautiful sentence in its charter “war begins in the minds of men”. I don’t know
why it did not say men and women. Anyway that is what is printed. Hence the defence
of peace must be constructed in the minds of men. If it is the minds of men that create
all the problems we will do something - Some programme for creating better human
beings in our country. Unfortunately, our schools, our colleges, our media are not doing
this, at least to the extent that is needed. Some of us are doing that, so in all my camps,
I have 500 people, 100 people, 1000 people, young people, they come spending their
own money, and I hope the government will someday start helping me. They used to
help me. In fact, in Bhagalpur, 2000 people were killed. It is the Government of India
who came after me. Please come, help Bhagalpur and one camp. Bhagalpur had been
divided into India and Pakistan. Hindus this side, Muslims that side. But then 700 young
men and women marching through them with beautiful song and Bhagalpur had a new
life and when we visited there with my train, Bhagalpur friends told me we see
because of that camp, 4-5 years ago, even after Babri Masjid, there is no problem in
Bhagalpur. This is possible, there is so much potential in our young people. Please
find out that potential. And may be the last point. There was one Prime Minister
named Indira Gandhi in our country. She took up this programme as a part of
43

National Integration Council and that programme is to spread out patriotic songs. Let
every child in our country sing patriotic song. Where are all these patriotric songs.
Some people ask me how did you get into all this. I said well. I heard one song from a
great martyr who as he goes to the gallows – Khudiram Bose, what is your last desire.
My last desire is to sing a song. He says O, mother India, these people are killing me,
British People are killing me but I will come again and again, one song and he is prepared
to go to gallows and that one song was enough for me. I make use of it, I started with it
when I was thirteen, I was captured by British police, then I started and still I am
continuing to do this. Where are all those songs, what dirty songs we sing and our All
India Radio, Doordarshan - they have made a kind of a determination to eliminate our
classical music. Two great musicians in India, one was, you made him Bharat Ratna -
Great Bismillah Khan. Another was equally great - Ustad Bade Gulam Ali Khan. Both
of these musicians had said “if one man, one woman in every Indian family had learned
classical music, India would not have divided into India and Pakistan”. So such great
force is there in Music. Unfortunately, All India Radio and also Doordarshan, if they
succeded in anything, it is in eliminating all classical music. Filmi, filmi, filmi, filmi, how
can filmi music do the culture this. This classical music can bring into our nation. Sir, I
want myself to be exploited please exploit me, I can go wherever there are groups of
people. Yesterday I was somewhere in Uttar Pradesh. I said come on sing along with
me. However …………………………but then they have no time. Otherwise they
both, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, Smt. Sonia Ji, they saw just one programme when 18
languages we have in the Indian constitution, all the 18 languages presented themselves
and they said well there is some potential, because let us remember, this is what I say in
all my camps. I have a document here, one document where a young man has written to
me. “I also thought India belongs only to the Hindus but I came to a camp. Now I think
well how can it be only for Hindus. India belongs to Hindus, Muslims, Christians and
Hindi speaking people, Assamese speaking people, Tamil speaking people”. So one
chance to do this and we need to broaden our outlook of all Indian people, especially
the young people. Please help me do that and if National Integration Council takes just
one programme of bringing young people together and get hammering. On the day
India became free, 14 th night, 14 th August 1947, all the Indians should have taken to his
or her mind - I am going to serve this country. How can I harm any other Indian, how
can I be corrupt, how can I be cheating, all these things should have come. On that day
itself, but even now it is not late, let us start the process and National Integration
Council can do many many things positive. Punishment to crime may be all right. But
then let us try to prevent violence before it begins.
Thank you.
44

Home Minister : May I request Mrs. Vasundhara Raje to make her statement.
Mrs. Vasundhara Raje
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Members on the dais, Members of the National
Integration Council.
Sir, I just want to make a point, two points. I want to bring to everyone notice that
Rajasthan is both a victim State and also a border state. Infact we share the largest
border with our neighbor and with whom we fought almost four wars. This also over
the past three decades and now this neighbor is engaged with us in most unconventional
conflict and terrorism has become really their preferred doctrine. Rajasthan has
become a direct victim not so long ago sir, dozens of people were killed, scores of
people were seriously and griviously injured and our businesses especially things like
tourism are deeply affected. The terror network to speak has spread right across the
country and stikes at will at the place, the point, the skill, the method and all these they
have no constraints. They are brutal, they are barbaric and they are completely ruthless.
Really it is not poverty Sir, that drives them to this, nor the unemployment, nor even
the lack of education, or the lack of opportunity or even caste. On the contrary, they
are well educated and well off by our Indian standards. The repeated statements of
certain people equating counter terrorism with the witchhunt of the educated in Minorities
communities is I think to a large extent is quite disgusting. This is an extraordinary
situation and our laws and criminal justice system have to adopt to new challenges. We
in Rajasthan want to bring to book these barbarians. Our proposed law to deal with
terror has been pending clearance for now quite a long time. Central Government has
discriminated against us. While it allows Maharashtra similar law, we are unable to use
this law in Rajasthan. Why are we diluting our most serious challenges to national security
by equating terrorism with activities of the likes of organizations. A terrorist really has
no religion, no caste and absolutely no sense of loyality towards this country. A normal
law will deal with groups,which are of communal origins. The terror is a whole different
story, terror is not about politics. A terror strike can happen anywhere. It can happen in
a BJP ruled States. It can happen under the nose of the Union Home Ministry, right
here in Delhi and every time, a terrorist actually makes his mark, kills a person, an
innocent Indian loses his life. We expect the Government of India to provide support to
the States in dealing with the forces of terrorism. Instead of compounding the situation
by using arm twisting techniques of article 360, 355 or 356. Our country today is
flooded with illegal immigrants yet no strong steps are being taken to address this
issue. No other country in the world would allow such an activity. The fight against
terror has to be, Sir, a united and a very resolute fight. It must not weaken at the altar
of vote bank politics and it must be fought by all of us, not regarding our party affiliations,
45

our castes or creeds. This is a very important meeting, Sir, that the others have said
before me, this is a meeting which should have been convened on a regular scale
amongst a lot of us people so that we could sort out these problem before they reached
the enormous heights. But the last time we have convened the meeting of this nature was
three and half years ago. The intimation for this and the agenda came to us on 10 th of
October and both those days were holidays and not working days and despite this fact
because there were going to be so many important personages available at this
meeting, if we had the papers on time perhaps, more information could have been
brought before you all. Terrorism is not on the agenda. Then finally it appeared after
some of us raised the issue and then it appeared as extremism. I really think and then it
was circulated to us last night. Why do we avoid taking this situation of terrorism head
on. I think, Sir, the time has come. Apart from the fact of poverty, but from the fact
of education, which states are going to have to do themselves, Which we realize, small
industries trying to bring people into the mainstream, trying to get people to involve
themselves at work, State taking making the effort to do all these things. It is only
important that while each state does this, the central and state Governments work
together and actually bring people together, to work on this issue of terrorism because
the more we put it under the carpet, the more it is going to be a problem for us.
Thank you sir.
Home Minister : May I request to Swami Agnivesh.
Swami Agnivesh
fclfeYykgk, jgekus jghe] eS a ‘kq: djrk gw a] ijekRek ds uke ls tks n;kyq gS a vkSj ge lc
dk dìkyq gS aA x`gea=h th] eS a vkidks bl ckr ds fy, /kU;okn nsrk gw a fd vkius vkf[kjh es a us”kuy
baVhxz s”ku dkWafly dh ehfVax cqyk gh yhA oukZ ge tSls dbZ yksx Fks] bl lnu es a cSBs gq, ] tks
grk”k vkSj fujk”k gks djds bLrhQk nsus tk jgs FksA vkSj ,d nks fnu ehfVax dh lwpuk u feyrh
rks ge yksx dysfDVoyh] okylu FkEiw th] vkSj tkWu n;ky th] ‘kcue gk”keh th] ukosn gehn
thA ge lc yksxks a us r; fd;k Fkk fd ,slh us”kuy baVhxz s”ku dkWafly dk es acj gksus dk D;k Qk;nk
fd ns”k ty jgk gks] lqyx jgk gks vkSj bldh ehfVax rd ugha gksus ik jgh gSA dgka rks oknk fd;k
x;k Fkk fd gj lky feys axs vkSj dgka lok rhu lky ds ckn vHkh ,d ckj ekSdk feyk gSA eS a
tkurk gw a vkidh cgqr etcwfj;ka gks axh ysfdu Iyht vkt ds bl iwjs fMfycjs”ku ds ckn ,d QSlyk
t:j dhft, ,d ijekus aV ofdZ ax xz qi bl us”kuy baVhxz s”ku dkWafly dk] jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn dk]
cuuk pkfg, tks bl eqYd es a dke djsA Hkkjr ,d ns”k ugha gS] lkjs ;wjksi izns”kks a dks feyk ys a s mlls
Hkh cM+k gSA lkjs vQzhdk ds ns”kks a dks feyk ys a] mlls Hkh cM+k gSA blfy, eS a vkils fuosnu
djrk gw a] bl Hkkjr dh leL;kvks a dks ns[krs gq, ,d dkUVhuqvl] ,d ijekus aV ofdZx xz qi]
bafVxjs”ku ds eqn~ns ij gekjk cuuk pkfg, vkSj esjs tSls O;fDr dks tks vki lsok ns axs]
46

ks eS a mlds fy, rS;kj gw aA eS a ,d ckr dh rjQ b”kkjk djuk pkgrk gw a] D;ks a Bhd gS fd ugha eS a
cksy jgk gw aA lger gS a vki yksx bl ckr lsA eS a vkils ,d ckr dguk pkgrk gw aA vHkh eS a dy
ds v[kckj es a] ijlks a ds v[kckj es a i

dqN dj ldrs Fks geus djus dh dksf”k”k dh] ftl le; xqtjkr /kw&/kw djds ty jgk FkkA ge
pqi cSB djds cgqr ckrs a ugha djrs] ge tkrs gS a] mu yksxks a ds chp es a] vius thou dks Hkh [krjs es a
Mky djds tkrs gS aA ;s nfjanxh cUn gksuh pkfg,A ysfdu vHkh tc ge x;s Hkqous”oj] tfLVl
lqjs”k Fks] ckEcs gkbZ dksVZ ds fjVk;MZ tt] ‘kcue th Fkh vkSj gekjs dbZ nksLr Fks] ges a da/keky ugha
tkus fn;kA Hkqous”oj es a jksd fn;k x;kA eS a vius nksLr xouZj lkgc] eqjyh HkaMkjs th ls fey
djds eS aus f”kdk;r dh] vki ges a tkus nhft,] ljdkj dh rjQ ls gekjs eq[;ea=h th ;gka cSBs gks axs]
ges a dgk x;k fd vki ugha tk ldrs] ge vkidks lqj{kk ugha ns axsA ugha ns ldrsA mUgks aus eq>s
crk;kA xouZj lkgc eq>s crk jgs gS a fd vki rks vki] Jhizdk”k t;loky th] Hkkjr ds x`g jkT;
ea=h] og Hkh vk djds Hkqous”oj ls cSjax ykSV vk, fnYyhA Hkkjr ds x`gea=h tkrs gS a vkSj da/keky
ugha tk ikrsA Hkqous”oj ls ykSV vkrs gS a] D;ks afd mudks lqj{kk ugha nh tkrh ] dSlk dSlk gS ns”k ;sA
eS a tkuuk pkgrk gw aA dSls pysxk ;sA dkuwu dk jkt py jgk gS ;k dksbZ taxyjkt py jgk gS
;gka ijA eS a iwNuk pkgrk gw a vHkh eS a dy ‘kke dks dy nksigj es a cVkyk gkml es a FkkA [kyhyqYyk
dh efLtn ds lkeus tu lquokbZ es a eS a x;k FkkA eS a ogka dk n`”; o.kZu ugha dj ldrkA iz/kkuea=h
th] eS a cgqr nq%[k ds lkFk dguk pkgrk gw a] bl ns”k es a ,d vyxkookn c

tks ckr dj ldrs gS aA dkQh dqN ,slh phts a gS a] tks ljdkjh Lrj ij ugha gks ldrhA blds fy,
ge ges”kk rS;kj gS aA vkids lkFk fey dj dke djus ds fy,A eS a ,d ckj fQj ls dguk pkgrk
gw a] ekSykuk egewn enuh esjs lkeus cSBs gS a] fdruh ckj fgEer dh vkradokn ds lkeus [kM+k gksdj
ds mUgks aus Qrok tkjh fd;kA lkjs ns’k ds reke ekSykuk vkSj reke yksxks a us [kM+ s gksdj dgk fd
;g bLyke ds f[kykQ gS ;s bl izdkj dk vkradoknA bl izdkj da/keky es a tkdj dgrs gS a fd
bl izdkj dk dke ctjax ny vkSj fo”o fganw ifj”kn dj jgk gS] ;g fganw /keZ ds uke ij dyad
gSA ;g ckr [kM+ s gksdj ds ge fganw /kekZpk;ks Z a dks ;k muds lkFk fey djds tks jktuhfr djrs gS a]
;g mudh Hkh ftEesnkjh curh gSA ;fn egewn enuh dj ldrs gS a rks fganqvks a ds ‘kadjkpk;Z vkSj cM+ s
cM+ s egkeaMys”oj D;ks a pqi cSBs gq, gS aA D;ks a lekt dks bl rjg ls ckaVk tk jgk gSA eS a iwNuk pkgrk
gw a] /kekZUrj.k dh ckr dgh tkrh gS] fd lkjk dk lkjk ewy dkj.k ogka blkbZ cuk;s tkus] cukus dk
gSA eS a lkQ xokg gw a bl ckr dk] iz/kkuea=h th] eS a tc la sV tsfo;lZ dkyst es a ikap lky eS a is de ls de ,d balku gksus dk ntkZ feysxkA tkfrokn ewy dkj.k gS] bl /kekZ arj.k
ds ihNsA fl[k D;ks a cus ;s] lkjk dk lkjk vkanksyu] tSu D;ks a cus] cq) D;ks a cus ckSf)LVA vkt Hkh
90 izfr”kr blkbZ gS] 90 izfr”kr eqlyeku bl ns”k ds vUnj oks yksx gS a tks tkfrokn ds ml ihM+k
dks ugha lg ldrs Fks blfy, mUgks aus tk djds vkSj oks bLyke dks dcwy fd;k gS ;k fØf”p;kfuVh
dh ‘kj.k es a x;sA ge ewy dkj.k es a ugha tkuk pkgrs] ge izfrca/k yxkuk pkgrs gS aA ikcanks a ls
49

dke ugha pysxk] tkfrokn dks tM+ ls feVkuk iM+ sxkA mfnr jkt th] vkidh bl iwjh ,ts aMs ls es a
lger gw aA nq%[k rks ;s gks jgk gS fd nfyrks a es a Hkh mrus maps uhps dkLV gSA vkil es a HksnHkko djrs
gS aA ,d schedule caste ugha gS] blds vUnj Hkh cgqr ls Åij Åaps uhps lkjk py jgk gSA ;s
tkfrokn [kRe gksuk pkfg,A ;s vkSj blds fy, ljdkj dks ,d Scheme rS;kj djuh pkfg, fo
og tks tkfr dks rksM+ djds fookg djsxk vEcsMdj th us vius bl iwjs essay es a annihilation of
caste es a ykLV ls aVs al es a ;s dgk fd vkSj rjhdks a ls rks tkfrokn ugha fxj ldrk tc rd
vUrjtkrh; fookg ugha gks axs rc rd tkfrokn cuk jgsxk vkSj ?kwe fQj djds rks ;s lcls cM+k
,ts aMk gS Hkkjr ds fy,A vkSj oks rHkh gksxk tc ge lHkh yksxks a dks] yM+ds yMfd;ks a dks] tks tkfr;ka
rksM+ djds ‘kknh djrs gS a] mudks preference ns a] lkjs fjtos Z”ku dksVk ds vUnj ;k muds fy, vyx
ls 5 izfr”kr dk dksVk Hkh cuk;s aA eS a bUgha ‘kCnks a ds lkFk ,d ckr vkSj Hkh dguk pkgrk gw aA vHkh
dgk x;k fd cSu yxkus ls dksbZ dke ugha pyrkA rks oks ugha pyrk rks fleh ds mij ls cSu gVk
nksA ml ij D;ks a yxk j[kk gSA vHkh fleh ds Åij cSu yx ldrk gSA tfLVl xhrk feRry
dh fjiksVZ ds ckotwnA mUgks aus rks QSlyk ns fn;k fd ljdkj ds ikl dksbZ evidence gh ugha gSA
fQj ,d gh fnu es a government Hkkx djds lqizhe dksVZ es a xbZ fd ugha ugha vHkh rks cus jgus nks]
cus jgus nks] fleh ds mij izfrca/k dksA ;fn fleh ds mij izfrcU/k yx ldrk gS rks nwljs
dFkkdfFkr ;s tks fganwoknh laxBu gS a vkSj jkst u;k uke ysdj ds [kM+ s gks tkrs gS a] jke ds uke dks
cnuke djrs gS a] budks D;ks a ugha izfrcaf/kr fd;k tkrkA ;fn vki budks izfrcaf/kr ugha djrs rks
fleh ds mij ls Hkh gVkb;s vkSj ideological yM+kbZ ] yM+us nhft,] lc yksxks a dks ,d nwljs ds lkFk
tks yM+uk gSA ;s ugha gksuk pkfg, fd ,d laxBu dks tfLVl xhrk ferry dh fjiksVZ ds ckotwn
Hkh vki izfrcaf/kr fd;s j[ks aA Supreme Court ds gokys ls vkSj nwljh rjQ nwljs laxBuks a dks
mlls Hkh T;knk Hk;adj dke djus ds ckotwn] mlls Hkh T;knk lkjh fjiksVks a ds gksus ds ckotwn anti
terrorist squad dh lkjh fjiksVZ fpYyk fpYyk djds cksy jgh gS] dkuiqj es a D;k gqvk] ukansM+ es a
D;k gqvk] lHkh txgks a ij] mlds ckotwn Hkh ge cp jgs gS a fd ge izfrcU/k u yxk;s aA eS a blds
fy, vkils ,d ckr dguk pkgrk gw a fd gekjs ------------------------------------------- th eS a [kRe djrk gw a] eS a
,d ckr vkSj Hkh dguk pkgrk gw a fd /keZ ds uke ij fl;klr gksrh gS tc /keZ ds uke ij ge
lfClMh nsrs gS aA dHkh fganw dks [kq”k djus ds fy, ;k eqlyekuks a dks [kq”k djus ds fy,A eS a pkgrk
gw a /keZ ds uke ij dksbZ /kkfeZd viuh rhFkZ ;k=k djuk pkgrk gS mldks dksbZ lfClMh xouZes aV dh
rjQ ls ugha feyuh pkfg,A ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------vejukFk
dh xqQk es a tks ej tkrk gS] mlds fy, 5&5 yk[k :Ik;s ejus okyks a dks] oks rks x;s Fks
vejukFk dh xqQk es a fd n”kZu gks tk,xk rks LoxZ es a tk,axsA rks iagqp gh x;s LoxZ es a] mudks fQj
vki nqckjk compensate D;ks a djrs gS aA gt djus tkus okys tc dqpy djds nc djds ejrs gS a
vki mudks 2 yk[k ls ysdj 5&5 yk[k :Ik;s eqvkotk nsrs gS aA D;ks a nsrs gS a vkiA -----------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------gt ds fy, tkus okys tks gS a] mudks tkus nhft,A ,d
ckj ugha 50 ckj tk,a] gt djus mudks lfClMh nsus dh D;k t:jr gSA ----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------- lfClMh [kRe djksa --------------------------------------------------------------------- tkus nks
vius rjhds ls ftldks tgka tk jgk gSA esjs iSls ls vkidks] eS a ugha ekurk gt dks eS a ugha ekurk
vejukFk efUnj dks] esjs VSDl is;j ds iSls ls vki] fdlh [kkl etgc okyks a dks D;ks a bl izdkj
dh fj;k;r ns jgs gSaA ;s lkjh dh lkjh phtsa /kekZU/krk dks c

ns”k ds vUnj /kekZU/krk cs cksyus dk Vkbe fn;k ysfdu vkils esjh ;g xqtkfj”k gS fd ,d iz skxzke tks]
vkidh ljdkj es a ugha fn[kkbZ iM+ jgk gSA gekjs oks dgk gS a & fiz;jatu nkleq a”kh th fn;k
Fkk&eaFku nwjn”kZu ds Åij djus ds fy,A og cUn dj fn;k 39 ,ihlksM ds cknA iz/kkuea=h dgrs
Fks] eq>s vPNk yxk oks izksxzke vkSj yksx dgrs gS a fd vPNk yxkA ge /kekZU/krk ds mij pksV djrs
Fks] cgl djrs Fks vkSj bl iz skxzke dks cUn dj fn;kA eS aus vkils dgk Fkk] vki bldks nqckjk pkyw
djokb;sA vkius ugha djok;kA dksbZ ugha djokuk pkgrk cgl fd /keZ D;k gS okLro es aA /keZ
tksM+us okyk gksrk gS] tks rksM+rk gS oks /keZ ugha gks ldrkA ,sls /keZ ds vM~Ms vkSj ,sls /keZ ds xq:vks a
dks tsy ds vUnj fd;k tkuk pkfg, vkSj budks fj;k;r ugha feyuh pkfg,] budks dksbZ lfClMkbt
ugha fd;k tkuk pkfg,A
‘kqfØ;k vkidkA
Home Minister : May I now request Mr Navid Hamid to address the council.
Shri Navid Hamid
Hon’ble members of the National Integration Council, at the outset I wish to thank
the Home Minister for convening this meeting at this crucial juncture. When State
after State is witnessing violence against minorities, when an ordinary citizen of this
country was looking towards Government and was thinking that why this council which
was constituted as soon as UPA government came to power, is not being convened.
cgqr lkjs jktusrk ;gka ls pys x;s gS aA ;g ckr cgqr tksj ls dgh tk jgh gS fd ;gka] mM+hlk es a]
tks dqN gks jgk gS mldks lc condemn dj jgs gS aA ysfdu ;g ckr Hkh gdhdr gS fd it took
three months for BJP to condemn violence in Orissa and that condemnation came after
only when the European Union and other international community have raised strong
objection to the violence in Orissa. I don’t wish to question the wisdom of the people
who are in our Government but Sir, I feel pain when I read and hear about the statements
of the government’s side that Bajrang Dal could not be banned because it is not a
registered organization or that banning of an organization like Bajrang Dal is not a good
option. I would not say anything about SIMI because I bow my head in shame, when
I think that I have to raise my voice four years back when SIMI has used logo of
Quran Sharif with the AK-47 on it and as a Muslim we have to understand that the time
to come is of very crucial nature and should raise our head and we have not at that time.
I was pained to hear the statement of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, when he said that
the incident in Adilabad is an accident. I have read newspaper reports today, which has
pointedly scrutinized the whole scenario there and the activist from Hindu Vahini,
under the patterange of the local MLA, they have attacked the house of the
innocent family in which two innocent children of less than seven years were burnt
51

alive. othjs vkte lkgc] eS a ml rdyhQ dh rjQ vkidk /;ku fnykuk pkg jgk gw a] tks vkt iwjh
fgUnqLrku dh eqlyeku HkkbZ ln dkSe ml dks >sy jgh gS aA ,d lky igys rd nqfu;k dk gj
cM+k ‘k[l ;s dg jgk Fkk fd fgUnqLrku dk eqlyeku VsjfjLV ugha gS vkSj VsjfjTe dks mlus udkjk
gSA vQxkfuLrku es a tks dqN gqvk] bjkd es a tks dqN gks jgk gS] mlls fgUnqLrku dk eqlyeku vius
vkidks cpk dj ys x;k gSA ysfdu fiNys ,d lky ds vUnj tks iwjk dSEis;u pyk;k x;k gS]
mlls eq>s yxrk gS fd ge ,d [krjukd eksM+ dh rjQ tk jgs a gS aA eS a ;s ugha dg jgk fd mles a
dqN yksx ‘kkfey ugha gks ldrs] ysfdu tc ge ;s ckr dgrs gS a fd fgUnqLrku dk is ;s tkuus dk iwjk gd gS fd vxj iwjh dkSe chl
djksM+ dh vkoke mlds lkFk fganqLrku dk ,d cM+k balkQ ilan rcdk ;s lksprk gS fd cVyk gkml
es a tks dqN gqvk] mlds ihNs dqN u dqN ckr gSA vxj ge bl f”kdk;r dks nwj djus ds fy,] vxj
gekjs LysV Dyhu gS] gekjk t+ehj lkQ gS] vxj ge cVyk gkml dh inquiry dj ns a rks bles a dksbZ
gtZ ugha gSA tEew d”ehj ds rkYyqd ls eS a gekjs] jktukFk th pys x;s vkSj gekjh lq”kek cgu pyh
xbZ] mUgks aus dgk fd lkgc ge ;gka lkEiznkf;d lkSgknZ cukuk pkgrs gS aA tEew d”ehj es a ,d
unfortunate incident gqbZ] ogka ij Jh vejukFk land controversy gqbZ ysfdu D;k t:jr Fkh fd
iwjs fganqLrku ds vUnj bldks dE;wuykbZt fd;k tkrkA bankSj ds gekjs] e/; izns”k ds phQ
fefuLVj lkgc ;gka ugha gS] bankSj ds vUnj vejukFk ;k=k dks] vejukFk Jkbu cksMZ dks ysdj bankSj
es a Qlkn djk;k x;k] jktLFkku es a Qlkn djk;s x;s] vkSj iwjs eqYd ds vUnj lkEiznkf;d lkSgknZ
dks fcxkM+us dh dksf”k”k dh xbZA ;s lkEiznkf;d lkSgknZ cukus dh dSlh ckr gSA vej flag th
;gka cSBs gq, gS aA vej flag th us [kwc dgk fd tc oks 2003 ds vUnj] 2002 ds vUnj tc xqtjkr
es a naxk gqvk Fkk rks ogka x;s FksA ,d ckr eS a Hkh vkidks ‘ks;j djuk pkgrk gw a fd 3 ekpZ 2003 dks
tc ;s naxk ‘kq: gqvk vkSj ge iz/kkuea=h ds ikl x;s] 11&12 yksx rks eS a ogka ij ‘kguokt gqlSu
ogka cSBs gq, FksA eS a vkt eqlyeku dh ihM+k bl okd;s ds vuqlkj crkuk pkgrk gw aA eS aus iz/kkuea=h
th ls iwNk fd iz/kkuea=h th vkius vius lh/ks gkFk ds mij ;gka ‘kguokt gqlSu dks cSBk j[kk gSA
eS a ;s tkuus dk iwjk gd j[krk gw a fd “kguokt gqlSu vkt ;gka eqlyeku dh gS afl;r ls gS a ;k
dkWafly vkQ fefuLVlZ ds es aEcj dh gSfl;r ls gS aA vxj eqlyeku dh gSfl;r ls gS a rks ;s xqtjkr
D;ks a ugha x;sA ‘kguokt us mlh oDr iz/kkuea=h ds lkeus tks ckr dgh og vkSj pkS adkus okyh Fkh
vkSj mUgks aus dgk fd vxj eS a xqtjkr tkrk rks eS a Hkh ekjk tkrkA rks vkt vxj constitutional
position ij cSBus okys yksx ;s le>rs gS a] oks fdlh Hkh ikVh es a gks a oks ;s le>rs gS a fd ge vxj
,d LVsV es a tk,axs rks ogka ekjs tk,axs rks vki le> yhft, fd [krjk fdruk cM+k gSA eS a nks ckrs a
cl vkils dgdj viuh ckr [kRe d:axk fd eqlyeku ukStokuks a es a tks feeling of alieniation gS
bldks address djus dh t:jr gSA vkt eqlyeku ukStoku vius vkidks le>rk gS fd oks bl
eqYd ds vUnj] bldh rjDdh esa fgLlk] flQZ fgLlk ugha pkgrk bl eqYd dh oks f[kner
djuk pkgrk gSA vxj mldks f[kner djus ls jksdk x;k rks oks [krjukd gksxkA vxj
eqlyeku ukStoku esa ;s ckr cSB xbZ fd gekjs ;s democratic process iwjk tks gS bl
52

eqYd dk iztkra= dk tks iwjk ,d ;gka ij ,d izkslsl gS] mles a mldks fgLlsnkjh feyus okyh ugha
gS] rks [krjukd gksxk] vxj eqlyeku ukStoku ;s le> x;k fd mlds lkFk balkQ ugha gks jgk
gS rks [krjukd gksxkA vkt ge dg ldrs gS a fd ukukorh deh”ku us ges a cyqtek fd;k xks/kjk
ls] ysfdu cuthZ fjiksVZ Hkh gSA eS a tfLVl Jhd‘“.kk fjiksVZ ds rkYyqd ls Hkh dguk pkgrk gw a] iwjs
eqYd dk eqlyeku] iwjs eqYd dk oke ilan veu ilan vkoke pkgrh gS fd Jhd‘“.kk fjiksVZ dks
ykxw fd;k tk;sA eS a iz/kkuea=h th vkils ;s fuosnu djrk gw a] gkFk tksM+dj ;s fuosnu djrk gw a fd
xks/kjk lkfu;s dh ,d ckj fQj lqizhe dksVZ ds tt ds tfj;s buDok;jh djkbZ tk; rkfd nw/k dk
nw/k vkSj ikuh dk ikuh gks tk;sA rkfd fdlh dks ;g dgus dk ekSdk u feys fd lkgc blus ,slk
fd;k] mlus ,slk fd;k vkSj eqfLye ukStoku ds lkeus ,d ckr ;s jgs fd ;gka dk tks flLVe gS
oks flLVe inclusive system gS vkSj oks flLVe balkQ nsus okyk flLVe gSA
‘kqfØ;kA
Home Minister – May I request Shri Khanduriji to make his statement please.
Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri AVSM
Thank you Sir, Hon’ble Prime Minister sir, Hon’ble Home Minister sir, Leader on the
dais and Members of National Integration Council,
Sir, I have been listening since morning the words of wisdom that is being spoken here
on the subject of National Security. Various people have given various types of
opinions, suggestions and a large number of them are very good suggestions but sitting
here I while listening, I got the impression that by and large most of the exercise of
expressing views, is towards justifying what that party thinks about the happenings in
the country. And on the whole we are trying to directly or indirectly convey the views
that have been already firmed up by various political parties. Nobody said it here
that communalism is good, nobody said that injustice should be done to any community.
Nobody justifies caste based politics, everybody talks about development, everybody
talks about strong India, then why there is difference. Broadly, two types of views
have been expressed which for the sake of convenience could be classified as
Right and Left. So if the people expressing views belong to Right and if they are
wrong then how can Left be right. Both are saying the same thing; both are
expressing the same views and therefore, Sir, I think we are primarily addressing the
media. We are playing to the gallery and I do not know if this type of deliberation would
really result in some useful conclusions and directions and any meeting
points.Therefore, as suggested earlier I also hold the opinion that it may be
better, if we met in a smaller group and more frequently. As Hon’ble Members
have said earlier, somebody suggested six months or one year, so Hon’ble Prime
Minister Sir, you have to hold these meetings more often in small group. But
53

apart from these meetings, I think it may be a good idea to get leaders of different
political parties sit together, away from the media glare, away from taking postures and
concentrating on what is good for the nation, because there are things that are be
agreed by various parties at various points of time. I remember when I came to the
parliament, the first time in 1991, there was a bill on population. That was Shri
Narsimha Rao’s Government and Shri Fotedar had presented and introduced a bill in
the Rajya Sabha about the population. Since 1991, that bill is pending in the Rajya
Sabha. Due to various political compulsions, nobody is able to get it through despite
the fact that over the last 15-20 years, different parties have come to power at the
Centre. How’s that when we are in the opposition, we say one thing and when we are in
the ruling party or in the Government, we do not follow it. Therefore, there has to
be a system whereby some issues, may be only a few, may be 2, 3, 4, may not be
directly related to the terrorism, may not be directly related to communalism but
some where there should be a meeting ground formed amongst all major political
parties in the country. And if I am not wrong I was told something about the election of
pope. I am told when election of the pope is carried out, all the cardinals who are the
voters, they are put inside a room or in a house which is locked from outside. They
are not allowed to come out untill the white smoke has come out through the
chimney indicating that a unanimous election or selection has been done. Nobody
comes out and says what I said in the meeting and there is supposed to be a common
unified decision of all the people. If you could do some such things sir, I think your
country will be able to resolve at least some of the common points and not keep on
bickering in public because ultimately we are trying to get to the voter about what
we think. Somehow, at least for major issues a common ground can be found at
least among most of the parties.
Again coming on to today’s agenda, I do not wish to say or repeat what
many people have said but I would like to convey a little concern which I also
had when I got this Agenda. First there was nothing about terrorism in the agenda
then some people suggested and it was included. Why it is so that we hesitate
to call that terrorism is bad. Why do we fall into the trap of semantics by calling
it extremism. If it is done unknowingly it is all right, but, if it is done knowingly,
there is serious problem that is wrong. Entire country says that terrorism is bad
and you should not want to hide in the semantics of terrorism, extremism or
something like that. So this type of message that you give to the people also
conveys that we, whether in Government or otherwise, are not serious about these
issues. So now I come on to another aspect about terrorism which I would like to
convey here as to how we can find a some common meeting ground. Today
POTA has become a dirty word. There may have been wrong things which may have
been done, while applying POTA, but after this recent events of terrorism, even people
in the Government have started saying that they need a stronger law. The stronger law if
54

you don’t like POTA, call it anything else, but again all the people and the parties could
get together and find out a way, making a law, which does not create any problem for
any community. After 9/11, America, I think, has made a very strong law, more stringent
than POTA. But there is no talk outside. Both the parties worked together, sat together
and made law which if you go from the human rights point of view is unacceptable, but
nobody talks about that, nobody criticizes that and what has happened after 9/11 till
today. In USA, no terrorist has been able to function there. Why can’t we think of
such thing in the interest of nation, not think of community, not think of caste. This is
one suggestion I have to make.
As regard Uttarakhand, Sir, our state is a peaceful state. We don’t have communal
problems, we also have very limited problems relating to caste and other things, and by
and large the state is peaceful. We all live in harmony. But we have other type of
problems which eventually also result in problems with regard to security. We have a
national border with China about 300 KMs and in the 300 KMs we have disputed
territory, at Barahoti. We have a border about 275 KMs with Nepal which is free and
open border and due to the type of political activity that had been going on in Nepal
in last few years, we have been having problems. And therefore, we need to tackle this
security aspect because willy-nilly or in some form it might lead to activity similar to
terrorism. Therefore, I have been requesting Central Government about assistance to
be extended to the State. Like Shri Badal said, I am also requesting that our police
force needs to be strengthened. It needs to be modernized and we have sent a
proposal and I am thankful to you, the Hon’ble Home Minister, that he has given
patient hearing to that. But I do hope that it also gets converted to some cash so that
we can really enforce and create an environment of security in our State, because as I
said it is a peaceful State, let it not get into a State where it also becomes Naxalite
prone or Maoist prone State. We need to do a lot in this and being a new State, we
are short of funds, we are trying to do it and Hon’ble Home Minister knows that we are
both in terms of recruiting, spending money on it whatever is possible, but we are
doing.
Sir, in Uttarakhand we have a population of 86 lakhs and every year, we get about
2-3 crores of people visiting from outside and these are routine tourists visiting in the
tourist season or in Kawariya season, but in 2010 we have got a Kumbh. That is a
full Kumbh and in that God knows how many crores will come. In that huge mass
of humanity, what type of people will come, who will try to infilterate and create
trouble. This type of issue that is a big problem for us and therefore I am requesting
here also to the Home Minister and the Prime Minister, to kindly help us as much as is
possible, in modernizing our police force.
These are issues related to development, which if left unattended, lead to
discontentment amongst people and eventualy dissatisfaction leads to some sort of
55

activities, which are not necessary terrorist but unnecessary avoidable activites of law
and order. We have been saying that development in our state is suffering and there are
two issues which I would like to highlight here, one is that of industrial development.
Uttarakhand came into being in November, 2000. And one of the major reasons, Sir,
out of our 8 districts at that time 7 almost 7½, had zero industrial development, today
we have 13 districts and out of those 10 hilly districts are zero industrial area. In
2003, an industrial package was given to Uttarakhand and also to Himachal and
also to J&K. That from 2003 to 2013 the ten years period was given where you get an
industrial facility in terms of taxes exemptions and other facilities. UPA Government,
Sir, I am sorry to say, reduced it to 2007 first and when it was brought out in Lok
Sabha and other places then you extended it to 2010. Our 10 districts are still Zero
industrial area and if you do not get the proper development, then apart from the
shifting of population from borders to plains and other parts of the country, this also
would lead to resentment. And therefore, I have been requesting Hon’ble Prime
Minister that this industrial package must be extended till 2013 as was originaly envisaged.
Second issue again is related of development. We have got Prime Minister. I will
request your attention, Madam Sonia Gandhi, if you could. Sir, these are issues
which I have discussed and I want to have it recorded. Sir, we have been requesting
for some dispensation for development that Uttarakhand has 65% of its geographical
area under forest. Now because of Forest Act of 1980 considering, there is lot of
restrictions, hundreds and thousands of roads and development projects are held
up because of these restrictions. I have been saying and other States also have
been saying that we should modify this. Until the Forest Act is modified you
should give certain facilities. I have requested to you and also talked about this
various types of compensation. It is quite amazing that whatever money, and it is a
huge sum that we paid as compensation for say making roads, has been put in a
central fund and we don’t get anything out of it. Sir, these are major aspects,
which need immediate looking after and taking care of for resolving because if
these things linger on then, again as I said earlier. Sir, dissatisfaction will come up
and eventually will become law and order situation and being border State it will
create problems. I do not wish to repeat Sir, but I want to bring to your notice,
that kindly helps us in these things. With this, I conclude my submission, Sir.
Thank you very much.
56

Home Minister : May I request Mr. Ibobi Singhji to make his statement.
Shri Okram Ibobi Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home Minister and Hon’ble Union Ministers,
Hon’ble Chief Ministers and distinguished Members of this National Integration Council.
Sir, about Manipur, there is not much of problem about communal harmony. You know
better, Sir, India is a diverse country. Manipur State mirrors this diversity. Though it
is small, a tiny state, we have tribals and non-tribals, hill and plain people who belong
to different religions and speak in different dialects. The current socio-political
environment, external and extreme elements within our multi-cultural society may try
to exploit this diversity for narrow political gains. We are trying to live together
peacefully and also even among the tribals, there are many different tribes mainly the
Nagas and the Kukis. There are more than 13 different tribes. During the last
National Integration Council meeting held on 31 st August 2005, you had rightly
commented and I still I remember and also I quote “The rapid and equitable development
of our economy is as important to National Integration as the assurances of social
justice and communal harmony”. We are trying to live together, peacefully among our
communities Sir, we are making serious efforts to address those minority communities,
the needs of the weaker and vulnerable sections of the population by providing them a
voice through democratic means by substantially empowering the local sub-Government.
Recently on 10 th October 2008, the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed the Manipur
Hill Areas District Council Amendment Bill 2008, where we would like to delegate and
also to increase delegation of more power in the hill areas, particularly to the tribal
brothers. Besides, the Hill District Council Manipur has a long history of Panchayati
Raj. To ensure adequate resources for both the Panchayati Raj Institution and Hill
District Councils, we propose to constitute the 3 rd State Finance Commission
shortly. One of our Hon’ble Members of this National Integration Council, mentioned
about one Miss Sharmila Devi from Manipur. She has been fasting for the last 6
years. I don’t know whether her demand is actually understood or not. Still she is
in judicial custody in the Jawahar Lal Nehru District Hospital. She is fasting. We are
using force feeding. During the last more than 6 years, what is her demand, her
demand is to withdraw Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state of Manipur.
Several times, I went even to the hospital and also more than 4-5 times I requested her
and also I met her even at her residence also, before we put her under judicial custody.
I requested her see the present situation of Manipur. You know, there are more than 10
different underground outfits. They are demanding separation from the India. Their
movement is, whether they succeed or not, their demand is separatist in nature.
This is No. 1. And No. 2 there is rampant extortion in the name of sovereignty.
They are exploiting heavily. Until and unless, they stop such type of anti-national
demand, their demand for disintegration from this country, how can we withdraw
57

Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Can you assure this anti-social elements, yes, in a
democratic country, they can demand whatever they like? any development work or
any demand they can demand. But the demand from disintegration from India, how
can we accept it. Their demand is that we are never part of India. We are princely
sovereign country. Only on 15 August 1947, we were merged with India. So we can
not accept, we are part of India. So can you assure to stop such type of demand?
She can not say anything. I’m sorry but we can not withdraw this Armed Forces
Special Powers Act. Before that she requested, at least some part of the State, you
please withdraw. In spite of lot of problem, I have already withdrawn seven assembly
segments from the Imphal Municipal Area. Then again, I rushed immediately to the
hospital. See we have withdrawn. The Government of India did not accept it. Even
Hon’ble Prime Minister told me, being a nationalist, Ibobi, don’t withdraw in the
interest of the nation. But I withdraw, you stop your fasting. But she did not stop.
What she is doing? what we thought that it is at instigation of these anti-social
elements and the underground. So, sorry I would have to mention, how can we withdraw
these people, they are against the nation, against the nation’s interest. They are demanding
disintegration from this vast country. That’s why I do not bother, who is Sharmila
and for what purpose she is fasting. I don’t like to say much about her. Sir, as a small
border state, the feeling of insecurity or vulnerability among the people of Manipur is
understandable. Sir, we share a porous border of more than 367 Km with the
Myanmar. Most of these underground, they are taking shelter, either in Myanmar or
Bangladesh. During last more than 7-8 years, we repeatedly requested, at least, please
help uswith this border fencing. If once we can fence this border, this will help to
control this insurgents. When our state security force or may be para-military force
rush to the border, they just cross the border and they will take shelter just like rebel in
the Myanmar Border. So this is extremely difficult to handle. If once, this border
fencing at least, at one time, it may not be possible at least, 50% of this border if we
could fence, this will be a lot of help to us and also this could check smuggling of arms,
drugs and use for adjoining area even by insurgents. This is another method they
are using for their earning: smuggling of arms, drugs from the other neighbouring
States. So, I would like to request particularly, Hon’ble Prime Minister and Home
Minister, to kindly look into this. We would like to fence it immediately, this will help
the state of Manipur. With these few words, I once again thanks Hon’ble Prime Minister
and Home Minister for giving me an opportunity to express my views. Thank you.
58

Home Minister : May I request Mr Moosa Raza to make his statement please.
Shri Moosa Raza
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Members of the National Integration Council, some of the
points which I am going to mention may appear repetitious but even at the risk of the
repetition, I believe that some facts have to be brought to the notice of the National
Integration Council and I would also like to make a few concrete suggestions which I
think Government should be able to undertake, as a result of the discussions that are
going to take place today in the NIC. Sir, the minorities in India are feeling beleagurd at
this moment. A strong sense of victimization, discrimination, injustice, inequity and
alienation is prevailing among large sections of the Muslim community of this country.
Many of the speakers have said that this could be real, some of them said that this could
even be perceived, but the fact remains that whether it is perceived grievance or genuine
grievance, it has to be addressed. If it is a perceived grievance, then we will have to
remove that wrong perception. If it is a genuine grievance, then we will have to remove
that grievance. The post-Gujarat scenario has seen strengthening of the communal
forces all over the country. This has one of, being one of the major reasons, which has
brought about this sence of alienation and grievance. Some fringe elements amongst the
Muslim community taking advantage of this sense of alienation have resorted to terrorism,
in the false belief that they are revenging the death of the innocent muslims. All that
they have to cheat, is not revenging the death of innocent muslims, but the killing of
innocent Hindus and Muslims, who had nothing to do with this pograms. However, it
is the vast majority of the peaceful Muslims of India, who are now being demonized or
who are now made to suffer. First of all is sense of, some of the electronic media and
some of the print media also, just for improving their TRP Ratings, go to town naming
muslim organizations even before the police has reached the scene. When the police
authorities come at the scene, instantly making announcements that this or that Muslim
organization is responsible for this blast or further mayhem, some arrests are made and
the accused are paraded on the TV, covered by red and white chequered cloth to
identify them as Muslim religionists. All religious Muslims are then linked to terrorism
by this visual image. Lawyers feel threatened to defend the accused, for fear that they
too will be labeled as terrorists. Some lawyers have actually been threatened and as a
result of such threats have refused to take up the cases of those who have just been
accused but not proved. Police then records, rounds up many young and some old
men also from the Muslim community. They are interviewed by the media and their
parents, their friends, their acquintences and all these people are brought on to the TV
and an image is created that the whole muslim community is involved in this Act of
terrorism. An atmosphere of fear and anxiety is thereby created in the minds of the
common citizen as well as the majority community. Everyone starts looking at
59

every muslim as a potential terrorist. Neighbours start suspecting his neighbour, a
whole community gets demonized through this process. Muslims are not able to rent
houses in Hindu localities. Muslim shops are boycotted etc. By highlighting the alleged
terrorist are highly educated, they are IT graduates, they are engineers, computer
technologists, they are being very highly paid and this, these are repeated time and time
again, in both the print media as well as the electronic media, and by issuing advisories
to the industry/employers to keep watch over their employees and this has appeared in
the newspapers, employees who are IT trained, who are educated, one more avenue of
employment for the muslims is being taken away from them. Which IT company Sir,
will in future employ, IT experts, IT technologists, IT trained computer engineers if they
are receiving advisories that you better watch for your employees if they happen to be
IT trained, if they happen to be computer trained. By advising the employers to watch
the religious proclamities of their employees, every muslim who grows a beared or goes
to Friday prayer, will now come under suspicion that these people are going to be
future terrorist, they have a potential for becoming a terrorist. Sir, I am reminded of a
poet who said – oks dj jgs gS a eqgCcr ugha oru ls eq>s] fl[kk jgs gS a eqgCcr e”khu xu ls eq>sA
Now, the Christian community too has been targeted and no doubt they too will feel the
heat in the coming days. Mr. Chidambaram, the Hon’ble Finance Minister of India has
sounded a very dire warning in one of his lectures recently in Tamil Nadu. Out of that,
I am quoting from it “out of the hopelessness and despair of the Muslim community
and if not addressed firmly the Christian tribal communities too will rise new waves of
terror.” This is, these are the words of Mr. Chidambaram, himself. The minorities feel
that while governments, both at the Central and the State, take prompt action against
alleged muslim terrorists and communal organizations, and rightly so, similar alacrity is
not shown against other communal organizations, who openly indulge in violence against
Minorities even when their perpatrators have appeared before the television. The
gruesome roles they have played in the communal pograms or called press conferences
as in Orissa, Karnataka etc. and claimed responsibilities for the attacks on the Christians.
This mindset is what leads to the loss of confidence and to total alienation.
Sir, I have got a few suggestions to make which I would request that the NIC may
consider and the Government may like to see. Sir, the duty of the Government is
to govern, it is the basic responsibility of the government to ensure the life and
safety of life, ligament, property of everyone of its citizen, specially of the weakest
and the most vulnerable. Government should deal even-handedly with all communities,
whether they are Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs or any one. Every terrorist organization,
every communal extremist organization which spreads hatred and terror should
be dealt with sternly and firmly. Terrorism and extremism are two sides of the
same coin, their activists should be put away for long until they come to their senses.
All perpetrators should be speedily tried and punished. The Communal Violence
(Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of victims Bill), the numerous recommendations
of the commissions of inquiry should be implemented forthwith.
60

Article 356 if it can not be imposed in the whole state, an amendment may be made to
the constitution whereby the central Government can take over the district, which is
disturbed and then impose Law and order in the district, if the state government fails
and Mr. Advani has demanded a white paper on SIMI. I request that a white paper may
be prepared on all communal and extremist organizations of the country.
Thank you Sir.
Home Minister : May I request Dr. Karan Singh to speak
Dr. Karan Singh
Thank you Mr. Prime Minister, Mr. Home Minister, Distinguished members of the
National Integration Council,
I recall, in 1962, when I was Sadar-e-riyasat in the Jammu and Kashmir. That
was when the first meeting of the National Integration Council took place, soon after
the Chinese debacle and since then I have had occasions to attend at lease half a dozen
meetings of this council. In the last 45 years since the first meeting was held, India
has made tremendous progress. I think we must not lose sight of that. We all seem to
be getting into a very negative syndrome. There are a lot of negativities, but there has
been a great transformation in many spheres of life. I am not going into the economic
problems, some did mention population. If you have been able to have a more
effective population stabilization programme perhaps our economic situation might have
also been better. But I will just say today because you have a very wide agenda and I
will just confine myself to two major issues. But before I do that I would like to say Mr
Prime Minister, that if you would have this meeting in Vigyan Bhawan as we did it
earlier, I think it would be more convenient. Because this going around with microphone
is a little like one of Barkha Dutt’s show, a reality program you know you go around and
I really don’t think that it is appropriate for the National Integration Council.
Home Minister – That venue is not available today.
Dr. Karan Singh
If it is not available for the National Integration Council, you should throw out
who ever was there and put it in instead. Surely this council must take with the Prime
Minister in the Chair but I am seriously suggesting that that’s a better venue. Now, Sir,
I would just like to, highlight two major points. The first is security and I don’t think,
there is any question of the Prime Minister having played down terrorism at all. Infact he
has made a clear statement, a year ago I think, that terrorism was the greatest single
problem facing the nation, and of course it all began in Jammu and Kashmir and I am
not going into that. Don’t forget it, began
61

in Jammu and Kashmir, when terrorism from across the border started happening and
there the situation is in the reverse. The Hindus are in a Minority. I am a minority in my
own State, so I know how the minority feels and as you know the Hindus had to leave
the Jammu and Kashmir valley enbloc. So, that is very began and that was obviously a
Jehadi or Islamist terrorism - there is no question about it. Their literature, their
slogans, their programmes were all very clearly sought to be based upon what they felt
was Islam. In fact, they have done the most signal dis-service to Islam. I think this disservice
that the terrorists have done to Islam is more than any other thing that has ever
happened to Islam, because as has been mentioned by many people, it has brought a
whole community or whole proud, a whole ancient community under a cloud. So this is
what they have achieved. I don’t know how they have been able to serve the Islam, but
that is besides the point. The point, Sir, is that terrorism has become a major problem
and it has brought about an air of insecurity, not only among minority and other
vulnerable sections of society, as you mentioned, but among Indian citizens as a whole.
In fact the Hindus, whenever there is a function, whenever there is Diwali, whenever
there is Holi, whenever there is a function of happiness, these threats come and it ruins
their festivals. So it is not as if the impact of this insecurity is being felt only by by
minorities. It is also being felt by every citizen in India and therefore I think what needs
to be done is that you have to now tackle terrorism in its entirty, it has to be tackled
through the intelligence agencies which need to be upgraded and strengthened. It has to
be tackled through the security forces. It has to be tackled through NGOs and civil
society and whether this is religious based terrorism or whether it is a naxal based
terrorism, which is an anarchism, both of them are presenting really serious problem to
this country, and if you do not have the laws, everybody talks about the law, several of
our congress leaders have also said, we need a new law. If POTA is not acceptable,
forget POTA, have something else but for heaven sake, if we need a law, please bring
that law before the next session of Parliament and pass the law. So that then you can
take now, it is being said that this is POTA is misused, allright. Now can not take
action against a certain organization because you don’t have a law. So this is a legal
matter. I think the law Ministry in consultation with eminent lawyers like Fali Nariman
and others, they should get together, make out a suitable law, of course every law can
be misused but to minimize the possibilities of misuse and that law I submit should be
on the statute book as quickly as possible. Because we do need in order to effectively
counter terrorism and extremism and naxalism. We do need to have necessary legal
backup. Otherwise you go through whole rigamarole, you arrest people, you try them
and then ultimately because of in adequacy of the laws, they all get off and the whole
thing comes to a nought.
The second point connected with this is the importance of inter-religious
harmony. Sir, I have been involved for the last 30 years, in what is known as
interfaith movement around the world and one has gone around the world
62

attending these huge conferences of people belonging to different religions. That is what
we need to recreate now in this country. It is a matter, I have been speaking about
Hinduism and Vedanta around the world. It is a matter of extreme anguish to me as a
Hindu, that we should have our churches being attacked. I went to first school I went to
first two schools, were catholic Christian schools, the Presentation Government in Kashmir
and Cathedral high school in Bombay. But quite apart from personal factors, this is
some thing which goes against the very grain of the Vedanta. The Vedanta teaches us
“,de~ lR; foiz% cgqnkonfUrA”. The truth is one the voice is called by many names. That
is the very basis upon which we have been able to sustain this civilization. lR;eso t;rs
our national moto says the same thing. lR;eso t;rs uku`re~] lR;su iaFk% fonrks nso;ku
;sukØeUr _f”k;ks a ;kg~rdke~] ;= r=L; ijee~ fu/kkue~A We are based upon certain moral
and spiritual principles, that is what India has stood for down through the ages and
today if these sort of the attacks take place upon defenceless Churches, it is a matter
of terrible regret. On the one hand you have the terrorists, they definitely go back to
Islam, there is no use pretending that they don’t. If you read there, the what the Indian
Mujahideen, those terrible messages that they have sent. They think that they are
going to create a Nizam-e-mustafa in India and the Naxalite want overthrow of the
Government in India. So we are dealing with people who are beyond the pale of rationality
and therefore have to be those are the hardcore but, of course, we ought to bring
the mass of the people around to understanding of the interfaith movement. Interfaith
movement involves interfaith prayers, it involves discussions, it involves debates, it
involves moving from different religious places to another. We can do that. I have
been involved in that, several people here in this conference also have been involved in
this and this is something which we have to now once again develop. I would submit, I
am very glad that you talked about youth. The youth is getting, if the youth gets
indoctrinated. In hatred and violence, then it is going to be very difficult later on to
control the situation. Therefore for young people we must have, unfortunately we can
not teach the essentials of the religion ……………………….. But what we can
teach is value based education. Charity, helpfulness, punctuality, cleanliness, togetherness,
these are, these are not religious concepts, these are civic concepts. You must
work together, you must think together, you must achieve together. The Vedas tells us
that very clearly, lg uk HkoUrq lg ukS HkqUDrq] lg oh;a Z djok ogsA rstfLoukvo/ks reLrq ek fon~
fo”kkegs& May we work together, may we achieve together, may there be no hatred
between us. ek fon~ fo”kkegs This hatered tks c

convinced, it will not work. So Sir, this is an opportunity to begin a new educational
campaign and education not only for the children but education for the general public,
in order to reiterate the basis of our civilization and of our constitution and if this meeting
at this critical juncture of the National Integration Council, energises us, impels us to do
something concrete in this field, I think it would have achieved its purposes.
Thank you sir.
Home Minister : Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal please.
Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal
vknj.kh; iz/kkuea=h th] jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn ds lHkh lEekfur lnL;x.k]
1961 ds ckn dqy vxj ns[ks a rks 6 ehfVax 'kk;n bldh gks ikbZ gSA eS a ml izns”k ls vkrk gw a
tgka iwjh rjg ls ln~Hkko gS] dksbZ lkEiznkf;d ruko ugha gSA ysfdu bl jk”Vª dh lqj{kk djrs gq,
security forces es a vkSj para-military forces es a lcls T;knk toku esjs izns”k ds ‘kghn gksrs jgs gS aA
vkradokn dh tc ?kVuk gksrh gS] ml es a vDlj esjs izns”k ds fdlh toku dh yk”k okfil iagqprh
gS vkSj tc vkradokn dk laj{k.k djus dh ckr yksx dgrs gS a rks lpeqp es a bu yksxks a dks Bsl iagqprh
gS tks yksx viuh dqckZuh nsrs gS a] ftuds ukStoku cPps ‘kghn gksrs gS aA Lora=rk ds ckn igyk ijeohj
pØ Hkh fgekpy izns”k ds gh estj lkseukFk ‘kekZ dks feyk Fkk vkSj dkjfxy ;q) es a Hkh pkj ijeohj
pØ feys rks nks ijeohj pØ fgekpy izns”k ds tokuks a dks feysA blfy, esjk fuosnu jgsxk]
vkradokn dks fdlh /keZ ls dksbZ ugha tksM+uk pkgrk] tksM+uk Hkh ugha pkfg,A tks vkradoknh gS
mldk u dksbZ /keZ gS] u tkfr gS] u gh og Hkkjr dk fgr fpard gSA vkradoknh] vkradoknh gSA
mldks vkradoknh djds treat dfj;sA l[r ls l[r ltk nhft,A eS a lqu jgk gw a losjs ls] iz/
kkuea=h th] ,slk yxrk gS gj dksbZ viuk eu cuk dj vk;k gS fd eS aus ;s ckr dguh gSA ge igys
ls gh prejudice ds lkFk vxj bl mPp Loj es a ckr djs axs rks [kqys eu ls ppkZ dgka gksxhA vHkh
,d lTtu cksy jgs Fks] mUgks aus dgk rhu eghus yx x;s ch0 ts0 ih0 dks condemn djus es a] da/
keky dh ?kVuk dksA 25 vxLr dks ?kVuk gqbZ gS igyh ckr] mldks 3 eghus uoacj es a gks axs] ysfdu
lTtu ?kj ls lksp dj vk, Fks cksy fn;kA fdldks vius ,ihlksM de gksus dh deh eglwl gks
jgh gS] dksbZ vkils vkfFkZd lgk;rk pkgrk gSA eS a fuosnu djuk pkgw axk] vkradokn ns”k dk nq”eu
gS vkSj vkradokn ds i{k es a tks cksyrk gS oks Hkh ogh dke dj jgk gSA ges a bls condemn djuk
pkfg,A /keZ ds vk/kkj ij ughaA tks Hkh vkradoknh gS oks pkgs fdlh /keZ ls gks] mldks ltk feyuh
pkfg, vkSj iwjs jk”Vª dks mldh condemnation djuh pkfg,A esjk dsUnz ls Hkh fuosnu gS] ^loZ /
kEkZ ln~Hkko^ dh ckr tks ge djrs gS a] oks loZ jkT; ln~Hkko Hkh gksuk pkfg,A izR;sd jkT; ds izfr
,d tSlh Hkkouk A dgha 355 dh /kedh] 356 dh /kedh vkSj oSlh gh ?kVuk fdlh nwljs jkT; es a
gksrh gS rks ogka pqIihA blds dkj.k ls dksbZ Bhd tokc ugha tkrk vkSj u gh lans”k lgh feyrk
gSA iz/kkuea=h th esjs izns”k dh lhek] phu ds lkFk] tEew d”ehj ds lkFk] iatkc] gfj;k.kk]
mRrjk[k.M ds lkFk tqM+h gqbZ gSA tks ckr esjs lg;ksfx;ks a us Hkh dgh gSA orZeku dh
64

pqukSfr;ka cM+h xEHkhj vkSj Hk;kud gSA blfy, iqfyl QkslZ dks strengthen djus ds fy, modern
equipment dh vko”;drk gS vkSj gekjs NksVs] jkT;] gekjs ;gka ohj flikgh] ohj lSfud] ohj vf/
kdkjh rks gks ldrs gS aA gekjs ikl lalk/ku brus ugha gS fd ge mudks iwjk trained dj lds aA
blfy, [kqys eu ls ges a enn dfj;sA nwljh ckr ij eS a tks vkids /;ku fnykuk pkgrk gw a] vkius
dgk Hkh gS fd fdl rjg ls vlekurk,a tks gS a] tks disparities iSnk gks xbZ gS mudks dSls [kRe fd;k
tk ldrk gSA mlds fy, eS a le>rk gw a federal system dks Hkh FkksM+k /kDdk iagqp jgk gSA eS a ,d
gh mnkgj.k nsuk pkgw axkA r:.k xksxksbZ th ;gka cSBs gS a] mUgks aus i= vkidks fy[kk FkkA eS aus Hkh
fy[kkA NITs es a gekjs NksVs igkM+h jkT;ks a dh vkius la[;k de dj nh admission dh] vkSj SC/
ST/OBC/Minority buds gh cPpks a dks scope feyrk Fkk ogka admission dkA vxj NksVs jkT;ks a
dks admission ugha feysxk] ogka ds cPps bu minorities ds vkSj scheduled caste/scheduled
tribe ds cPps admission ugha ys ik,axs rks mudks yxrk gS fd gekjs lkFk T;knrh gks jgh gS vkSj
lpeqp es a T;knrh gSA blfy, esjk fuosnu jgsxk fd oks dksVk fQj ls restore gksuk pkfg,A cgqr
cf

ks tks ge lksprs gS a] fdl rjg ls avoid fd;k tk ldrk gSA vkradokn vkrk D;ks a gS] mu izns”kks a
es a tgka vkradokn dh ?kVuk,a gksrh gS a] ogka vki lc dqN iSdst nsus dks rS;kj gS a] ij ftu izns”kks a
ds yksx yM+rs gS a vkradokn dks nckus ds fy,] lsuk es a HkrhZ gksdj] para-military forces es a HkrhZ
gksdj mu izns”kks a dks Hkh rks lgkjk nhft,A ogka ds toku dks yxrk gS fd eS a ckgj tkdj ejrk
gw a vkSj ihNs jgk rks Hkw[kk ejrk gw aA ;s esjk fuosnu jgsxk fd oks fQj ls gekjs tks] tks dksVk dkVk
x;k gS] jk”ku dk oks Hkh iwjk fn;k tk; vkSj vkehZ es a HkrhZA ;s rks eS a ‘kgkcqn~nhu lkgc blfy, dg
jgk gw a D;ks a fd blds dkj.k Hkh vlarks”k iSnk gksrk gS vkSj national integration dks Hkh uqdlku
iagqprk gSA blfy, eS aus tks leL;k ftuds dkj.k ;s leL;k iSnk gksrh gS] mldk ftØ dj jgk
gw aA carbon neutral LVsV cukus ds fy, gekjk izns”k lcls igyk jkT; gS ftlus iz;kl izkjEHk fd;k
gSA ysfdu ges a compensation dksbZ ugha fey jgk gS] ftldh ckr [k.Mwjh lkgc Hkh dg jgs FksA
tks igkM+h jkT; gSA tgka vf/kdrj {ks= taxyks a ls

ecommendation of the Muslim Scholars. Also for the first time, we have set up a
working group to prepare a Vision Document for the long term and sustainable
development of minorities. Our endeavour is to bring the minorities to mainstream and
remove the feeling of alienation, among them through genuine efforts. This alone will
bring about communal harmony and National Integration.
Christians and Hindus have co-existed peacefully in the State for many centuries.
The unconstitutional and illegal efforts by some of the Christian organizations, such as
New Life, to forcibly convert or to induce conversion to Christianity in the same times
need therefore to noted by one and all with concern. Apart from minority inducements,
their efforts include publishing provocative booklets such as ‘satya Darshini’ which
denigrate Hindu Gods and Godesses. Our constitution provides for Freedom of Religion
but no one can justify forcible conversion.
On 14 th September 2008, there was some attacks on Christian religious places in
Dakshina Kannada, Udipi and Chikmagalur districts by mobs protesting against
conversions, leading to law and order situation in these districts. I, along with the State
Home Minister, visited the trouble spots very next day. Due to the effective and immediate
steps taken by the State Government, peace and normalcy were restored within two
days.
We all know that there have been serious communal and terrorist incidents in
the states such as Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Tripura, NCT of Delhi, Andhra Pradesh
and Maharashtra. The Union Government was not so active in sending advisory
notes, referred to as notices on the Article 355 by the Union Home Secretary on those
occasions in respect of Karnataka, just two days of troubles was enough to cause the
Central Government to send two advisory notes in quick succession, even though the
situation was brought under control promptly. According to our considered opinion,
there was no need to send a Central team to Karnataka, even after Law and Order was
restored and for those officers to speak to the press before even submitting a report to
the Union Home Ministry, especially when a Judicial inquiry had already been ordered.
Such steps which appear politically motivated, may aggravate the communal tension
rather than reduce them.
On our part, my Government has taken several proactive steps for promoting
National Integration and Communal Harmony. Some of them are :
(a) Reaching out to all sections of the people, irrespective of caste, creed or
community in our weekly janaspandana meetings at Hobli (below Taluk) level,
to receive and resolve complaints,
67

(b) Ensuring that the peace committees hold regular consultation with the leaders
of different communities and organizations,
(c) Instituting the Judicial Inquiry to probe into the recent attacks on some churches,
(d) Arrest of all suspected miscreants immediately in these incidents, irrespective of
caste, creed and community,
(e) Organized a series of meetings with Christian community leaders and priests.
Sir, on behalf of the Government of Karnataka, I suggest the following:-
(i) The Government of India should be proactive in extending assistance to the
State Governments to tackle the increase in terrorist threats, especially those
funded and supported by external forces.
(ii) The Union Government should take effective steps to stop infilteration of
terrorists from across the western and eastern borders of our country. All foreigners
over staying and fomenting communal trouble should be identified and deported.
(iii) The Minister of External Affairs and Home Affairs together should bring in
stringent VISA rules and norms on the lines of USA and European countries
for citizens of certain nations harbouring terrorists.
(iv) A national citizen registry should be created at the earliest. Government of
India should provide the templates for all States to enable uniformity. Karnataka
offers to become the pilot State for issue of multi purpose national identity card
for the purpose.
(v) The Governnemt of India should initiate immediate action to trace the sources
of foreign funding for the terrorist organizations which are operating in the
country and curb their further funding.
(vi) The Union Government should come out with a Central legislation to handle
terrorist activities similar to PoTA 2000.
(vii) The Government of India also needs to consider bringing a Central Legislation
to prevent forcible religious conversions.
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(viii) The Union Government should as soon as possible introduce a federal law and
set up a separate federal agency to deal with terrorist acts and organized crime
and cyber crimes.
(ix) The NDA Government had set up a committee, under the Chairmanship of
Justice V.S. Malimath, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court for
overhauling the criminal justice system in India. Its recommendations should
be implemented expeditiously.
(x) There should be effective and productive co-ordination between Central
Intelligence Agencies and the State Intelligence Agencies. The Central Intelligence
Agencies should share relevant information on a continous basis with the States.
(xi) The Ministry of Home Affairs should maintain a cordial relationship with the
States based on equality and functionality instead of treating them as subordinate
offices meant for receiving letters and instructions from the Centre.
(xii) The Central Government should help the States in building the capacity of State
Police in handling terrorist activities though intensive special training courses
at the National and International Institutions.
(xiii) The Union Government should substantially enhance financial assistance to
the States for the modernization of State Police and strengthening of
Anti-Terrorist Cell.
Sir, today Shri John Dayal, Hon’ble Member, has misinformed this council that the
Church is burning outside Bangalore. However, according to our information, there
was a small fire incident along the electrical wires in the Church at Jigani near Bangalore.
This incident has been attributed to an electrical short circuit by the Priest himself.
Unfortunately, even short circuits are being attributed to communal trouble.
Sir, lastly I hope my suggestions are taken into the right spirit and action initiated to
implement them at the earliest by the Centre. I assure you, Sir, the fullest co-operation
and support of my Government in any endeavour to strengthen the national fabric and
promote peace and harmony in our country.
I thank the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Home Minister for giving me this opportunity to
share my thoughts on National Integration.
Jai Hind, Jai Karnataka.
69

Home Minister : Now I request Mr Durai Murugan to speak.
Shri Durai Murugan
Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, respected Madam Sonia ji, Hon’ble Union Home
Minister, Distinguished Members of National Integration Council,
Sir, Tamil Nadu is always keen in maintaining communal harmony in the state by taking
pro-active measures in fulfilling the demands of Minorities and downtrodden. The
State Government is taking steps to start industrial parks, special economic zones in
different regions of the State to create employment opportunities. Besides this, by
implementing special schemes, such as supply of Rice at rupees one per kilo, provision
of grocery items at subsidized price through fair price shops, distribution of free
television sets and gas stoves to the poor family card holders, Implementation of
Anna Village Renaissance Schemes, sanctioning loans to self-help groups and by the
introduction of exclusive schemes to uplift the minorities and downtrodden. The State
Government is ensuring equitable development of all classes of the people. The activities
of fundamental and fascist organizations are being monitored closely by activating State
police and the Intelligence machinery and action including detention under the National
Security Act, is being taken whenever necessary, to maintain communal harmony in the
State. Peace committees have been formed in the sensitive areas in all districts and the
services of these committees are being utilized to defuse any friction between people
belonging to different religions and castes. An Amendment has been made to the
Preventive Detention Act in the State, enabling detention of persons who desecreate or
denigrate the status of caste leaders and thereby incite caste conflicts. Extensive
steps have been taken along the coastline of more than 1000 kilometers to prevent
intrusion, smuggling by nefarious elements and also deny Tamil Nadu coast being
used as a base for carrying out their activities. A chain of check posts have been
created along the coastline, by diverting one battalion of armed police to take care of
the coast line. Our request for reimbursement of these expenditures which otherwise
should have been incurred by the Central Governement, which is incharge of protecting
the international border, has not been adequately responded to by the authorities
concerned. This assistance is crucial to the State Government for it is the safeguarding
the national interest and is defending the international border line. So, our national
endeavour is with an amalgamation of different races, religions, cultures and languages.
This diversity is our strength and not a weakness. We need to support the quest
of the various demographic groups to flourish and prosper. At this crucial hour I
assure our support and commitment to create a collective resolve to face and
overcome any threat to our national integrity.
Thank you.
70

Home Minister : May I now request Mr. Owaisi to speak.
Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Madam Chairperson UPA, Hon’ble Ministers sitting on
the dais , Hon’ble Dignitories, Members of National Integration Council,
Hon’ble Prime Minister, four years ago when the UPA was formed, the country
at large and minorities in particular, heaved a sigh of relief. That they have come out
of cluches of divisive forces, of what happened in Gujarat and what happened to
Graham Stains in Orissa. And it is a fact that after UPA was formed and I would like to
go on record and say in the last 50 years, any Government which has really started to
take some concrete steps for the upliftment of the minorities, it is this Government,
led by Dr. Manmohan Singh. I would not go on record and say that all the steps have
been taken, we are completely satisfied but things like formation of the Minority Welfare
Ministry, things like going for Sachar Committee and then following it up with a little
bit implementation of those recommendations. But more recommendations of Sachar
Committee needs to be implemented. This our party believes will go a long way in
National Integration and especially the steps taken by the Government to provide meritcum-means
scholarship for the post-metric and pre-matric and to give fee reimbursement
to those minority candidates who have taken admission into institutes of national
excellence. But still I would urge the Hon’ble Prime Minister that there are many
recommendations of Sachar Committee, which needs to be implemented, which will go
very-very long way towards National Integration. Sir, but at the same time, in last one
and half years, two years, the incidents that have been in appearing, the things, that has
happened in our country, there is not a perceived grievance among the minorities. It is a
genuine grievance and I will not mince my words in saying that an impression that has
been created that is the state is inactive, it is confusion state today. Whenever it faces
Hindu Militancy, it has by default and inaction against rampant majoritarion terrorism,
police profiling and targeting of one section makes the State and abettor of anti-secular
activity. Sir, it is a fact that this is not merely perception but facts let us say. I will give
an example, non implementation of Srikrishna Commission, continuing of Librahan
Commission Report. There are so many other things, Nanawati Commission and these
are things which affect people. We as a political party, our struggle is limited within the
four parameters of democracy and secularism. But there are other forces inside the
country and outside the country who have a different agenda but it is our responsibility
as a community and also responsibility of the State to come to their rescue. I agree
with what has been said over here. Banning an organization under Unlawful Activities
Act, I am really surprised then the National Securtiy Advisor says that the Bajrang
Dal is not an organistion, whereas the Karnataka Chief Minister in a T.V. interview
recently has said that Bajrang Dal has various office bearers. This clearly shows
because a question that needs to be asked, if an act is committed by terrorist who in
71

their defence of their crime, use religion, then what is a difference between people who
perpetrate crime in other places of country and what has happened in Kanpur, in Bajrang
Dal office, what happen in Nanded, what happened in Thane, Mumbai. Those organizations
are not different from the organization that are coming up. Another point is that
in our national newspapers, retired IB officers, retired RAW Chiefs, the articles which
they write in newspapers are also contributing towards creation of more hatered towards
the Muslims. While they were in power and I do not want to name them, they
were completely useless and unsuccessful but out of power, out of their post, they are
getting thousands of rupees to write an article in Newspaper and I am really surprised
that even some secular newspapers also, write some vicious article against the Muslim
Minority. This needs to be controlled immediately. Sir, third point, I am really surprised,
I would like to thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, in half an
hour he responded to our request, he agreed for CBI Inquiry, but then again why is this
grievances there, because muslims have a genuine grievance against the men in uniform,
that is the police officer over there. Whenever anything happens, immediately muslims
are being blamed. A firing has to be done, firing is not fired at legs but at our stomach or
our heads, and what has happened in Dhulia, what has happened in Malegaon, what
has happened in Bhaisa, what has happened in Burhanpur in Assam. Mr. Prime
Minister, this is a strategy of all the Sangh Parivar, Bajrang Dal forces to create an
environment of demonization of Muslims, which would automatically lead to political
polarization and then to cash on it in the coming elections. You have to be prepared.
Even at the time of 6 th December and Bakrid, I for a fact feel that this divisive agenda will
be continued to be implemented and I am also surprised that why did the Chief Minister,
Andhra Pradesh had to say that there is an element of doubt. Because once he agreed
that is the problem with our Chief Minister of secular Government because the man in
uniform whatever he says, it swallows like a gospel truth and what he has said denied
that, I have been over there, those people were killed first. One Mansoor Khan’s left leg
was cut off, chopped off, the bodies were kept on each other and the whole bodies
were burnt. So these are things which are totally uncalled for, and then another point,
Sir, about Intelligence Bureau. We are coming to suggestion part, why is that our
intelligence bureau is a holy cow. Why don’t we have enough Minority Officers. I
would not go to saying, have Muslim Officers, why don’t you have enough Minority
Officers over there. Because this so called capturing of Nationalism, that only, yes
only we know what is good for the country but no one else knows and this is how will
we do our work. This will lead to more problems and the selective leaking by the IB
has to be stopped. On the issue of regional imbalances, Mr. Prime Minister, I would
request you, our party stand is very clear, do not succumb, to the pressure of creating
a separate Telangana State. Even before Telangana is created, even before Telangana
is created, we are seeing the incidents which are taking place in Telangana, despite
having a secular government over there. Another important point which I would like
to bring to the UPA Chairperson, Madam, three days ago in Aurangabad, 6000
72

muslims youths came out on the streets. They had gheraoed the corporaters of
Congress and NCP. They wanted them to resign from the respective posts. The
Government of Maharashtra had to send the Aurangabad Commissioner on leave. This
is the political disenchantment is taking place and I for, feel I am pretty much sure that
in Maharashtra, Muslim will not commit physical suicide but political suicide by keeping
away from polling booth. It is you madam, it is your personality, who has to intervene,
not only in Maharashtra but everywhere. Otherwise if this process continues, the
Nation will be at lost. People who are pursuing such divisive agenda, even if the power
is not eternal, today it is UPA, the only other alternative is NDA. People who talk about
3rd force, are living in a land of utopia. But if NDA comes into power, what will be left of
India. That all of us have to consider. I once again urge you that before even Inquiry is
ordered, please don’t come to a conclusion. We have to ban Bajrang Dal, because I for
feel we feel, there is no real much difference between what SIMI stands for and what
Bajrang Dal stands for. After so many incidents which have taken place. The Hon’ble
Home Minister lkgc] vYykg ds okLrs ge vkidks xqtkfj”k dj jgs gS aA fd Librehan Commission
dh fjiksVZ dks table dfj;s parliament es aA [kRe dfj;s bl pht dksA vkf[kj ;s dc rd ;s
flyflyk pyrk jgsxkA eq>s Hkh rks gd curk gS fd esjh efLtn tc ‘kghn dh xbZ gS rks eq>s
bf[r;kj gS eq>s ekyw we rks gks vkf[kj ;g dc gksxk] dc [kRe gksxkA gekjs cPpks a dks fxjQ~rkj
dc rd djrs jgs axs] fdruks a dks ys tkdj tsy es a Mkys axs] N%&N% eghusA ,d&,d eghuk rd ckgj
j[kdj vkidh iqfyl mudks FkMZ fMxzh VªhVes aV nsrh gSA bruk cqjk ekjrh gS mu cPpks a dks fd mlds
ckn cPps vikfgt gks tkrs gS aA iSls ugha gksrs muds ikl csy ds fy,A ;gh pht gS] blh rdyhQ
dh otg ls mu yksxks a es a flLVe ls ukjktxh iSnk gksrh gSA ukjktxh dk Qk;nk oks yksx bLrseky
djrs gS a] tks bl eqYd ls eqgCcr ugha djrsA blhfy, ge vkils xqtkfj”k dj jgs gS a fd vki cjk;
esgjckuh bl pht ij [kkl rkSj ij roTtks a nhft, oukZ vkt tks eqYd ftl gkykr ls xqtj jgk
gS] og [krjukd gkykr gS vkSj ;dhuu 6 fnlacj ls igys gekjh baVsfyts al QkslZ dks pkfg, fd
flQZ eqlyekuks a ij utj j[kus ls T;knk mu Qksls Zt ij Hkh utj j[ks a tks nq”eu gS a bl eqYd ds]
tks ng”krxnhZ dh dkjZokbZ eqykSOol djrs gS aA IB es a vki ,d lsD”ku [kksfy,] ekWuhVj dfj,] mu
fganqRok forces dks iwjs State Government dks Hkh pkfg, fd bl rjg dh dkjZokbZ djs aA
‘kqfØ;k cgqr cgqrA
Home Minister : May I request Mr Navin Patnaik to speak.
Shri Navin Patnaik
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Chairperson of the UPA, Distinguished Members
of the National Integration Council, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I think its very important that the National Integration Council has been
called this time, specially with all the violence, both communal and terrorist, some in
large degree, some in less degree, that is taking place, most unfortunately and
73

dangerously in several parts of our country. I think this is the time for all of us have to
make a united efford to bring peace and amity to all sections, to all communities, to all
religious parties and to all castes in the nation. This is not the time to start blaming each
other or playing the blame game. This won’t help. I would like to now speak of recent,
the recent communal incidents, that have taken place in my State. My State, the people
of my State have a reputation for amity not for casteism, not for communalism, but for
civilization and tolerance. Most unfortunately two communal sets of incidents have
happened in the same district. There have been only two communal incidents in Orissa
in the eight and half years, while I have been Chief Minister. Both of them have taken
place in the same district of Kandhamal, which is one of the thirty districts in my State.
One incident took place last at the end of December last year and one as you all know
recently. The situation in that district is a complex one, for many decades there has
been friction and alienation between the tribals and the scheduled castes. There is a
feeling of mis-trust by the tribals about false certificates from which they think many of
the members of the Scheduled Castes and others get government jobs, also about
land grab etc. Now this distrust to each other took a communal turn after the night of
the 23 rd of August this year, when Swami Lakshamananand Saraswati was killed with
four of his followers. The Swami had worked and lived in that district for more than 40
years. So after that it took a communal turn and horrible acts of violence began after
that. My government strongly condemns all that violence and crime and we have been
taking stringent action. As soon as the violence began after that began the arrest of more
than one thousand people upto date and stringent action is being taken. These 1000
people contain individuals, persons belonging to groups and also persons belonging
to fundamentalist organizations. The crime branch is investigating these acts of violence,
our state crime branch, our state police crime branch also and from the
beginning, we have judicial inquiry under a retired High Court Judge of all these crimes
and incidents. Three persons have been cought by the crime branch regarding the
Swamiji’s murder and eight persons have been arrested regarding the shameful and
barbaric case of the rape of a Nun. All of us deeply condemn these acts of violence of
looting or burning dwellings of Minority community people or burning Churches and
prayer houses and in the last ten days atleast the situation is under control in Kandhamal
district and we have to look it all this in a bigger perspective to bring complete healing
and sense of trust amongst people. I have naturally been there, to the district after these
terrible events, these terrible incidents. I appointed very senior officer for the first time,
a senior officer has been made the special administrator of Kandhamal district. We
have announced a package which deals with seeing that the false certificates are not
issued, also that the land grabing issues sorted out, and obviously various packages for
development schemes and welfare programmes to improve the lot of very poor
people who have these differences for decades and the most of all this violence
Orissa has also suffered. The most serious floods that have ever been seen since
independence, where four million people, more than 4 million people, more than 40
74

lakh people have been affected. I have sent a letter to the Central Government with all
details and we have made request for funds which are required very very urgently for
relief and rehabilitation. So I certainly hope, Hon’ble Prime Minister that your government
will speed up the process that is concerned. Now, Sir, to the matters of extremism, in
the Street, the menace of left being extremism is a big challenge for Orissa and also for
our neighbouring states. We have of late substantially enhanced the State’s capabilities
in combating extremism. Police Stations have been fortified, manpower has been
augumented and better training facilities have been created. Over 15,000 posts have
been created in the Orissa police during the last 3 years, which is an increase of 30% of
our existing police force. Special operation group has been put in place to neutralize
the spread of extremist activities. I once again request the Government of India to
accept our long standing demand for deployment of four battalions of CRPF for at
least 2 years to assist us in our effort to end extremism. I would also like to add here,
Kandhamal the district where the communal violence has taken place is a very forested
area and the villages are at distance from each other, It’s a hilly area and it also has
extremist activity, Naxal Activity there. So this is all very important to do both with
communalism and with the extremism. We need financial and training support for
strengthening our special operational groups. So Sir, this is what I would like to say for
demands as far as terrorism or extremism as you call it, in the state of Orissa and again
as far as communal harmony, peace and calm is concerned. I think all of us, not only
State Government or the Union Government but all the people look in help in civil
society must come forward to help India and every part of India including obviously my
State as far as communalism and terrorism is concerned. Thank You Sir.
———some intervention———
Shri Navin Patnaik
What I was suggesting is that all of us should enter a national dialogue for peace
not a debate but since you have put these questions to me. The Christians in district of
Kandhamal are more than a lakh. More than 20 thousand of them have gone at the
beginning due to the violence etc. to the relief camps. More than ten thousands of those
have started leaving the relief camps and returning. We have laws in this country when
you said about looking after the Minority community, looking after the law. Obviously,
I explained to you more than one thousand people have been arrested, the State is
taking stringent action, people breaking the law will be hunted down and punished for
breaking any law in our country. Thank you.
Home Minister
While I would not have at this point of time said anything to explain what the
Chief Minister has said. You had asked for four battalions, we have given you 13
75

attalions and out of 53 companies 9 battalions are given to you 24 companies and 4
battalions for Naxal treatment, controlling the Naxalism and 53 companies, 9 battalion,
when you had asked for 4, 9 battalions exclusively for controlling the situation, which is
arising out of what has happened in Kandhamal.
Shri Navin Patnaik
May I say something here now that it has become a debate. Which I am surprised
about the meeting of this seriousness and I am just amazed but I must inform the Union
Home Minister that your forces came 5 days late after the violence begun. Some of
these forces have obviously been allocated to other districts which are naxal districts
and ten of the companies that you have sent happen to be trainees, who are no use for
active service at all. I don’t know whether you are aware, that 10 of the companies
of the central forces that you have sent, the para military forces are trainees , so there is
no active duty at all. Your forces came 5 days late, after the violence had peaked and
started coming down. Thank you. The Helicoptor that you sent came late, after the
trees had been removed. Which the people wanted to commit crimes had blocked the
trees. But I will not indulge in further debate, I think I have said what I have to say.
Thank you.
Home Minister
Mr. Chief Minister, this will be misleading the entire house and the country. Now
the forces which were given to you were withdrawn from the international broders. I
have been telling you, that you shall have to manage with the forces which are given to
you. It has not been possible for you to collect the forces from other districts and
deployment where they should be deployed and you are complaining that they were
given to you 5 days late. I had to withdraw from the International borders the forces to
help you. I gave you the aircrafts also, which could have been used for lifting the forces
from one place to the other. It pains me to say all those things. I would not have liked
to say all those thing but if we take a stand like this, all of us are very unhappy. Only
request we are making you is that let us please avoid saying these thing and let us
continue doing our duties.
Home Minister : Mr. Kamat please.
Shri Digambar Kamat
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Chairperson of UPA, Hon’ble Home Miniser,
Distinguished members of the National Integration Council,
76

We are holding this meeting at a time when terrorism and communalism are the biggest
challenges facing our country today. As everybody has said terrorism has no religion,
no caste, no creed and during terrorism only the innocent persons belonging to each and
every religion, caste and creed gets hurts, is harmed and that is why, everybody is of the
opinion that terrorism has to be dealt with stern action and the iron hand, but at the
same time that does not mean that few people are belonging to one community, that is
why the community should be targeted. Utmost care has to be taken, there is no ill
feelings created in a community, just because some of the people involved in the activities
belong to a particular community. As far as communalism is concerned, communalism
always pollutes the mind of the people and this is done through a deliberate process
of mental slow poisoning. It spreads hatred between two religions, which otherwise
co-exist harmously. Like many faces of mythological king Ravana, communalism has
also many faces but as the late Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru rightly said “Communalism
of majority community is worse than the that of the minority community. This is
because it is sold in the name of shadow nationalism.” What India can’t afford is
communal Nationalism, India needs secular patriotism. Sir, Goa, which I represent, is
historically known for its communal harmony. We were ruled by Portugese for 450
years. We are probably one of the only State in the Country which has uniform civil
code. Here on the day of Id celebration, Catholics and Hindus visit their Muslim
brothers to eat biryani, when there is Diwali celebration, Muslims and Catholics come to
Hindu’s houses for eating Poha and when there is Christmas celebrations, we go to the
Muslims and Hindus go to the Catholic Friends to eat, what you call baby corn and
other sweet dishes. It is in this State where the Chief Minister of the State host Id Milan,
Diwali Milan and Christmas Milan at the official residence of the Chief Minister which is
attended by the people belonging to all communities, all religions. But lately, we have
noticed that efforts are also being made to have a communal virus in this beautiful State.
Recently some incidents have come to our notice, where a Statue of Bhagwan Mahavir,
in the wild life sanctuary, named after Bhagwan Mahavir was damaged, by a group
which till today, we have not been able to catch them. It was damaged, with an effort
to bring a polarization in the society. On the day of the Dussehra this year, just few days
back, a small idol was descretated by some groups in the night and the next day
was the Dussehra Festival, with a sole intention because we have hundreds of such
small structures in the villages, where we call them, village protectors. Each and
every citizen whenever he passes there, stays there, prays to these and he has
utmost respect in the villages. Now 2-3 incidents have taken place where such
types of Idols have been destroyed, without any motive. There is no motive of
theft, there is no motive of robbery but the sole motive, create a divide between
Hindus and Muslims and Catholics and create again a communal feeling in the most
beautiful and peaceful state of Goa. People when they come from outside and retire
in my State, they decide to reside in the State of Goa. I have a classic example, a
former Governor of Goa Shri Mohammad Fazal, who was the Governor of
77

Maharashtra, who hails from Uttar Pradesh, but after his retirement, he decided to
make Goa his permanent house. When I asked him, why did he choose Goa to make a
permanent house, his reply was very proper. He says I travelled all across the Country
but only one State where I found there is a total communal harmony, Hindus, Muslims,
Catholics live hand in hand together, that is Goa and that is why I decided to spend my
old age in the State of Goa. And here, Sir, my only request is, I have been asking the
Centre to support us in the Modernisation of Police Force. Today here is one State
which we can say proudly that we have kept terrorism, naxalism and communalism
away. I am afraid that if we do not get a proper support, our support is negligible, What
we are asking a few crores of rupees for modernization of police force and bringing in
new equipment. So you can have an good example in the entire country to show case a
small state like Goa, which you can say that yes, here is a state free from communal
disturbances, free from terrorism disturbance and free from naxalist disturbances. In
fact we get scared, when we read in newspapers that, whenever some peoples are
accused are caught in bomb blast, somewhere, some news appears in the newspapers
saying that Goa was to be targeted. Goa is the soft target. We get panicky, we are
taking utmost precautions and that was the reason why we have requested you to give
us some forces though we are hosting International Film Festival in the next month, in
the State of Goa and we do not want that a wrong message should go to the world
where 2.5 millions tourists come to the State of Goa. Where our population is just 1.4
million. I agree with some of the suggestions made by the members. I think the education
system. Dr. Karan Singh made a very valuable suggestion, that does today’s education
system produce good citizens. We are only producing graduates, we are producing
technocrats, we are producing engineers but ask them, whether they have a single virtue
to tell. If you ask them what are there virtues. They are say we are lovely, we are
beautiful. Hardly few of them can say today that I am patriotric, I love my country, I am
kind, I am helpful and that is why, I think thrust should be given on bringing in value
based education where virtues can be taught to the younger generation, right from the
school days. Sir, at the end I would only say let all of us, all of us have spoken here but
I think what we speak if we but in practice, if we implement in practice, then only we
can expect some results, otherwise we will come here, attend a meeting, speak the way
we want, go and act in a different way. I think let us make a commitment that what we
have spoken here, we will work to make our country a strong motherland.
Thank you.
78

Home Minister : Mr Syed Shahabuddinji.
Shri Syed Shahabuddin
Mr. Chairman, Mr. Prime Minister, Madam Sonia and distinguished members of
the Council,
Sir, I first of all endorse the suggestions made here repeatedly that the council should
meet more frequently and I would like to add that the suggestions and proposals that
are made on the floor of the council, which are definitely examined by the Ministry and
the Government later, on that basis there should be a report placed before the council
on the action taken on the various proposals and suggestions made in the previous
meeting. Sir, I would like to felicitate you on a great action you have taken. You put
three State governments on notice under Article 355 of the Constitution. When communal
fires were raging in those States. But sir, something more is required. There should be
a legislation to operationalize Article 355 in phases, if the fires of communal, or sectarian
or caste violence are not extinguished within two weeks and the state government is
unable to restore normalcy and to control its spread to othere districts, then certain
action should become due under the Law. Therefore, I seek, I make a suggestion that
an act should be passed to operationalize the article 355 of the Constitution. Sir, the
main point that has been made here is that because of the feeling in the Muslim
Community that justice is being denied to them, that justice has double standards, that
leads which come before the Government which implead other communities are not
followed up at all and while on the basis of no evidence Muslim mohallas are put under
scrutiny and muslim youth are arrested indiscriminately. So this discrimination, this is
what is hurting. Nobody can say that everybody who has been arrested is innocent, but
surely a lot of them are innocent, which is proved by the fact, that when prosecution
finally comes to an end, you will find that so many of them, nearly 80%, of them are
released. In this connection sir, I would like to make a suggestion to you, for your
consideration. These young man sometimes spend 5 years, 10 years in prison, without
trial, some times they are tried and trial fails and then they have lost their life. They are
disgraced in the society. Their families have been destituted. There should be some
way to compensate these people. These young people, these innocent people, who have
lost part of their valuable life. Sir, the police force needs a new mind-set but this is
possible only if it is composite in its character. If its training is more secular and if it acts
under direct supervision of the political masters. So that they investigate every stage of
investigation. They should be posted in a composite manner in districts and thanas
which are sensitive and there should be guidelines given to them for surveillance of areas
and detention of persons on suspicion. Sir, I suggest that all militant organizations, all
militant organizations, without any exception, which train people in the use of arms
should be banned. We are a democracy, we are used to dialogue. We want to resolve our
79

problems through give and take, through discussions and not by lathis or by trishules or
by arms and therefore any organization which comes to the notice of the Government,
any Dal, any Sena, should be, which trains people, which holds camps for training
people, its followers and then shows them off in public parades, they should be taken to
task, they should be brought under the law and they should be banned. It is in this
connection that I am surprised to find that the Chief Minister of Orissa says he has no
evidence against people who have themselves spoken in public of their crimes that they
have committed of the way that they have behaved. Everybody knows it. The whole
world knows it. The holy pope knows it, the entire Catholic Chruch all over the world
knows it and it is completely ignored, so this is surprising. I would suggest that Bajrang
Dal should be one of the first organizations to be taken to the task, its background
should be examined, its record should be examined and it should be banned if it comes
within the law. Sir, I make one more suggestion – all public speeches by known
hatemongers and we know them who speak in public and rouse the sentiments of the
people, there should be video recorded, so that, they can be examined later and they
can be brought under the law and sections 153A and 153B. This should be a routine
exercise by the local police, so that whenever any public meeting takes place and any
known trouble maker is going to speak there, then it should be, it should be video
recorded. Sir, finally I like to bring to your notice, there is a lot of disaffection in the
Muslim Community. They on, what happened in the shootout in Batla House. The
Muslim minds simply refuses to accept that young post graduate Students, some of
who were appearing in exams, were planning such tomb bomb blasts all over the Country.
Therefore, Sir, so many distinguished persons who have examined the area examined
the details, have spoken for a judicial inquiry and I submit to you for consideration.
That in order to heel their wounds, in order to separate the truth from untruth, in order to
bring them justice, there should be a judicial inquiry in the Batla House shootout. I don’t
call it a encounter. There is some doubt, whether it was an encounter at all and finally
Sir, I would just like to say one word about this problem of conversion. Conversion is
a matter of free will; conversion can not be imposed, change of religion can not be
imposed on anyone and the choice is now given to people you want to go back to your
village, first change your religion, then you go back to your village. There is another
state in our country, where people are languishing in refugee camps for years and they
are told that you can not go back to your village because that village has been declared
to be part of Hindu Rashtra. It is no longer part of Bharat Rashtra. It is a part of Hindu
Rashtra. No place for Muslims there, such thing should be completely outlawed. That
dignity to preserve the dignity of any community of India, is a national duty. It is a duty
of the Government and therefore any community, any group, any social group which
is sort of despised in this manner and which is deprived of its rights in a systematic
manner and forced to change its religion. If it has to live in the Country, then in
that case it is the duty of the Government to go into this. Sir, that is all I have to
say. I only wish that this National Integration shall grow. The history of National
80

Integration is synonymous with the history of India. We are a nation which has accepted
ideas, accepted cultures, accepted languages and we have reformed over thousands of
years and we continue to evolve over thousands of years, that is part of our history.
India’s history has not come to an end. We have not come to end of our history and
therefore Sir, this National Integration process is a tool in our hands to expedite the
forces of building, Nation building in our country and that is why I appeal to you that the
council should be given more importance, it should meet more often, its suggestions
made on the floor here should be examined with great seriousness by the Government
and a report should be placed before the council.
Thank you very much.
Home Minister : The time available for us is very limited. So the Hon’ble Members
have to be more precise and very very brief. There are Hon’ble Chief Ministers
from States sitting here who have not expressed their willingness to speak. I do not
know whether they want to speak or they do not want to speak. Better you would
like the Chief Ministers coming from big States which have faced some difficulties
and other things also to have an opportunity to express their views. I would now
request Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra to speak.
Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh
iz/kkuea=h th] ;w0ih0,0 ps;jilZu] gkse fefuLVj th] lHkh gekjs us”kuy baVhxz s”ku dkWafly
ds lEekuuh; lnL;]
lcls igys eS a x‘g ea=h th dk vkHkkjh gw a fd mUgks aus vkt bl ehfVax dk vk;kstu fd;k
vkSj ge lcdks ;gka ij vius fopkj j[kus dk ekSdk fn;kA egkjk"Vª es a bu fnuks a dqN dE;wuy
jk;Vl dh ?kVuk,a gqbZ gS a vkSj [kkldj ekysxkao] Bka.kk] /kqfy;k vkSj eq>s yxrk gS fd cgqr gh NksVs
tks dkj.k gksrs gS a fd tSls gksfMZ ax yxk;k] cksMZ yxk;k fdlh us mldks rksM+us dh dksf”k”k dh] ,sls
NksVs NksVs dkj.kks a ls ;s cM+h ?kVuk,a gks jgh gS aA ges a ns[kuk pkfg, fd blds ihNs lkft”k D;k gSA
eq>s yxrk gS fd tSls cgqr lkjs gekjs lnL;ks a us dgk gS fd dgha ;s pquko ls rsk tqM+k gqvk ekeyk
ugha gS] bldh Hkh tkap gksus dh vko”;drk gS fd vpkud ;s 6&7 eghus esa ;s ?kVuk yxkrkj
c

ks geus ;s ckr cM+h [kqyh rkSj ij iz sl dkaQz al s es a dgh gS] iqfyl dks geus lwpuk,a dh gS fd dksbZ
,d tkfr fo”ks’k dks /;ku es a j[krs gq, dksbZ Hkh dkjZokbZ ugha gksuh pkfg,A tks Hkh xqugxkj gS]
ftUgks aus Hkh ;s ?kVuk dh gks] mlds f[kykQ l[r ls l[r dkjZokbZ gksuh pkfg, vkSj mlh fn”kk es a
[kkl djds tks ekysxkao es a tks ?kVuk gqbZ gS] rks ml fn”kk es a bUosLVhxs”ku gksuk pkfg,] ;s Hkh ckr
geus lkQ dgh gSA eq>s ;gka ,d ckr dgus dh vko”;drk gS] eS a iz/kkuea=h th dks /kU;okn nsuk
pkgrk gw a fd mUgks aus ekbukWfjVh ds fy, vyx ls vkius fMikVZes aV [kksyk gSA varqys th mlds foHkkx
ds ea=h gS a vkSj eq>s ;s ckr dgrs gq, ;gka ij cM+k vkuUn gksrk gS fd egkjk”Vª ,d LVsV gS] ftUgks aus
ekbukfjVh ds fy, vyx ls fMikVZes aV geus [kksyk gSA lPpj desVh dh tks flQkfj”ks a gS a] mudks
ykxw djus dk geus fu.kZ; fd;k gS vkSj [kkldj btwds”ku dh rjQ ge T;knk /;ku ns jgs gS aA ,d
f”kdk;r gksrh gS fd iqfyl es a ekbukfjVh ds yksx cgqr de vkrs gS a] rks geus gj ,d baVjO;w ds fy,
Dykl&I ls ysdj Dykl&IV rd] ,d eqfLye vkfQljlZ dks geus ogka ij bUVjO;w ds cksMZ ij
geus mudks j[kk gS] rkfd ,slk ugha gks fd tkucw> dj ,d fo”ks’k eS a oxZ dk gw a blfy, eq>s ckgj
j[kk tkrk gSA ;s f”kdk;r gS] esjs ikl ugha vkuh pkfg, vkSj blds fjtYV cM+ s vPNs vk, gS a] tgka
ij vkt gekjs ijls aVst nks ijls aV eqfLye ds yksx gekjs iqfyl foHkkx es a Fks] fQQ~Vh ijls aV rd
mles a c

Home Minister : Shri Bhim Singhji le; cgqr de gSA
Prof. Bhim Singh
Hon’ble Prime Minister Ji, Hon’ble Sonia Ji, Hon’ble Home Minister Sahib, Mulayam
Singh Ji, Lalu Prasad Yadav Ji vkSj gekjs nksLr ikloku th] eS a iwjh dksf”k”k d:axk fd cgqr de
ls de le; ys yw aA eS a vkt cgqr e”kdwj gw a iz/kkuea=h th dk vkSj vkidk fd vkius ges a cqyk;kA
fiNyh ckj 1992 dh ckr gS tc v;ks/;k dk elyk py jgk Fkk rks ujflagjko th iz/kkuea=h Fks]
rks nks ckj eq>s ;gka vkus dk ekSdk feykA eS a vkt Mk0 bdcky ds ml verse ls ‘kq: dj jgk gw aA
mUgks aus dgk Fkk **dqN ckr gS fd gLrh feVrh ugha gekjh] lfn;ks a jgk gS nq”eu nkSjs teka gekjkA**
ysfdu eS a le>rk gw a fd vxj Mk0 bdcky vkt ftank gksrs rks ;w a dgrs – what entire colonial
world failed to do during their rule of hundreds of years, our politicians have accomplished
that agenda of India’s enemies only in half a century, igniting hatred and conflict by
exploiting religions, castes and regions to weaken national integration. Sir, no doubt
India is passing through a transition period and every period must have to cross
through the tempest and tides. Russia and China had witnessed strong commotions
than we have been experiencing since 1947. India’s civilization had been unique and
wonderful, whose roots lie below the depth of the sea and above the heights of the sky.
Prophet Mohammad himself had said “He feels cool breeze of the East”. bu e”kZd dh
lnZ gokvks a dk ftdz fd;k Fkk] gtjr eksgEen lkgc usA All the prophets were born in Asia,
India is called the centre of the Asian civilization. The essence of India’s civilization and
greatness of the spirit of tolerance, human love and compassion which flows from
India’s philosophy that the whole universe is one family. This is the basic principle of
national integration and oneness of our society. I am perhaps the only Indian or Asian,
who travelled around whole world in 5 years on motorcycle, 220 countries of the
world, from 1967 to 1973 on peace mission, carrying India’s message of peace,
brotherhood and tolerance. I love to see the image of Bharat which I saw in the eyes
and hearts of the millions of people of the world. Terrorism is enemy of mankind and
India’s philosophy of love – spiritual power and tolerance can only destroy seeds of
terrorism. We need will and commitment, legislations are not the solutions alone. Mahatma
Buddha and Mahavir demonstrated to the world the meaning of tyag, sacrifice, by
renouncing absolute power and working on the suffering of the people to understand
their woes and paints. Can our Chief Ministers, Ministers ready to make that sacrifice
to identify themselves with the people. I doubt if the present generation of politicians
and legislators can make that sacrifice, ……………….. power politics for 10 years
and leave it for new generation to discharge responsibilities to fight terrorism, which
has been catering the present and future of the universe –
83

Home Minister
Bhim Singhji, Bhim Singhji, Please eS aus vkidks igys gh crk fn;k Fkk vxj dksVs”ku istks a ls
i

We cannot afford to ignore anymore the vital issue, as towards which direction
the country is heading? If we fail to eliminate the virus of violence from our society at
this stage, I am afraid; the history of this great nation will not forgive us. Although, the
reasons for violence may be different such as class animosity, caste hatred, separatist
ambitions or regional parochialism, however, the most powerful reasons can be traced
to religious prejudice and hatred.
Recently, we have made an effort to oversee the progress of various schemes of
the Central Government as well as various State Governments aimed at improvement of
socio-economic conditions of minorities in the country. Unfortunately, the States having
large proportions of minority population have still not responded to our requisition for
report. Furthermore the information received from various State Governments and Central
Ministries is either insufficient or non-representative or the information has not been
furnished at all. In the given circumstances, it is premature to arrive at any conclusion as
to what extent these schemes have been successful in achieving their objectives. It is,
however, clear that the desired objectives are yet to be achieved and a lot of efforts are
still required to be undertaken in this regard.
It is, however, surprising to note that the noise of “Muslim appeasement” is still
heard from the mouth of various prominent political personalities of the country. I can
say it with conviction that there exists a political class in this country which cannot
digest even a slightest effort by any State Government or the Central Government for
educational upliftment and socio-economic progress of minorities, especially the Muslims.
This political class definitely feels that by raising the bogey of “minority appeasement or
Muslim appeasement” they can demonise not only the minorities but also the Government
and administration devising such schemes and score political supremacy over their rivals.
Now, the allegations are focused on what is ostensibly known as “security
concerns”. Undoubtedly, anyone guilty of terrorist activity must be brought to
book without any hindrance and no religious reference can lend legitimacy to the
terrorist violence. However, in any democratic dispensation, the violence has to be
tackled under the due process of law. The terrorist violence must be crushed with a
firm hand. At the same time this has to be borne in mind that we are not a police
state and our law enforcing agencies specially the police is not supposed to violate
the instructions enshrined in our criminal laws and the instructions issued by the
Hon’ble Courts of Law from time to time in this regard. There is definitely something
wrong with the modus operandi adopted by police forces which makes their antiterrorist
operations dubious and questionable. There are instances when innocent
boys have also suffered greatly at the hands of police and law enforcing agencies,
purely on the basis of baseless suspicions and their careers and social lives
85

are completely ruined. An entire community cannot be put to ransom for the
misdemeanors of some of its members.
Now, I shall concentrate on the most significant and the most worrisome of our
findings derived out of National Commission for Minorities’ visit to riot torn areas in the
country. The minorities especially Muslims and Christians are very rapidly losing trust
in political parties, the Executives, the bureaucracy, the police, the judiciary and the
media. They virtually see no hope on the horizon. Their sense of frustration and
disenchantment is growing day by day. There is a need to understand the reasons
behind this.
In the eyes of minorities, it is in the very nature of some political parties and their
affiliates to cast aspersions on their patriotism, harp on the so-called foreignness of their
faith and castigate them for their refusal to be part of the so-called mainstream Indian
culture.
The minorities are also not happy or satisfied with political parties who claim to
uphold the secular nature of the polity. The minorities argue that secular forces lack the
courage to tackle communal elements head-on. And this includes communal elements in
the minority communities as well. Indeed, conservative figures are accorded importance
on the baseless assumption that they are the true representatives of the followers of their
faith.
The police force is also under severe criticism. We cannot dismiss this criticism
simply on the pretext that such criticism will hit the morale of the police force. We have
to accept the reality. Minority communities youths are picked up at random as suspects,
put behind bars without any legal assistance. These youths are subjected to third degree
methods. They are made to confess under duress. Kept behind bars for years. The
trials for their cases drag on and on.
Various Commissions set up to enquire into communal violence take an inordinate
amount of time to submit their reports. Governments routinely ignore their
recommendations. Convictions of non-Muslim and non-Christian accused are almost
negligible. On the other hand the conviction of Muslim accused is not only very fast but
also given wide coverage by the print and electronic media. Muslim accused are paraded
and produced before court and media with their religious cloth wrapped on their faces
making the religious cloth an identity brand for criminals and terrorists. While recalling
the stories of Commissions and shelving of their reports in the cold storage, I would like
to point out towards the tale of two Commissions set up to enquire into Gujarat riots,
namely, Nanavati Commission and Justice U.C. Banerjee Commission. The two
commissions have arrived at completely contradictory conclusions. How this Commission
therapy can be relied upon by the Minorities in the present circumstances?
86

The media do not always observe professional standards. Sensationalism, lack
of knowledge of Muslim traditions and stereotyping rule the roost. This may be good
for the TRP ratings of the TV news channels. However, it is clearly disastrous for
communal peace in the country.
What is to be done? Changing deeply entrenched perceptions is a long haul. In a
communally-charged atmosphere, facts are not heard at all. Take the issue of conversions.
There are enough laws in the statute books of the union government and the state
governments prohibiting conversion by force or inducement. National Commission for
Minorities has repeatedly asked the state authorities in Orissa and Karnataka to tell us
how many cases have been filed under these laws. The answer will surprise you. Not
one. Nor are the authorities in a position to say why they have not acted against those
who have been engaged in reconverting Christians.
Home Minister– dqjS’kh lkgc vxj ekQ dhft,] vxj vkidks ,rjkt uk gks] rks ge oks fjdkMZ
ij ys ys axs iwjk dk iwjkA
Shri Qureshi – gka lkgc FkksM+k lk rks jg x;k gSA vPNh ckr rks jg xbZ gSA
Home Minister – ugha oks rks jkbZfVax es a gh fjdkMZ es a tk,xhA
Shri Qureshi
The freedom to practice, preach and propagate religion is guaranteed in our
constitution. To choose to migrate to another faith is a right of every citizen. What we
urgently need is an enquiry conducted at a national level to find out how this freedom
has been abused. How do you define forcible conversions? And what constitutes
‘inducement’? Who is to implement anti-conversion laws? And how do they go about
it? These are questions National Commission for Minorities has raised so many times.
In the meantime, let me propose a few practical steps to prevent the escalation
of communal strife. The authorities must crack down on hate speeches and hate
literature in a strong and timely manner. This is required to plug the eruption of
communal violence. A national policy of discouraging the cult of hatred and
communal polarization should be devised and implemented in letter and spirit. Once
any political party is found behind engineering riots and inciting communal passions
for electoral gains, directly or indirectly, through its agents, stern action should be
taken against such politicians including de-recognition of such political parties by
the Election Commission. The peace committees should be re-constituted giving
representation to the youths of all the communities. The administration and the
police at the grass roots must engage in a continuous dialogue with leaders,
87

including religious ones, of the minority communities. The training curriculum of police
and para-military forces should be devised in such a way so that they can understand the
sensitivity of communal situations and act impartially without any religious bias.
Many states have not constituted minority commissions. They must be encouraged
to do so forthwith.
Home Minister– dqjS’kh lkgc fdruk VkbZe vkSj yxsxk vkidksA Iyht ,slk nsf[k, fd vc nwljs
Hkkx ds cgqr ls yksx jg tk,axsA
Shri Qureshi– eS a xka/kh th dh ckr dj dj [kRe djrk gw aA
The father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi said in 1946 when communal bitterness
and violence were escalating. “Politics has divided us into Hindus and Muslims. I want
to rescue people from this quagmire and make them work on solid ground, where
people are people. Therefore, my appeal here is not to Muslims as Muslims, nor to
Hindus as Hindus, but to ordinary human beings who have to keep their villages clean,
build schools for their children, and take many other steps so that it can make life
better.”
More than six decades later these words have, if anything, gained in relevance.
Let this august assembly heeds their wisdom.
Lkkgc Mk0 d.kZ flag lkgc dh bl ckr ls eq>s cM+k nq%[k gqvk] mUgks aus ;g dgk fd eS a
ekbukWfjVh gw a! d”ehj es aA lkgc] lfn;ks a rd bUgks aus ogka ij jkt fd;k gSA buds tUefnu ij Ldwy
es a tkdj ges a dEiyljh nqvk djuh gksrh Fkh fd vYykg rkyk budks ft+Unxh ns & yEchA vPNk
oks ft+Unxh rks yEch fey xbZ ysfdu bRrsQkd+ nsf[k, fd nksuks a gh bfUnjk th dh fefuLVªh es a
fefuLVj gks x,A eS a fMIVh fefuLVj gqvk vkSj ;s cM+ s fefuLVj cu x,A rks vkidh nqvk,a vkSj
vkidh usd [+okfg”kkr gekjs LkkFk gS aA
“kqfØ;kA
Home Minister– ;gka ij dqN izkUrks a ds eq[; ea=h th mifLFkr gS aA mles a eksnh th gS a] fcgkj
ds eq[;ea=h fufr”k th gS aA rks oks cksyuk pkgs axs] ugha & vkidks cksyuk ugha gSA fufr”k thA
Shri Nitish Kumar
vknj.kh; iz/kkuea=h th vkSj jk”Vªh; ,drk ifj”kn ds lHkh lEekfur lnL;x.k] dkQh nsj ls ppkZ
gks jgh gS vkSj geus Hkh vkids ,ts.Mk vkbVEl ij ,d fyf[kr LVsVes aV Hkh vkids ikl iagqpk fn;k
gS vkSj mldks ldq ZysV fd;k x;k gSA eS a bl dkaQs al z ds le; dks cpkus ds fy, ;s pkgw axk fd mlh
dks QkeZy LVsVes aV ekuk tk, vkSj ,d gh ckr vkt rks
88

lqcg ls gh dbZ Hkk”k.kks a dks lquus dk ekSdk feykA lc izdkj ds Hkk”k.k ge yksxks a us lqusA eS a ,d
gh pht dguk pkgrk gw a fd tks Hkh lekt es a gks jgk gS] tks buVksyjsUl fn[kkbZ iM+ jgk gS] mldks
nwj djuk cgqr vko”;d gS vkSj blds fy, t:jh gS fd ns”k dk tks lkoZtfud thou gS] ckWMh
ikfyfVDl gS mles a tks buVksyjsUl cdj mles a dqN phtks a dk izko/kku fd;k gS vkSj vc vki
/khjs /khjs lekt es a ns[k jgs gS a fd vyx vyx jkT;ks a es a vyx vyx ikfVZ;ka vk jgh gS aA rks vHkh
rks Vksyjs al dh vHkh vkSj T;knk t:jr gSA vxj oksV dh jktuhfr ds vk/kkj ij] lalnh; yksdra=
ds vk/kkj ij] bl ns”k dks vkxs c

fo"k; j[k fn, x, gS a] blfy, fMcsV Qksdl ml

jgk gS rks ;g ges a dguk iM+ sxkA ukansM+ 2006 es a ,d ,d bUQkes Z”ku eS aus vius gkFkks a ls lcfeV dh
xouZes aV dksA dukZVdk es a 24 rkjh[k dks vVSd ‘kq: gq, mlls 8 fnu igys lkjh bUQkes Z”ku eS aus [kqn
vkidh ljdkj dks Hksth fd bl rjg ds geys dh rS;kjh gS vkSj ekgkSy fcxM+ jgk gSA ysfdu dsUnz
ljdkj us dqN action ugha fy;kA gedks ;s ,DlsIV djuk iM+ sxk fd dqN ,slh Qksls Zt gS a] tks ;s
dj jgh gS aA
vkradokn dks NIC ds ,ts.Mk es a “kkfey u djus ij dkQh “kksj gSA eS a Hkh cgqr ukjkt gw a fd vkt
ds ,ts aMk es a VsjfjTe dk uke ugha gSA oks blfy, fd VsjfjTe dh tks ikWfyfVDl [ksyh tk jgh gS
fgUnqLrku es a] ftl rjg VsjfjTe dk uke ysdj gj eqlyeku cPps dks mBk;k tk jgk gSA vkt
;s gky gks x;k gS gekjs eqYd es a fd lcls cM+k tqeZ ;s gS fd rqe ukStoku eqlyeku cPps dh eka
gksA rqEgs a bl eqYd es a thus dk gd ugha gS] D;ks afd rqEgkjk cPpk fdl oDr mBk fy;k tk,xk]
mldks fdl oDr VsjfjLV ?kksf”kr dj fn;k tk,xk] fdl oDr Qsd bUdkmUVj es a ekj fn;k tk,xk]
bldh dksbZ xkj.Vh ugha gSA ges a ;g dgk tkrk gS fd ge cseryc ds iz”u mBkrs gS a vxj human
rights activists us loky u mBk, gksrs rks lksgjkcqn~nhu dk Qsd bUdkmUVj] lehj [kku iBku dk
Qsd bUdkmUVj] oks dHkh lkeus ugha vk;k gksrkA ge loky mBk jgs gS a] ftl rjg tkfe;k es a
rek”kk gqvkA ml ij cgqr lkjs lokfy;k fu”kku gS vkSj mlis ftl rjg ls ljdkj pqi gS] ftl
rjg ljdkj ds dqN yksx yxkrkj ;s dg jgs gS a fd tks loky mBk,xk oks ,.Vh&us”kuy gS] ;s cgqr
‘keZ dh ckr gSA bl Mseksdz slh es a ges a loky mBkus dk gd fn;k x;k gSA ge loky mBk,xs a vkSj
[kkl rkSj ls tc ;s fcYdqy lkQ tkfgj gks fd ,d rjg dh rkdrs a gS a tks VsjfjTe dks Hkh cM+h
[kwclwjrh ls bLrseky dj jgh gS a] eqlyekuks a dks demonise djus ds fy,A lcls xe dh ckr ;s
gS fd gtkjks a&yk[kks a fgUnqLrkfu;ks a dks vkidh ljdkj us vkt ^eqlyeku^ cuk fn;kA eqlyeku gksus
dh igpku vkt tcjnLrh gj ml O;fDr ij Fkksih tk jgh gS ftldk uke bejku] lyeku ;k
jgeku gSA eS a rhu tsujs”ku ls ,d dE;wfuLV [kkunku ls vkrh gw a] eS aus vkt rd dqjku ugha i

,d ckr lkspuh iM+ sxhA cgqr lkQxksbZ ls dguk pkgw axk] eS a bl ekSftt gkml ds lkeus] eS a cM+ s Q[kz
ds lkFk bl ckr dks dgrk gw a A lkjh [kjkfc;ks a ds ckotwn vkSj eqlyekuks a ds chp es a dgrk gw a bl
ckr dks] fd nqfu;k es a 'kk;n dksbZ fgLlk ,slk ugha] tgka eqlyeku u jgrs gks a] ysfdu eq>s bl ckr
ij Q[kz gS fd lc [kjkfc;ks a ds ckotwn fgUnqLrku dk eqlyeku] rdyhQks a ds ckotwn] ftl rjg
ls ftUnxh xqtkj jgk gS] 'kk;n nqfu;k ds fdlh f[kRrs dk eqlyeku bruh] bl gkyr dh ftUnxh
ugha xqtkj jgk gksxkA f”kdk;rs a gS a viuh txgA mUgha f”kdk;rks a ls yM+uk Hkh gSA yM+kbZ yM+rs
jgs axsA ysfdu vxj iwjh dE;wfuVh dks ,d rjQ Mjk;k tk,xk vkSj nwljh rjQ mudks mdlk;k
tk,xk] ek;wlh iSnk dj nh tk,xhaA D;k jg tk,xk] ns”k cVus es a fdruh nsj jgsxhA ugha] lc dqN
dj fy;k tk ldrk gSA gj pht dh btktr ns nh tk,xh] ysfdu eqlyeku dks bl eqYd es a
ek;wl ugha gksus fn;k tk,xkA lcls cnrjhu tqeZ gS fd fdlh dkSe dks ,t+ , dkSe ek;wl dj fn;k
tk;A ge ek;wl ugha gksus ns axsA ges a mEehns a gSA ges a ;dhu gSA dksbZ rkdr vk, bl eqYd es a vkSj
dksbZ tk,A bl eqYd dk tks gtkjks a lky dh rgthc gS] lkFk thus dk ,d rjhdk gSA [kjkc yksx
vk,axs tk,axs vkSj ;gh eqYd vkSj blh eqYd ds yksx mu [kjkc yksxks a dks lcd Hkh fl[kk,axs aA
feydjds] gkFk tksM+ djds] bdV~Bs gksdj dsA vkt bl jk"Vªh; ,drk ifj"kn es a ;g f”kdk;r
dkS afly gS aA f”kdk;rs a gks xbZA vc Bhd gS f”kdk;rs a gksuh Hkh gSA f”kdk;rs a tc rd dgh ugha
tk,axh] rc rd fny dk cks> ugha gYdk gksxkA lquuk Hkh gksxk vkSj f”kdk;rks a dks ekuuk Hkh
gksxkA vkidks ekuuk Hkh gksxk gekjh f”kdk;rks a dksA gekjs lkfFk;ks a dh f”kdk;rks a dksA eS a vkils
cgqr nLrk nj[okLr d:axk fd ,d cgqr tk;t fMekaM gSA mldks vkidks eku ysuk pkfg,A oks
bldh tqfMf”k;y bUDok;jh dhA esjs [;ky es a eku ysuk pkfg,A ysfdu blds lkFk lkFk Mjkus
okyh rkdrks a dks] vkSj mdlkus okyh] HkM+dkus okyh rkdrks a dks] nksuks a dks l[rh ds lkFk nksuks a ls
fuiVuk pkfg,A fdlh dks bl ckr dh btktr ugha nsuh pkfg,A eS a oDr ugha yw axkA oDr [kRe
gks pqdk gSA dgus ds fy, vkSj cgqr lkjh ckrs a gS aA dqN rks gksrs gS a tquwu es a eksgCcr ds vkl] dqN
rks gksrs gS a eksgCcr es a tquwu ds vklkjA eS aus eksgCcr dj yh yksx ukjkt gks x,A dgus yxs fd
;s rks cw

funku ds fy, dksbZ Bksl mik; djus dk ladYi ysus dk dke djs axsA esjk ;g ekuuk gS] mRrj izns”k
ds izfrfuf/k ds gSfl;r ls] mRrj izns”k dh ljdkj ds izfrfuf/k dh gSfl;r ls eS a cksy jgk gw aA gekjk
;g ekuuk gS fd fofHkUu izkUrks a es a vyx vyx leL;k,a gS a vkSj vyx vyx tc leL;k,a gS a rks
vyx vyx lek/kku djus dk ges rjhdk [kkstuk iM+ sxkA dsUnz ljdkj dh ftEesnkjh curh gS fd
fofHkUu izkUrks a dh tks leL;k,a gS a mu leL;kvks a dk D;k dkj.k gS] ftlds dkj.k lkEiznkf;drkokn
;k vkradokn ;k uDlyokn ;k {ks=okn c

oxZ vkSj vYila[;d lekt dks Hkh] lkekU; oxZ ds yksxks a dks Hkh] xjhc yksxks a dks nsus dk
fu.kZ; mRrj izns”k es a djus dk dke fd;k gSA bl rjg ls gekjk ;g ekuuk gS fd mRrj izns”k
es a tks geus dkuwu dk jkT; LFkkfir fd;k gS] mlds dkj.k vke turk es a gekjs usrk ds izfr fo”okl
c

violence by looking at the problem from present day context. My party underlines the
need for adequate representation for minorities in all arms of states, conduct police and
para military police and need to be above board while dealing with the sensitive events
and incidents. All kinds of human right violations need to be quickly probed and the
violations shall be severely dealt with Justice enforcement mechanism should be
confidence inspiring and there has to be separate Courts to deal with the cases of
communal violence. In nutshell, minorities feel secured under the umbrella of the
States. As for the august gathering is aware of the threat posed by left wing
extremism in major states of our country, I have no hesitation to say that when I was
Home Minister of AP, I had introduced many innovative policies and programmes to
curb left wing extremism in Andhra Pradesh. I am happy that they are now giving
results and the Hon’ble Union Home Minister himself said on many occasions that
extremism in AP has come down by 60%. So I suggest that the success story of
Andhra Pradesh be taken as a model for other affected states. My party is deeply
distressed by the recent communal incidents and terrorist activities in some parts of the
country. We have strongly condemned them and all those responsible for the same.
Stringent action is called for by the both central and concerned state Governments to
put down an end to them.
Thank You Sir.
Home Minister: May I now request Dr. Valsan Thampu to make his statement.
Rev. Prof. Valsan Thampu
Hon’ble Prime Minister, Members of Cabinet, Leaders of Political Parties, Hon’ble
Members of the National Integration Council, in so far as we have a symbol under the
auspices of National Integration Council, which was fathered by Pandit Nehru. I would
like to begin by paying my homage to him by recalling his words “if anyone wants to
attack minorities in this country, they will have to do so over my dead body”. Mr.
Prime Minister, Pandit Nehru was not saying this in order to appease a constituency.
He was declaring his faith in secularism, his commitments to the dynamism and the
dignity of democracy in this country. What is at stake today is not mainly the welfare of
the minorities or the confidence building among minorities , which are important. What
is at stake today is future of India, secularism and the democratic culture of this country.
Therefore we plead with you that I have attended the last National Integration Council
meeting, this is a second time, we have gone through anatomies, analysis, expression of
concerns. Dear Prime Minister, the time has come for us to move on from concerns
to a commitment of actions. I don’t want to make a big speech. I have gone
through the material given to me, it is a wonderful document which gives tremendous
guidelines to promote National Integration. I suggest a simple exercise to this
95

august body today. Let’s make a commitment now. Keeping the guidelines already
evolved as a term of reference, May this National Integration Council meeting today
appoint a Commission of Inquiry from its own members to look into just one thing
and that is what is the extent to which the guidelines evolved by the National Integration
Council, have been applied to the situation in Kandhamal. Because my friends, the
problem with us is not ideas as we know are enough. We know what the problems
are, we know what the solutions are. The problem with us is that we don’t have the will
to act. And unless and until, we move away from this paralysis of will, exercises like
this will not yield the benefit that we want this country to have. Let me plead with you
with a broken heart, we have spent hours and hours here, we have been comfortable. I
love these flowers. But can we today fix a deadline for ending the misery of the people
of this country. Can we say that 5 days, 6 days, 7 days from now people living in the
forest of Kandhamal will be allowed to come back home, they will be unable to leave the
relief camps. This should be called refugee camps. The degradation of the citizens of
this country to the status of refugees in their own country. I believe it is the greatest
collapse of democracy in this country. Dear Prime Minister, there is a litmus test to
measure the health of the democracy and that is the degree of welfare and security that
the minorities enjoy. This is a principle acknowledged all over the world. The world is
looking at us and by this international standards, I am afraid Indian democracy is failing
and I am sorry that it is happening at this time. We are meeting after three years. If you
remember situation when you convened the first NIC meeting and now the sickness of
our democracy has only progressed. I only want to plead with all of us to make the
kind of adjustments and sacrifices necessary to heal this country. I want to plead with
my own community, to pay the price to make peace prevail, to make the sacrifices it
takes to promote National Integration. Some apprehensions were expressed here that
Christian community will join the terrorist. I want to say one thing very clearly. The
Christian faiths has nothing to do with violence. Jesus said put down the sword, he
who takes a sword will fall by it. Christian community will not become terrorist. That
is not the concern here. The concern here is Christians are also citizens in this country.
The state has a duty and I hope under your leadership Mr. Prime Minister, the situation
will improve. There will be a commitment and this commitement will be translated
into action and that the concerns expressed here will flow out of this comfortable
room and will reach the lives of people and became a pronouncement of peace,
comfort, hope in the life of the traumatized people. I appeal to you in the name of god.
Thank you.
96

Home Minister : Mrs. Annie Raja please.
Mrs. Annie Raja
cgqr cgqr /kU;okn] ;g bf.M;k dh women dh problem.
Three women organizations are represented here but we have got a chance at the fag
end of this session. Any way, once again thank you very much. eS a 5 points specifically
very briefly cksyuk pkgrh gw aA igyk IokbaV ;g gS fd tks b/kj lHkh yksxks a us crk;k] yearly once
bl dkmafly dk] lfefr dk ehfVax gksuk pkfg, Fkk] exj ugha gqvk gSA blds lkFk eS a ;g Hkh
crkuk pkgrh gw a fd Government has failed to utilize the strength of this council. At
times of, gekjh ns”k dh tks ;wfuVh vkSj bUVhfxzVh ds Åij threat vkrh Fkh tSls tEew d”ehj es a
vkSj mM+hlk es a] vkSj ns”k ds vU; jkT;ks a es a] dHkh bl dkS afly dks use dj ldrh Fkh dsUnz dh
ljdkj] exj fd;k ugha gSA xouZes aV Qsy gqvk gS] bl dkmafly ds LVªs aFk dks use djus es aA
nwljh IokbaV eS a ;g vkids lkeus j[kuk pkgrh gw a fd tc ge ,DlVªhfeTe ds ckjs es a ckr dj ysrs
gS aA gj ,d us crk jgs Fks] ljdkj Hkh ;s cksy jgh gS fd left wing extremism. exj ljdkj
;s ugha cksyh fd right wing extremism mlls Hkh T;knk [krjukd gS a] gekjh ns”k dh ,drk ds
fy,] ;s ckr Hkh ges a QkslZQqyh v.MjykbZu djds crkuk pkfg,A
vkSj rhljh ckr eS a ;g crkuk pkgrh gw a fd uDlfyTe dh] uDlfyTe dks Mhy djus ds ukrs ,d
jkT; es a ,d lyoktqMqe dh ,d lsuk dks cuk;kA ml lsuk dks cukus ds ckn ml jkT; ds
NRrhlxrh gw a ,d gekjh lafo/kku ds f[kykQ ,d flLVe gSA mlds ckjs es a ljdkj
dqN Bksl dne mBkuk pkfg,A
vkSj pkSFkk esjk IokbaV ;g gS fd vkius tks Mkdwes aV fn;k gS a] mles a cgqr lkjk MsVkt gS a] tks dE;wuy
ok;ys al es a fdruk yksxks a dks bUtjh gqvk gS] fdruk yksx ej x;k gS ;s lc] exj bles a vkius dHkh
;s ugha crk jgs fd fdrus yksx displace gqvk gS a] fdruh cPpks a] fdrus Ldwy lyoktqMqe ds
dkUlVhV~;wV djus ls NRrhlx< es a hundreds of schools were closed down by the state
government, in order to shelter the salwa Judum forces. ;s lc eS a le>rh gw a fd gekjh] esjh
laxBu es a Hkkjrh; efgyk QsMjs”ku le>rh gw a fd ;s gekjh National Integration ds lkeus cgqr
cMk ,d pqukSrh gS vkSj vki ;s Hkh MkVk nsuk pkfg, fd fdruh Ldwy ds cPps vkSj vHkh eS a mM+hlk
es a Hkh xbZ Fkh] m/kj cgqr lkjs Ldwy] fpYMsªu Fks] mudh vHkh 10oh es a i

tks dE;wuy Dyklst es a lkeus [kM+k djok jgs tks dE;wuy QkflLV Qksls Zt vHkh mM+hlk es a Hkh geus
;s ns[kk gS fd fjyhQ dSEi efgyk dks QkslZ djds m/kj ys tk ds fjyhQ dSEi dks vVSd djok;k
gS] tks dE;wuy QkflLV Qksls ZtA lks eS a ;s le>rh gw a fd dksbZ Hkh ,d fuxsfVo Msoysies aV ns”k es a
gksxk rks oks efgyk vkSj cPpks a ds Åij cgqr T;knk vlj iM+rh gSA b/kj tks efgyk fofDVe Hkh
gksrh gSA exj mldks QkslZQqyh bles a ikfVZflisV Hkh djrs gSA ;wt djrs gS] efgyk dks] bl
dE;wuy QkflLV ,DV es a] blds ckjs es a Hkh xouZes aV dks cgqr lhfj;lyh bles a /;ku nsuk gSA
cgqr cgqr /kU;oknA
Union Home Minister
We are indeed very grateful to all the Hon’ble Members. They have, you have made
very good points and good suggestions. All the points that have been made by you, all
the suggessions that have been made by the Hon’ble Members, would be very carefully
examined in the Home Ministry and in the Government of India. On some of the points,
action has already been taken. I would not like to go in to the details of the actions taken
on the points made by the Hon’ble Members in the course of their statements. On
some other points, the action can be taken and those points will be examined very
carefully in consultation with other Ministries also. There are some points on which it
would be necessary to evolve greater concensus. Only then it would be possible to
take action. One of the points, which is mentioned is, the direction which can be given
under Article 355. On this point, there should be no ambiguity. There are many
Supreme Court and High Court rulings have been given. The law on these points may
not be clear to the lay persons. But the lawyers do know what is the actual legal
position. So I don’t think it is necessary for us to go into these details. We can leave
this issue to the lawyers to decide. Now, if in a letter written to the State Government it
is mentioned that there has been a Constitutional breach. What is the meaning of the
Constitutional breach. What is the meaning of not governing according to the
provisions of the Constitution. It is very clearly understood. Unfortunately for us,
we have been very careful and we are not using this provision lightly. But if
occasion arises, the framers of Constitution have said these provisions can be and
should be used. And we are trying to follow these provisions in the true sense in
which they were framed. As far as amendments to the laws is concerned, a few
members, Hon’ble Members made the point. They said let there be a
separate special law for controlling terrorism. They were not talking about a
law to controlling the communal violence or communalism as such, but they
were talking about law required to control the terrorism as such. I would like
to submit that there is a law to control terrorism in the country. Only thing is
that law should be carefully examined and studied. Now, if in the existing
law if some amendments to cope up with the new situation are required,
nobody is going to close the chapter and say that we are not going to look
at it. But it is not possible to have the laws which are identical with the laws
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which were made and which were repealed like POTA, is not possible. There,
these laws go against the basic principles of criminals jurisprudence, the principles
which develop in our country, in other countries also, is not possible, but if
anybody is wanting to widen the definition of terrorism, it is possible. If some
such small amendments or big amendments which do not go against the
principles which we should follow to protect the human rights of the citizens of
the country are suggested, there should be no difficulty but I would not like to go
into the argument and details on this point. There were other points which were
mentioned about judicial inquiry and all those things on which the Government has
made its views clear in the sense that the first thing which we would like to do is
to see that no individual is unnecessarily harassed. We would like to see that no
innocent person is tortured. Now, if that happens that innocent person himself can
become a terrorist and this does not help, that is our intention. But if we come to
the conclusion that there is some person involved in some kind of activities,
naturally all of us would like to see that according to the provisions of the existing
laws, action is taken against him or proceedings are started against him. That is
our attitude. Now, we would like to be very correct, determined to control
terrorism, at the same time, determined to see that the human rights are not
violated, the innocent persons are not put in difficulties. Nor some sections of the
societies are branded as terrorists, that would be the worst thing to happen and
which would not help us in any manner to control the terrorist activities in our
country. That is our approach. Well, we need not go into all these details. One of
the points which was made, related to the poverty allievation and economic
development. Fortunately for us, it has been possible for our country to take the
decisions in matters relating to the economic aspects of our life which have
helped us to strengthen our economy in such a manner that it would be possible
for us to deal with the problems of poverty to a great extent. That is why, so many
schemes under the guidance of our leader, my leader, my party’s leader, and the
Prime Minister, these steps have been taken. If those schemes are not enough,
some more schemes can also be looked into if there any defects that can be.
That’s a different issue. One of the things which we would like to do is to see
that the communal violence or terrorism is controlled by using the state machinary
created for this purpose in a correct manner, by bringing about economic
development, by trying to do social justice and by trying to creat an ambiance in
which it is possible for everybody to think that he is included in the entire society
and he is not excluded. What is required is understanding, what is required is
cooperation, what is required is perseverance, what is required is vigilance, what
is required is modernization of the governmental machinery, what is required is a
different kind of education, what is required is different kind of attitude towards
life and all these elements are available in our country. The only one point I want
to make before I close my brief statement is this, the situation in our country is
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such that we shall have to be vigilant, careful and do everything possible to see
that the communal harmony is not disturbed, terrorism is not perpetrated and
innocent people are not put in difficulties. But in these areas also if we take an
exaggerated stand as one of the Hon’ble members said very clearly Mr. Madani
said it very clearly, if we present this case in such a manner that people get
frightened just by hearing what we are saying, then the purpose for which the
terrorists are working, or those who are creating problems, is also served. That has
to be avoided. So exaggerating or hiding, covering anything which is happening,
is not going to help us. Taking a balanced stand, taking a correct stand, taking
a just stand, taking a determind attitude, adopting a determined attitude will help.
And that is what our leaders have been asking us to do. That is what our
Government is asking us to do. And that is what we will try to do it. I am not
going to give you the statistics, the statistics which is very relevant to assess the
situation is given to you in the documents which are supplied to you. And if you
go through those figures and facts and the graphs and the charts which are
given, you would be in the position to come to the correct conclusion as to the
situations relating to communal harmony and terrorism in the country. But you, I
would request you, please go through those things, one glance at those pages
will give you the idea and if you think that those figures, facts are not convincing,
we can discuss them. If corrections are required according to you, we will again
examine them, but according to us what is available is given to you, do have a look
at it and form the opinion. I would not like to say anything more than this. This
meeting should give a message to the Government, to the non-governmental
organizations and to the individuals and to the entire society as such that in these
matters together, united we stand to face the difficulties which are faced not
only by people in India but people throughout the world also. With these words,
I would like to conclude my statement and I would like to beseech Hon’ble Prime
Minister to guide us in these matters.
Prime Minister’s concluding observations
Hon’ble members, I would like to thank each one of you, leaders of
political parties, Chief Ministers, social activists and other distinguished participants
for the very useful deliberations today in this meeting of the National Integration
Council.
We have listened carefully to your well considered suggestions and I would like
to assure you that we will give due consideration to each and every one of these
suggestions.
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I have noted with great satisfaction that there is across the board consensus
on the need to contain communal discord and violence, protect minority rights and
uphold our cherished ideals of nationalism, secularism, inclusiveness and nonviolence.
The Council has been unanimous in the condemnation of the recent acts
of communal strife and discord in some parts of our country. There has also
been agreement that terrorism constitutes a major challenge to the cohesiveness of
our nation. This challenge has to be met effectively but targeting of particular
communities and their profiling has to be avoided. It has to be recognized that
terrorists have no religion. I believe today’s deliberations will give us renewed
courage to face all the challenges in the coming days.
Suggestions have been received to hold more frequent meetings of the NIC
and to put in place an institutionalized mechanism within the NIC to pursue
relevant issues on a continous basis. These suggestions will be taken up for
immediate follow up action. I would like to draw the attention of the Council to the
report of the Working Group of the National Integration Council which studied the
reports of the Commissions of Inquiry on communal riots. Valuable suggestions
are contained in the report of the Working Group and I urge both the Home
Ministry and the State Governments to have a careful look at the recommendations
of this important Working Group.
After hearing your statements, I believe that we agree on the imperative
necessity to preserve and protect the secular fabric of our composite society and
the interests of all our people, particularly the minorities and the disadvantaged.
Needless to stress, it is incumbent on the Central and State Governments to act
decisively and firmly when communal strife, ethnic violence and terror disturb our
peace and harmony. I would like to take this opportunity to assure all of you that
the Central Government would not be found wanting in the fulfillment of its
Constitutional obligations.
I am convinced that we need to approach these issues with vigour and
with a greater sense of unity of purpose. What we are confronting today are the
problems of dangerous proportion and we need to act together, now and in the
future. This meeting is one step forward. I call upon the Chief Ministers of all
States to initiate similar dialogues with all sections of society in their respective
states. They should pay special attention to winning the hearts and minds of
minorities and other disadvantaged groups. The police and security forces ought
to be adequately sensitive to the concerns of the minorities. Dear members let us
all work together shoulder-to-shoulder to decisively defeat the nefarious designs of
divisive forces and take our nation forward.
At the end of our very productive deliberations today, it is appropriate
for us to adopt a resolution which reflects our concerns and resolve. Now I
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equest the Hon’ble Home Minister to share with you the text of the proposed
resolution.
Home Minister
Resolution adopted by the National Integration Council (NIC) at its meeting on
13 th October, 2008:
1. The NIC meeting discussed various issues impacting on national integration and
communal harmony such as caste, communal, regional and identity divisions,
economic and regional disparities, inequitable development, need for empowerment
of various disadvantaged groups, weaker sections and minorities, and the threats to
national integrity and national integration emanating from terrorism and extremism in
all its forms.
2. The meeting noted that the vast majority of Indians cutting across religious and
cultural lines are peace-loving, believe in the spirit and idea of tolerance, communal
harmony and the rule of law. They abhor violence, inhumanity and disorder in
society.
3. The meeting recognized that unity in diversity and communal harmony constitute
the bedrock of our nationhood and civilizational values. Preserving this unique heritage
is the challenge of our times and the bounden duty of every citizen of India.
4. The meeting expressed concern at the recent incidents of communal and terrorist
violence in various parts of the country. It resolved that the foundations of our
civilization lie in secularism, equality, justice-social, economic and political, and
fraternity amongst all communities. These must be preserved and promoted at all
costs, and towards this end, an environment of security for all sections of the
society must also be ensured.
5. The meeting condemned all acts of violence, and covert and overt attempts to
strike at the roots of our national integrity, solidarity and pluralism, and all forms of
extremism, terrorism and violence, and resolved to deal with all such challenges
firmly and in accordance with the rule of law.
6. The meeting called upon all political parties, civil society organizations, citizens’
groups, religious, social and other opinion leaders, and the media to rise above
narrow thinking or interests, and to act unitedly to defeat all forms of extremism
and any attempt at division of our society on social, religious and communal lines.
This is the resolution. I hope that we take it that you all have approved it.
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PART II
SPEECHES TAKEN ON RECORD

SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL
UNION HOME MINISTER
Respected Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, Respected Chairperson, UPA,
Mrs. Soniaji Gandhi, Hon'ble Union Ministers and Ministers of State, Hon'ble
Governor, J & K, Hon'ble Chief Ministers, Hon'ble Members of Legislatures, Hon'ble
Leaders of different political parties, Hon'ble jurists, journalists,
academicians, social workers, leaders in different walks of life, Officers and
Friends
1. I have great pleasure and privilege in welcoming all the distinguished
members of the NIC, the Prime Minister, Chairperson of UPA, Leaders of
political parties and the leaders in different walks of life.
2. I would like to thank them very sincerely for making it convenient to
participate in this meeting.
3. This is the 14th meeting of the NIC. It is convened to discuss the topics
mentioned in the agenda circulated to the members. Topics in the agenda
are selected by a committee consisting of a few erudite members of the
council. Two topics are included in the agenda to provide opportunities to
the members to express their views on the current communal and extremist
situations in some parts of our country.
4. The topics in the agenda can be and are discussed in the Union and State
Legislatures. But, it was thought that subjects relating to national integration
should be considered by those experienced and erudite citizens also, who are
not in the Legislatures, in order to arrive at unbiased and impartial conclusions
and to suggest ways and means which can be adopted to achieve the
objectives of preventing communal disturbances and violence, threat to the
unity of the country and to protect, preserve and strengthen the communal
harmony and national integration, and to bring the culprits to books, and to
protect and preserve the interests of the innocent citizens. National integration
is too important a subject to be left exclusively in the jurisdication and
hands of the government, without consulting the people at large, without
obtaining their views and suggestions and cooperation and without
consulting the wise, erudite and the experienced persons in the society.
5. It is true that the main responsibility to protect and preserve the national
integration and communal harmony and avoid communal disturbances and
threat to the unity of the nation lies on the shoulders of the government and
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their agencies and forces. They have to discharge these responsibilities by
strengthening their forces, collecting intelligence, taking preventive actions,
punishing the culprits, making good the losses sustained in the disturbance,
by issuing a list of do's and don'ts to the state governments, to deal with
communal problems in a more effective manner, to prepare a scheme to
help the families of the victims to support them when the main persons in
the families are killed, to assist the state governments with forces, intelligence,
equipments and funds for short term, medium term and long term
preparedness to face and counter the menace. The documents giving the
information in greater details relating to these issue are circulated to the
distinguished members of the NIC for their perusal and information.
6. India is a big country of 120 crores of human beings. The Indian people
speak many languages, follow different customs in their lives. They are, by
and large, liberal and tolerant in their attitudes towards others, who do not
lead identical types of lives and do not see eye to eye with one another in
all aspects of existence. They follow the principles of "Anekantwad". They
believe that the goal of life is one and the same. But, the routes that lead to
the goal can and are different and many. It is because of this way of
thinking, the country could be united and freedom from foreign yoke could
be achieved and sovereignty and integrity of the nation could be proteced
and preserved. The uniting forces thus have proved sucessfull upto this
time and may prove to be successful in the future also.
7. However, on occasions, the dividing forces and tendencies, narrow
mindedness, short sightedness, selfishness and parochialism have surfaced
at many places, causing damage to the properties, limbs and lives of the
innocent, unsuspecting, straightforward citizens of the country. At times,
these aberrations have been controlled without agonizing delays. At times,
they have continued for long spells of time, causing enormous damages to
the properties, limbs and lives of many human beings and have left behind
them many festering wounds, which have turned into cesspools of hatred and
vengeance responsible for violence and bad blood between persons at times.
8. The dividing and disturbing forces are the results of narrow mindedness,
ignorance and selfishness. They are unleashed by a few in the society. But,
they have been responsible for enormous unease and fear psychosis in the
lives of peace loving majority of the people.
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9. Such tendencies and the persons should be controlled, contained and
punished severely, if found not capable of changing their attitudes through
persuasion, discussions and dialogue. The Governments want to do the
same. The Governments cannot afford to allow these tendencies to grow
and upset the applecart of communal harmony and amity. In these efforts,
the government at all levels should cooperate and are cooperating in many
ways. The Governments have their duties defined in the Constitution of
India, which they should discharge and are discharging. But, at all levels, in
all things we do, there is a scope for improvement, which should be achieved
without delays, which is what they are trying to do. The Government would
use all the just, legal and effective means and methods to achieve victory
over the menace of communal violence and disturbances and the divisive
forces, threatening the national integration.
10. There are two views expressed on the modus operandi, which the
Governments can adopt. One view is that they should be tough and as
ruthlesss as the mischief mongers are, against the persons encouraging
communal violence and divisive tendencies and perpetrating fear psychosis
and they should not be soft in their actions against them. The other view is
that they should be careful in actions they take and see that no innocent person
is hurt or killed in what they do to curb the menance of communal violence
and divisive tendencies affecting the unity of the country.
11. The Government want to be effective against mischief mongers and
criminals. They want to educate the people. They want to redress the
grievances of the disturbed citizens. They want to do justice, political,
economic, social and cultural, to one and all. They want to bring about
equality and do away with inequality and lopsided development.
12. While doing so, the Governments want to avoid causing any kind of damage
to any human being, any group of persons and any section of the society.
They want to avoid creating conditions in which some sections of the
society are branded as culprits. They know that, in no section of the society,
all persons are evil minded or good natured; Good natured innocent persons
should be given the protection which is just and they deserve and wrongdoers
are punished severely as per the law. Here, a balance between the two
extremes need be struck. In matters of any nature extreme positions do not
help. They can help to destroy, but cannot help to develop. Only the
balance is at the root of existence and reality, helpful and long lasting. The
Governments have to perform this duty of maintining the correct and just
balance. Otherwise their actions taken to solve a few problems can create
many more problems.
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13. On these issues of great importance, we seek the views and guidance of the
distinguished members of the Council. The Members of the Council are the
part of the cream of the wisdom and under standing in the Indian society.
14. In a brief statement, details of the steps taken and that are proposed to
be taken or can be taken, cannot be given. Therefore, in my submission to
you, I have tried to touch upon only some aspects relevant to the policies
that are followed and can be followed by the Governments. Some more
details are given in the documents supplied to you.
15. On this occasion, we remember Mr. Chandrashekhar, the former Prime
Minister of India, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria, Dr. K.K. Birla, Shri Harkishan Singh
Surjeet, Shri Kamleshwar, Maulana Abdul Karim Parik, and Ms. Nirmala
Deshpande, who were the members of NIC and who are not with us today,
all the members of the forces who have sacrificed their lives in the service
of the nation, and while protecting the lives of innocent persons. We would
like to salute their memory. We would like to remember the victims of all
senseless violence perpetrated by the extremists and send our condolences
to the members of their families. We would like to do our best to help them
in every way possible.
16. I need say no more at this point of time.
17. I thank you for your attention.
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Jh ykyw izlkn
jsy ea=kh
jk"Vªh; ,drk ifj"kn ds v/;{k ekuuh; iz/kkuea=h MkW- eueksgu flag th- ;wih, v/;{kk
ekuuh; Jherh lksfu;k xk¡/kh th] ekuuh; dsUæh; ea=hx.k] jkT;ksa ds ekuuh; eq[;ea=hx.k]
jk"Vªh; ,oa {ks=h; jktuhfrd nyksa ds lEekfur usrkx.k] jk"Vªh; vk;ksxksa ds ekuuh;
v/;{kx.k] ehfM;k ls lacaf/kr izfrfuf/kx.k] m|ksx ,oa Jfed oxZ ds izfrfuf/kx.k] fof'k"V ,oa
lEekfur lnL;x.k rFkk lEekfur efgyk izfrfuf/kx.k-
jk"Vªh; ,drk ifj"kn dh ;g cSBd ,d ,sls le; esa gks jgh gS] tc bldh fo'ks"k
vko';drk gSA vki lcdks ;kn gksxk fd ;wih, ljdkj dk xBu gh lkEiznkf;d 'kfDr;ksa dks
lÙkk ls nwj j[kus ds mís'; ls fd;k x;k Fkk ftlesa lHkh lsdwyj fopkj/kkjk j[kus okyh
ikfVZ;ksa us leFkZu fn;k FkkA ge ns'k esa lkaiznkf;d ruko vkSj Hk; ls eqDr okrkoj.k nsus ds
okns ds lkFk ,d gq, FksA ge vius bl okns ij [kjs Hkh mrjs gSaA bDdk nqDdk ?kVukvksa dks
NksM+dj geus vYila[;dksa vkSj fo'ks"k :i ls eqfLye Hkkb;ksa esa ;g fo'okl iSnk djus esa
lQyrk ikbZ gS fd ;wih, ljdkj lkEizkfn;d 'kfDr;ksa ds fo#) gS vkSj muds lkFk iwjk
balkQ gksxkA bl flyflys esa lPpj desVh dh fjiksVZ dh jks'kuh esa ljdkj us eqfLye oxZ
dh f'k{kk] lkekftd rFkk vkfFkZd fodkl ,oa jkstxkj ds fy, vge dne mBk, gSa] ftlls ;s
yksx ns'k ds fodkl esa viuk Hkjiwj ;ksxnku ns ldsaA
;g fpark dh ckr gS fd fiNys dqN fnuksa esa ns'k esa lkaiznkf;d fgalk dh dbZ okjnkrsa
gqbZ gSa] ftlls vYila[;d leqnk; [kkSQ ls lge jgk gSA cqjgkuiqj] vkfnykckn rFkk egkjk"Vª
ds Hkh dqN fgLlksa esa fiNys fnuksa naxs gq, gSa] tks dh lkEiznkf;d lkSgknZ dks fcxkM+ jgs gSA
;g vQ+lksl dh ckr gS fd ns'k ds dqN jkT;ksa esa ftl rjg vYila[;d bZlkb;ksa ij geys
fd, tk jgs gSa] muds /kkfeZd LFkyksa dks tyk;k tk jgk gS] uu cguksa ds lkFk cykRdkj fd;k
tk jgk gS] mUgsa ?kj&}kj NksM+dj taxyksa esa 'kj.k ysus ij etcwj fd;k tk jgk gSA bu
?kVukvksa dk ns'k dh /keZ fujis{krk ,oa lkEiznkf;d ln~Hkko ij cqjk vlj iM+ jgk gSA fo'o
fgUnw ifj"kn rFkk ctjax ny us mM+hlk] dukZVd rFkk ns'k dh dbZ fgLlksa es ftl rjg dk
vkrad QSyk;k gS] mlls l[rh ls fuiVuk cgqr t:jh gSA ekuuh; iz/kku ea=h th eSa vkils
fuosnu d:¡xk fd l[r ls l[+r dne mBkrs gq, lkEiznkf;drk ds bl ukx dks jksdus ds
fy, dqN fd;k tk;sA D;ksafd lkEiznkf;drk dh yscksjsVªh ls fudkyk ;g uQ+jr dk QkewZyk
iwjs ns'k esa dgh QSy x;k rks ge vius vki dks dHkh ekQ ugha dj ik;saxsA
;g vQ+lksl dh ckr gS fd tc Hkh dgha dksbZ vkradoknh ?kVuk gksrh gS rks mldk
lkEizkfn;dj.k djus dh dksf'k'k dh tkrh gSA vkradokn flQ+Z gekjh gh fpark ugha gS] cfYd
vkt blds /kekdksa ls iwjk fo'o ngyk gqvk gSA vkradokn dk dksbZ /keZ vkSj t+kr ugha gksrhA
og vkradoknh ftudh la[;k maxkfy;ksa ij fxuh tk ldrh gS ml le; vkSj vf/kd et+cwr
gks mBrs gSa] tc ge mUgsa fdlh fo'ks"k /keZ ;k lekt ls tksM+dj ns[kus yxrs gSaA bl izdkj
ge ml /keZ ds vuq;kb;ksa dks vyx&Fkyx dj nsrs gSa] ftlls vkradokn ds fo#) gekjh
yM+kbZ detksj iM+ tkrh gSA bl ckr ls budkj ugha fd;k tk ldrk gS fd gekjs ns'k es
107

ckcjh efLtn ds fo/oal vkSj xqtjkr naxksa ds ckn gh vkradokn dh ?kVukvksa esa bt+kQk gqvk
gSA ;s mu yksxksa ds fy, lkspus dk fo"k; gS] tks lÙkk ikus ds LokFkZ esa HkkbZ dks HkkbZ ls
yM+kus dk f?kukSuk vijk/k djrs gSaA
esjk vkxzg gS fd iz'kklu esa lgh lksp j[kus okys yksxksa dks vkxs yk;k tk,] tks
laosnu'khy gksus ds lkFk&lkFk jk"Vªh; ,drk ds fl)karksa ij [kjs mrjrs gksaA ,d tslk iSxke
fn;k tk, ftlls iwjk ns'k bu vkradokfn;ksa ds fo#) ,d lkFk [kM+k utj vk, rkfd bUgsa ns'k
dk ekgkSy [kjkc djus ls jksdk tk ldsA lkFk gh vkradokn ds fo#) yM+kbZ esa lHkh oxksZ ds
Hkjkslsean yksxksa dks lkFk esa fy;k tk, vkSj lkFk feydj bl vkradokn :ih uklwj dk [kkRek
fd;k tk,A gekjk ekuuk gS fd vkradokfn;ksa ds lkFk gesa l[rh ls fuiVuk gksxkA exj ;g Hkh
/;ku j[kuk gksxk fd bl rjg dh dkjokbZ;ksa dks pisV esa funksZ"k yksx u vkus ik;saA
;g Hkh eglwl fd;k tk jgk gS fd gekjs ikl [kqfQ+;k tkudkjh dk vHkko jgrk gSA
dksbZ Hkh vkradoknh ?kVuk gks tkus ds ckn ftl rst+h ls uke mNkyus dh dkjZokbZ gksrh gS]
[kqfQ+;k foHkkx dks oSlh gh rsth ?kVuk dks jksdus esa djuh pkfg,A blds fy, gesa [kqfQ;k
ra= dks etcwr djuk gksxkA ljdkj }kjk [kqfQ+;k ra= dks et+cwr djus ,oa iqfyl cy
ds vk/kqfudhdj.k ds fy, tks vko';d dne mBk;s tk jgs gS] gesa bl ij vkSj vf/kd /;ku
nsus dh t+:jr gSA
{ks=h; vlekurk ds pyrs dqN {ks=ksa dk fodkl rsth ls gqvk gS] tcfd dqN {ks=
fodkl dh bl jQ+rkj esa fiNM+ x;s gS vkSj fodkl dh eq[;/kkjk ls nwj gks x, gSaA bu fiNM+s
jkT;ksa esa uDlyokn dh leL;k mB [kM+h gksus ds ihNs fodkl ds {ks= esa fiNM+uk ,d eq[;
dkj.k gSA blfy, uDlyokn ds vkrad ls ckgj fudyus ds fy, ,sls jkT;ksa dk fodkl
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SHRI RAM VILAS PASWAN
UNION MINISTER OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS AND STEEL
I am very happy to be present in the midst of this august gathering on
this important occasion. The last meeting of NIC was held in 2005, which
itself had been held after a gap of 12 years. In the last meeting, I had voiced a
general concern that the meeting of NIC should be called once every year. It is
nonetheless, an improvement over the record of the previous Governments.
On this occasion, I would like to congratualte the Prime Minister and his
colleagues for steering this nation on the path of progress and prosperity. It is
a matter of great pride that this Government by concluding the Indo-US
Nuclear Agreement has finally ended 34 year old regime of 'Nuclear apartheid',
opening the doors for accessing high-end nuclear technology to power
accelerated growth of our economy. Even the risk of sacrificing the Government
did not waver the determination and commitment of this Government
which put the national interest above every thing else and went ahead to
conclude the agreement. In the last four years, we have further strengthened
relations with our neighbours. Our standing in the international arena has
significantly gone up. India is seen as an economic power of the future. Our
entrepreneurs, our IT professionals and a vast Diaspora of highly qualified India
are achieving success in many countries. India has the image of a progressive,
secular and mature democracy. This has been made possible by the commitment
and vision of our founding fathers like Mahatma Gandhi. Baba Sahib
Ambedkar and Jawahar Lal Nehru among others. On the domestic front,
I must say that this Government has been able to maintain relative calm in the
insurgency prone regions by strengthening the peace initiatives and by
adopting people-friendly policies to bring them closer to the national mainstream.
On the economic front also, the UPA Government deserves accolades for
ensuring rapid growth of the economy, bringing about a paradigm shift in its
emphasis on inclusive growth and by taking care of the special needs of all
segments of our diverse society. Dalits, minorities, farmers and the poor and the
deprived have been given special focus in the governance agenda. Manifold rise
in the social, educational and infrastructure spending by the Government, empowerment
of the common man by bringing Right to Information Act and introduction
of a legally enforceable guarantee for seasonal employment for the rural poor
in the form of NREGA have been shining examples of the commitment of this
Government to the cause of the common man. Sachar Committee report for
all round development of the minorities and the report of the Committee on
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Dalit Affairs for upliftment of dalits are historic initiatives. Recommendations
of these committees have far reaching significance with the potential to transform
the lives of these sections of our society.
The Empowered Committee on Dalit Affairs with which I have been
closely associated has recommended allotment of agricultural land and houses
on priority basis to SC families, provisioning of basic amenities in villages
and habitations having significant population of SCs, increased budget for
raising their education levels including more schools and hostels, provisioning
of annual budget in the Central Government departments in proportion to
the SC population and making the budget allocation non lapsable and non
divertible. Similarly, the emphasis on modern education for minorities and
providing lakhs of scholoarship for bright young minority students gives them a
new hope and the confidence that the State is taking care of their needs and
we as a nation are committed to take along all sections of society on the path
to peace, progress and prosperity. All these initiatives of the Government,
undoubtedly and unequivocally, strengthen the spirit of national integration.
Speedy action on the recommendations of the reports of Committee on Dalit
Affairs and the Sachar Committee would further deepen our commitment to
these sections and bind them together with the shared destiny of this nation.
While reflecting on all the achievements of the past sixty years and
particularly the achievements of this Government, we have to introspect and
ask ourselves : Have we done enough for the poor and the downtrodden, for
the deprived and the dis-advantaged ? Have we achieved what we set out to
achieve?. The answer, unfortunately, is no.
Even after 60 years of independence, we are living in a country where a crime
is committed against a Dalit every 18 minutes; where every day 3 dalit women
are raped, 2 dalits are murdered; where, in 33% of villages public health
workers refuse to vist dalit homes; where, in 27.6% of villages, dalits are
prevented from entering a police station; where in 23.5% of villages dalits did
not receive mail in their homes; where dalits were denied access to water
sources in 48.4% of villages because of segregation and untouchability practices.
This meeting of the NIC has been called at a time when the country is
facing some grave challenges. After relative calm in the communal situation in
the country since the UPA Government came to power, there has been a
sudden flare up in various parts of the country, particularly Karnataka and
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Orissa where our Christian brothers have been targeted by anti-social
elements. Another serious development is the terror strikes that have rocked
several major cities of our country recently.
The report of Working Group of NIC on Commission of Enquiries on
Communal Riots, which has been placed here along with today's agenda, has
given its recommendations which relate to intelligence, police, media, general
adminstration and education. Unfortunately, the report has not touched one
important dimension of our education system. The schools run by the RSS
sister organizations are using history and social science text books to extol the
virtues of oppressive caste system, denigrate religious icons of Christians and
Muslims and underplay the role of true freedom fighters and the architects of
independent India. The divisive ideology of Savarkar, Hegdewar and Golwalkar
is being fed to the young mind. Many of these schools have been affiliated
with the State Boards and even CBSE. Unifortunately, no serious efforts are
being made to ensure that text books of these schools conform to the NCERT
standards to celebrate the rich heritage of our cultural, linguistic and religious
diversity. In a nation of the size of a continent with more than one billion
people, we can ignore this diversity at our own peril. The Central Government
had undertaken a review of such text books in 1993 and 2004. However,
the poison from these text books has not been completely wiped out. I
suggest that such text books which directly or indirectly promote divisive
ideologies and hatred among various communities should be purged from the
curriculum by the Govt.
Another serious challenge before us is to thwart the nefarious designs of
those destabilizing forecs which do not want this country to become strong
and united. We are battling an ever-growing menance of terrorism which appears
to be spreading in the society putting lives of innocent people at risk. On the
one hand, some of our youths are getting misguided into extremist and militant
ideology. On the other hand, the scourge of communal violence is rearing
its ugly head in regions which have hitherto remained largely untouched by
it. Incidents of violence and vandalism, rape and murder against Christian
minorities in Karnataka and Orissa have put the entrie nation to shame. It has
not only blotted our international image as a secular democracy but has also
dented the faith of the minorities in the system. These are, without doubt, the
most serious challenges to national integration. I, say with deep regret that the
concerned Governments have not acted with the sensitivity and seriousness that
the nation expected from them. We are only interested in blaming one another for
these incidents. I have repeatedly asked why such incident are taking place when
the country is going to face elections in the next few months. Why is it that certain
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organizations affiliated to a national political party are engaging in spreading
communal disharmony, disunity and hatred? The pattern of this entire campaign
suggest that there is unholy conspiracy to polarize people on communal lines, to
foist an atmosphere of fear and terror and to create confusion in the minds of the
people by repeatedly charging that this Government is soft on terror.
When the UPA Government came to power, we agreed on an agenda of
Governance which laid down certain commitments. The misuse of TADA
and POTA in the past had provided us with enough lessons to commit that the
draconian legislations with vast potential for misuse of power have no place
in a democratic country which swears by governance through the rule of law.
We wanted terrorism also to be tackled by a strong law that does not
harass or victimize innocent people, a law that is not used to settle personal
political or sectarian scores. And, therefore, we repealed POTA and strengthened
existing legislations. TADA and POTA had miserably failed in their
avowed objective of preventing terrorism in this country. Unfortunately, the
debate about terror legislation has become mere political sloganeering with
little concern about effective enforcement of existing laws. Today, the country
is asking how many convictions took place under POTA, how many terrorist
strikes were prevented, did we eliminate fake encounters, did we not settle
political scores by invoking provisions of POTA??? My friends from Tamil
Nadu are sitting here. They will bear testimony to how an important political
figure there was incarcerated under POTA and this is not an isolated example
of misuse of the Act. We are not a dictatorship, we are not under Martial Law
and we are not a police State. In a mature democracy, extra-judical powers
with a license to violated human rights cannot be given to anyone. Example
of USA is often cited for enactment of tough terror laws after terror strikes of
2001. But I want to ask the advocates of POTA - have there been any reports
of misuse of such powers in that country? Have they not sent a US citizen to
life imprisonment within one year of killing an innocent sikh? We have to
reach that level of accountability and maturity before enacting legislations like
POTA. I fully agree with Shri Moily, Chairman of Administrative Reforms
Commission, who has recommended that such legislations should be brought
only after the Police reforms are fully implemented.
When we talk of national integration, we have to become specially
cautious about the nefarious designs of certain organizations who follow a
divisive and disruptive agenda. Violence in Orissa and Karnataka has been
aided, abetted and conduted by the activists of Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu
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Parishad. In both the locations, their leaders have openly claimed the responsibility
for these acts of tageting the Christian minorities, many of whom
happen to be dalit converts. I am convinced that in the interest of the nation
and in the interest of national integration, such organizations should be imme
diately banned and the State should deal with them with an iron hand.
It is also necessary that our judical system becomes more senstive in dealing
with the crimes of this nature. It is really unfortunate that investigation, trial
and conviction in cases of communal riots are languishing in various stages in
courts and commissions. This does not reassure the minorities about the fairness
of the system and their faith in the entire system gets jolted. It is, therefore,
our collective responsibility and particularly of the State concerned that
action on court cases relating to Maliana Massacre, Bombay Riots, Gujarat
Riots and numberous other such cases are expedited so that the perpetrators of
these crimes against humanity are brought to book and the faith of the people
in the system is restored. This is the best guarantee against social and
communal disharmony, disunity and disntegrity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we are standing at a very delicate point in our
history.Wrong steps and decisions at this stage can take us back to the path of
disunity and dis-integration, of confusion and chaos. Therefore, we need to
guard against all attempts of regressive and disruptive forces to create confusion
and to mislead innocent minds for their narrow gains. How can we
maintain national integration when we are fighting among ourselves in the
name of caste, class and religion? In my last speech in this forum, I had said
that caste, communalism, corruption and criminalization are the biggest hurdles
in the path of national integration. These 4 Cs need to be tackled with great
seriousness and unity of purpose because they not only create social dishar
mony but also lead to economic loss.
I would like to make a special mention of the recent calamity that some
districts of Bihar faced due to floods as a result of breach in the Kosi embankment.
The Central Government deserves congratulations for promptly declaring it
as a national calamity and providing necessary resources to deal with the crisis.
Vast number of people have been completely devastated by the fury of this flood.
The poorest of the poor have lost everything that they had. The rebuilding
efforts will take years and therefore it needs to be taken up as a national mission.
The State Government also needs to display more seriousness and sensitivity in
providing relief to the people. Since resources are not a constraint, the Administration
has to deliver. It is the responsibility of the State Government to ensure
this.
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I wish to once again congratulate the Government for carrying out the
Special Recruitment drive for filling up backlog vacancies of SCs/STs.
However, reservation in private sector still remains an unfulfilled aspiration.
National integration cannot be achieved by Government alone. Every citizen
of this country has an equal duty and responsibility to work for and achieve
this ideal. The Indian corporate
world whose role is increasing tremendously and which has been the biggest
beneficiary of the policies of economic liberalization over the last 15 years
also has an onerous responsibility to contribute to national integration. They
can do it by giving due representation to all sections of society in their
workforce. Unfortunately, most Corporate houses are paying only lip-service
to this noble idea. Since the Corporate sector has not been able to voluntarily
work towards social justice, the Government needs to come forward and
implement reservation in private sector which will go a long way in achieving
the ideals of a free, fair and just society.
114

DR. Y. S. RAJASEKHARA REDDY
CHIEF MINISTER, ANDHRA PRADESH
Respected Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji, Respected
Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Shivraj Patilji, and Fellow members of the
National Integration Council,
A sense of patriotism pervades my spirit as I speak to you all from this
grand platform, which assumes added significance in the context of India’s
booming economy and its steady rise as a world power.
Of course, we are meeting at a crucial juncture as the nation has witnessed
some terrorist attacks, communal disturbances, cross-border terrorist acts and
naxalite violence in certain States. Still, it is to the credit of our millennia-old
culture that we speak as one. This oneness of spirit is essential to reinforce the
confidence which people have about the integrity of the nation.
Thank to the vision of Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, this national forum
came into being in 1961 expressly to tackle problems arising out of the
complexity of the national fabric of multitudinous hues. Nehruji used to say:
“Crises and deadlocks, when they occur, have at least this advantage that
they force us to think”.
Interestingly, Nehruji’s views on the role of every citizen in contributing
to the emotional integration of the country and his accent on orienting education
to engender national integration continue to be relevant today even after
46 years of the first meeting of the National Integration Council.
We need to redouble our efforts to prop emotional integration and
ensure every citizen’s unstinted commitment to the integrity of the nation,
considering that some anti-national forces are trying to take undue advantage
of the national spirit of tolerance. We need to help people stay clear of
regional and communal conflicts.
Keeping in view the role State governments can play to cement national
integration, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated several measures in
the recent past.
As regional imbalance and lopsided development could result in discontent
among the affected sections of people, we thought that one of the good
solutions to correct regional imbalances is to ensure balanced development
of all regions. With this as the guiding principle, we embarked on a massive
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water mission called ‘Jalayagnam,’ which envisages bringing one crore acres
of parched lands in backward areas under cultivation. In the next few months,
we will achieve at least 30% of this ambitious target.
Similarly, effective implementation of the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme and our own innovative ‘Pavala Vaddi’ program i.e.
loans at 3% interest to Self-Help Groups have helped mitigate the sufferings
of the rural poor.
Equitable development implies poverty alleviation, industrialization and
so forth. But, we believe that equitable development should reflect in improved
living standards of people across the State, even in remote rural areas.
Hence we launched the Indiramma (Integrated Development of Rural Areas
and Model Municipal Areas) program.
The program is intended to create infrastructure, including roads, lights,
buildings for schools as well as hospitals and sanitation facilities; grant pension
to the needy; and build houses for the homeless. The housing component
of the program, with a target of 80 lakh units, is central, considering that will
give a sense of confidence and social security to the homeless.
Another dimension of equitable development is creation or upgrading of
medical facilities that will enable even the poorest of poor to live with dignity,
considering that medical treatment has become prohibitive even for well-to-do
circles. Here, we have come up with a novel health insurance scheme,
‘Arogyasri’, for the benefit of the poor. Even Mahatma Gandhi used to dream
of a Bharat in which we can wipe out every drop of tears in the eyes of the
poorest.
We fully endorse Nehruji’s observation at the first NIC meeting in 1962
that education plays a vital role in national integration. Reflecting our commitment
to his vision, we have introduced CBSE syllabus in 6,500 high
schools, mainly in rural areas, with English also as the medium of instruction.
This will ensure that the curriculum designed by the National Council for
Educational Research and Training with a national perspective will be carried
to students across Andhra Pradesh. We have introduced computer education
on a large scale.
Students from the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes are
given pre-Matric and post-Matric scholarships and are provided hostel
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accommodation. Social welfare residential schools provide educa-tion that is
necessary to successfully take the qualifying examination.
In order to support minority communities and to provide them equal
opportunities for growth and advancement, separate schools are being run to
benefit students belonging to linguistic and religious groups. We have
proposed to introduce area-wise intensive program for educationally backward
communities. We have enhanced the curriculum of Madarsa education by
introducing subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Studies and English
along with computer training. Providing equal opportunities to minorities is
the need of the hour. So, we chose to provide 4 per cent reservation for
backward Muslims in all professional courses.
We are particular about the welfare of minorities, as it is our responsibility
to infuse a sense of confidence and security among all groups. In Andhra
Pradesh, we have set up a separate department for the welfare of Christian
minorities. In an unprecedented move, we have taken steps to increase even
the police force by 37,000 policemen. We are taking all necessary steps to
protect the secular character of the State and to promote harmonious coexistence
of all sections of people.
In the recent past, some parts of the country were disturbed by a rash of
communal disturbances. We understand that were engineered by vested
interests or anti social elements. I am sure that everyone will agree with the
view that long-lasting communal harmony is a precondition for emotional
integration. This requires dispassionate implementation of some immediate as
well as long- term measures.
Joint advisory committees might be constituted at the Government level,
involving prominent personalities belonging to all major communities. Such
panels can periodically have dialogues with religious leaders. They can help
in conflict resolution in normal circumstances and contain the spread of
communal canker whenever there is trouble in some part of the country.
With due respect to media houses, I must say that I find it distasteful to
view repeat telecasts of communal disturbances even if the incidents take place
in some remote places. Unwarranted repeat telecast of such stray incidents could
stoke communal trouble in other places. Considering the immediate impact that
media has on people, I feel that media should show restraint in reporting
incidents of communal nature and thus help in promoting communal harmony.
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In addition, measures like quick disposal of cases and condign punishment of
the culprits in communal attacks would pay rich dividends. Although law and
order is largely a State subject, the Government alone cannot root out the
problem. It needs people’s wholehearted support. Every citizen should rise to
the occasion and do his or her utmost in promoting communal harmony to
protect the integrity of the nation.
Let’s recall Nobel laureate Dr Martin Luther King’s sapient observation:
“ Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Jai Hind
118

SHRI TARUN GOGOI
CHIEF MINISTER, ASSAM
Respected Dr. Manmohan Singhji, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Home
Minister, Patil, & his Cabinet colleagus, Hon’ble Chief Ministers of All States,
Press & Media, & distinguished guests,
Social Structure- Caste and Identity divisions and rhetoric
Assam is a pluralistic multi lingual, multi religious and multi ethnic society.
However, the society in Assam is not divided on the basis of caste, creed
or religion. Untouchability and religious fanatism are unknown in the State.
The Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Sikhs have been living together for
hundreds of years in Assam in peace and harmony. Moreover, the festivals in
Assam also involve the society as a whole without prejudice to any caste,
community or religion. Only recently there have been incidents of violence
among certain ethnic and minority groups. The unfortunate clashes, which
took place recently were restriced mainly to two districts namely Udalguri and
Darrang. This occurred mainly due to the call by various organizations demanding
detection and deportation of illegal migrants from the State besides
the protracted issue of land involving the tribal and minorities. However,
peace was restored within seventy-two hours through firm state action including
strong, effective and unbiased action by law enforcing agencies and the
armed forces. It is highly encouraging to note that despite the disturbances the
Eid and the Durga Puja celebration not only passed off peacefully but also
saw full participation of all communities. The Government was able to deploy
reinforcement very promptly despite the insurgency situation in the state. The
clashes unfortunately resulted in death of 55 persons including 24 killed in
police firing. The number of villages affected is practically the same for both
the communities. As on date as many as 2,25,000 people have taken shelter in
the relief camps established by the State Government.
We are firmly of the view that these clashes cannot be termed as communal
in nature in that the genesis of these disturbances lies in mischievous
propaganda spread by vested interests and also remains rooted in the problem
of land alienation of tribals in tribal belts and blocks. For protection of the
rights of tribals Assam Government had long enacted special provisions in
revenue laws but unfortunately over the years there have been cases of alienation
of tribal land to non-tribals. This has caused resentment among plains
tribals and therefore effective steps were necessary to prevent further alienation
of land. This was one reason why the State Government agreed to sign the
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Bodo Accord. By signing the Accord not only the alienation of tribal land has
also been sought to be prevented but the legal rights of existing non-tribal
settlers in tribal belts have been recognized.
In the mean time, the State Government has taken effective steps to instill
confidence among the people. The State Government will not allow anyone
to take law into his hands. Deployment of additional forces has been made
wherever required. Fixed pickets in the strategic locations have also been
established to instill sense of security among the people. Patrolling in the
affected areas has been intensified and the Government did not hesitate to
requisition the army in aid of Civil Administration. As a matter of fact, Army
was called out within 72 hours of the outbreak.
Promotion of feeling of security among minorities and other vulnerable
sections
The State has Thana Committees in each Police Station to see that no
genuine citizen is harassed in the name of detection of foreigners. All efforts
are taken by the State Government to promote security amongst the minorities
and other vulnerable sections. Besides 45 new police stations including 19 in
the char areas of Assam are being proposed in un-policed and under policed
areas during the current year with a view to promoting feeling of security
among the vulnerable communities.
In Assam we have already constituted District Level National Integration
Committees, which have played a big role in strengthening the sense of national
integration and communal harmony in the State. Besides, to prevent sporadic
incidents of violence or harassment there are peace committees and Nagarik
Committees also. Equal opportunities are given to all irrespective of their
caste, creed and religion in matters of employment, education, business etc.
With a view to strengthening the sense of national integration and communal
harmony in the state, our Government has also instituted an annual
award in the name of great Sufi Saint of Assam, Ajan Pir, who dedicated his
life for bringing about peace, unity and harmony amoung the people of all
communities. Sufi saint Ajan Fakir is as revered by all communities as the famous
vaishnavite saint Srimanta Shankar Deva. The State Government has also
instituted a national level award for National integration in the name of former
President of India, Janab Fakaruddin All Ahmed, to propagate his nationalistic
ideals. Noted film personality and Social activist Ms Shabana Azmi and
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eminent journalist Shri Sekhar Gupta have been selected for this prestigious
award for 2006 and 2007 respectively.
Communal Harmony
Society is Assam is not communally divided. Even when there were
incidents of large scale communal violence in the rest of the country Assam
remained unaffected. The Socio Religious festivals like Bihu ensure participation
from all strata of society-religious or linguistic. The great Vaishnavite
saint Shri Shri Shankar Deva propagated the Ek Sharan Nam Dharma, the
quintessential essence being the oneness of mankind and all other living creations.
The people of Assam remembers Ajan Fakir, the great Sufi saint who
came from Baghdad, with the same respect as they regard Shrimanta Shankar
Deva, There is Pua Mecca (Holy Mecca of the East) in the State, which is
regarded as holy destination by all communities. The State has an integration
committee called State Level National Integration Committee for promotion of
communal harmony.
It is also seen that in Assam the clashes between various communities are
mainly due to economic and educational backwardness and not instigated by
religious animosity. It may be mentioned that there are instances in which
there have been incidents of violence among the tribals also. As an example,
the incidents of violence that took place in the hills districts of karbi Anglong
and N.C. hills of Assam in the year 2005 between the Karbis and Dimasas and
between Kukis and Hmars in the same year was for economic reasons and not
prompted by religious hatred. Similarly, there have been instances of violence
between the indigenous people of the State that took place in the districts of
Kokrajhar and Bongaigaon in the year 1996 and 1998 between the Bodos and
Adivasis which were not communal but was more of a confrontation for economic
gain in the form of land grabbing. There are even clashes within the same
community for economic gain and these obviously cannot be termed as communal.
Other elements contributing towards national integration
It is a truism to say that equitable development and removal of regional
imbalances would pave the way for strengthening national integration. It is a
fact that Assam is relatively backward compared to some developd parts of the
country due to historical and geographical reasons. We recognize that the Planning
Commission and the Central government have been taking steps for eliminating
regional imbalances, which is the root cause for militancy and alienation. We are
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also aware that there are imbalances within the State itself, which need to be taken
care of. To this objective the State Government has already decentralized powers
and started the process of devolution of funds to Sixth Scheduled
Areas and 6 (six) newly created Development Councils for communities, which
fall outside the sixth schedule areas. We belive that with people’s participation,
democratic decentralization there would be both equitable development and regional
balance within the State. On the other hand, a special programme proposed during
current financial year for all round socio-economic development of the minorities.
The Programme will be launched after due consultation with the representatives of
minority organizations and an amount of Rs.25 crore has been set-aside for this.
Education system has a very important role in propagating societal harmony.
Stress has been given to increase literacy rates among disadvantaged groups.
Inter State mobility of students play an integral role in the promotion of national
integration. It is necessary to inculcate the sense of national integration in the
very mind of people by initiating the same in the tender age itself. In India where
we have diverse culture, language etc. inter State mobility of students is a very
good platform to promote national integration. Taking note of the linguistic
diversity within our own State, we have allowed imparting of education in several
languages. As matter of fact, text books in as many as 17 languages are printed
in Assam. In Assam like in most other parts of the country, the minorities are
relatively educationally backward. The literacy rate of minorities is at present
45.25% as against the overall literacy rate of 63.25% for the state. It needs to be
reiterated that Assam has a very large population of muslims who comprise
approximately 31% of the population. The state government has laid special
emphasis on the education of minorities by taking the following steps, among
others:
1. 2526 EGS (Education Guarantee Scheme) centers are functioning in
minority-dominated areas. Out of 4,13,861 of school children covered
under EGS Centers, 2,04,064 are minority children
2. There are 1808 primary schools, 1022 EGS, 805 Songjogi Siksha
Kendra located in char areas. That is against 2819 habitations in char
areas, there are 3636 educational institutions.
3. The Government has set up a separate Directorate for Madrassa
Education.
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4. 326 Madrassa institutions are being provided with Monthly Financial
Assistance involving annual expenditure of Rs. 309.82 lakh.
5. One time infrastructure grant of Rs. 10 crores for Wakf Board has
been proposed.
We have noticed in the recent past that communities have been labelled as
prone to militancy, terrorism etc. This, I am afraid, is not a healthy approach
and would not serve the purpose of national integration. I would appeal to both
Political leaders and the media to exercise moderation while airing views and
news on sensitive issues.
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SHRI DIGAMBAR KAMAT
CHIEF MINISTER, GOA
Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Union Ministers, Hon'ble Chief Minister,
Hon'ble Members of the National Integration Council, Ladies and Gentlemen
It gives me great pleasure to participate in the 14th National Integration
Council Meeting today. The entire nation is now passing through a period of
rapid Economic Growth & Development. However, some anti-social and antinational
forces are at conspiracy to see our derailment from the path of progress
by indulging into terrorist activities and creating communal tensions. We are also
facing a situation where there are persistent threats posed by the forces of
terrorism, communal forces and other divisive forces. Naxalism has reached to
our neighbouring State which is a matter of concern to us.
India is a country having pluralistic character. In this scenario the agenda
for today's meeting is in the correct perspective when we have to promote
socio-economic development and also to remove the imbalance and eliminate
the divisive tendencies and to promote a feeling of security among all the
citizens with special emphasis on the minority and vulnerable sections.
I am happy to say that till now Goa has been a peaceful State and there is
complete communal harmony and people of all religion, caste and creed live
peacefully. The State has not been engulfed by any major communal incident
since liberation in 1961, except one incident in 2006. There have been some
minor incidents of idol and religious places desecration, but the communities
have shown utmost restraint and are living harmoniously. The State Government
is well aware of the harmful potential of even such minor sporadic incidents and
has taken steps to prevent any such incident. Peace committees have been
formed at Taluka and District levels. Beat patrolling is maintained by the Police
and there is regular interation meeting between locals of all communities. Meetings
with religious leaders of all communities are also held to maintain liaison at
grass-root level.
Goa is the only State in the country having an Uniform Civil Code. It ensures
equal right to inheritance of property. Besides, we have 100% Registeration of
Births and Deaths and Registeration of Marriages is compulsory.
We strongly feel that the peaceful atmosphere in the State has been prevalent
due to the development achievements in key social sectors. The reach and
coverage of the core social services has been universalized in the State. While
there is concern at the current pace of progress in the country with regard to the
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achievement of the monitorable targets for certain indicators of social development
in health, education and gender equality, Goa may take justifiable pride
in this regard since it is ahead of the monitorable targets and is also nearing to
the Millennium Development Goals.
Goa has been investing substantially in the social services sector. On an
average, 40% of the plan outlay is allocated to it. Equal distribution of benefits
arising from investments in education, health, drinking water supply, social welfare
etc., have the potential for all round productivity gains. Our Poverty ratio is
4.4% which is among to lowest in the country. The incidence of rural
poverty is 1.35% and accordingly, the number of BPL households is the lowest.
State Government is alive to the need of Welfare of SC & ST Communities.
The total population of SCs & STs in the State is 2% and 12% respectively. For
promoting Education among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes financial
assistance in the form of Prematric schlorship, meritorious schlorships and post
matric schlorships are given. Provisions for reservation of seats 12% in jobs as
well as in admission to professional courses for STs and 2% for SCs and
allocation of 12% of funds under Tribal Sub Plan in all the Plan Schemes are
some of the steps which the State has taken for welfare of these communities.
Goa has achieved high level of development and infrastructural indicators.
With our efforts for a fiscal responsibility and Budget Managment, we have
taken steps for sustainable debt management as well as transparency in the fiscal
operations of the Government. The State is now poised to leap forward
to the next stage of development. The State can transform into an economically
developed model state.
The State has traditionally been environment conscious and it has not
compromised in the short terms gains of economic growth to the long-term
detriment of environmental sustainability and human well-being.
In terms of geographical area, Goa is the smallest state in the Union of
India. Yet, is accounts for a significant share of foreign exchange earnings from
tourism, export of iron ore and human resources. But the devolution that Goa is
getting from Central Government is very small in comparison to its contribution
to the nation. People of Goa feel that Goa is being penalized by the Government
of India for its development.
While it cannot be denied that less developed States need more assistance
from Central Government, it is also necessary that more progressive States like
Goa are given support to develop further and emerge as a model developed
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State. Performance and States' contribution to the nation have to get due
consideration to encourage the States to perform better and progress further.
Perhaps, Goa is the only State in the country to get tourists twice the resident
population. Similarly, mining has created major environmental degradation in terms
of air and water pollution, degradation of agriculture fields, high incidence of
morbidity in the mining belt and damage to roads and other infrastructure. Thus,
both Tourism and Mining have brought tremendous pressure on the infrastructure of
the State. These two sectors are mainly responsible for significant
contribution to the nation both in terms of cental taxes and foreign exchange earnings.
Sir, our objective of Eleventh Five Year Plan will be moving towards faster
and more inclusive growth with emphasis on technology driven good governance,
social security, agriculture and allied sectors, improving the standards of education
and health care services, environmental up-gradation and infrastructure
development in various sectors. The State has already prepared road map for egovernance.
Goa has been selected by the Ministry of information, Communication
and Technology as the best IT governed State in the western region of India. The
State has launched an ambitious plan for broad band connectivity to each household
and for simultaneous establishment of State portal, State data centre and 208 integrated
citizen data centres under PPP format. E-Governance related work has been given
good momentum which will have interface with broad band connectivity, state
portal, data centre and citizen data centres. Therefore, the face of Governance in the
State is expected to witness a sea of change in near future.
Sir, some times due to common guidelines prescribed under Central
Schemes, we find it difficult to implement them, so, there is a need to evolve
State specific guidelines based on local conditions.
Government of Goa has enacted the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget
Managment (FRBM) Act 2006 which sets the target to reduce revenue deficit to
NIL and to bring down the ratio of fiscal deficit to Gross State Domestic
Product (GSDP) to 3% by 31st March, 2009. The state has already achieved the
target of "Zero" revenue deficit and the fiscal deficit is reduced to 3% of Gross
State Domestic Product during 2007-08. However, the Sixth Pay Commission
liability of about Rs.800 crores (including arreas from 1.1.2006) and annual
liability of Rs. 350 crores on account of increase in salaries and pension will
have a severe impact on the finances of State. Thus pushing the State back to
revenue deficit and higher fiscal deficit and severely affecting the socio-economic
development projects, necessitating the higher allocation in Central Grants.
Prime Minister, Sir, I conclude with the solemn assurance to the Council
that we in Goa are fully committed to make it a model of peaceful co-existence,
an ideal State where each and everyone shares the fruits of peace and prosperity.
131

SHRI NARENDRA MODI
CHIEF MINISTER, GUJARAT
Respected Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Integration
Council Shri Man Mohan Singhji, Honorable Union Home Minister Shri Shivraj
Patil, Honorable Union Ministers, Honorable Chief Ministers and Ladies and
gentlemen,
I am happy to attend this meeting of the National Integration Council
which is constitued to address issues affecting national solidarity and integration.
This forum provides us an opportunity to deliberate on many important subjects
like regionalism, extremism, regional imbalance, narrow mindedness etc. and
arrive at agreeable solution. I wish the agenda had been circulated well in
advance so as to enable us to make meaningful contribution on these important
issues.
This meeting of the National Integration Council has been convened at a
time when many states were target of series of bomb blasts and when innocent
citizens were subjected to the ominous designs of subversive, anti national
elements hell-bent upon creating terror and chaos in the country. However, I
am shocked to find that the issues of terrorism do not find any mention in the
agenda, though it has direct bearing of the national integration. The agenda
include more developmental issues which should have been discussed in the
forum of the National Development Council. Also, I feel that it would have
been appropriate if the action taken report on the earlier Council meeting was
included in the agenda.
With these observations, I would like to touch upon the agenda of today's
meeting and take liberty to make some suggestions for the consideration of
this august body and the Union government.
1. Economic Development and Removal of Regional Imbalances :
Terrorism, Naxalism, insurgency and illegal migration from Bangladesh are
all detrimental to the nation's development. Equitable and balanced regional
development is often affected by such menaces as these negative forces spread
terror, spread insecurity and even deprive our poor of their livelihood. Naxalism
has affected many parts of our country disrupting development and growth
process, while illegal migrants have snatched away the employment and livelihood
opportunities of many of our poor people. Terrorist have targeted relatively
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developed centres and urban localities to weaken the growth and progress
while spreading terror and insecurity among citizens. Such forces of
destabilization and disorder must be put down with an iron hand. These issue
which pose serious threats to the cause of national integration need to be
addressed with a strong and united political will or else the nation would pay a
very heavy price.
In his address to the National Integration Council on August 31, 2005,
Hon'ble Prime Minister has said
"One of the drivers of divisive regional identities has been the persistence
of regional economic imbalances. They remain and may have even increased.
Even though it is true that all regions of the country are today generally better
off than forty years ago, some regions have developed at a faster pace than
the others. Relative inter-regional disparties are a problem that must be
addressed. This is not just in the interest of national integration but also in the
interest of the welfare of our people. I urge the chief Ministers from the less
developed states to learn from the example of the more developed ones and
find new pathways of progress for the people of their region."
However, very little effort has been made by the Government of India to
address the issues of regional economic disparities. It is in this context of
honest admission by the Hon'ble Prime Minister that there was a greater
expectation from the Government of India in formulation of Terms of
Reference of the 13 th Finance Commission.
It is a fact that during the last sixty years of operations of various Finance
Commissions, the inter-regional or inter-state and the intra-state economic
disparities have only increased. This is admitted by the 12 th Finance Commission
in its report, stating that there has been progressive increase in income
disparity. (p.59, 12th FC report)
Economic strife on account of growing disparities is widely acknowledged
as the root cause in promoting divisive feeling and hindering the process of
national integration. The ongoing consultative process of the 13 th Finance Commission
provides an excellent opportunity to evolve a more equitable division
of resources for an "inclusive development process". In Gujarat, we have
embarked upon an ambitions plan to improve the HDI and mitigate the
backwardness of certain regions through focused programmes.
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In keeping with the national objectives of economic growth with social
justice, the Government of Gujarat has taken a number of initiatives over the
past several years to ensure that the benefits of development are spread as
evenly as possible among the different regions and groups in the State.
These initiatives have had a measure of success, but certain regions of the
State still remain relatively backward.
The Government of Gujarat therefore appointed the Cowlagi Committee in
October 2004 to go into the issues of balanced economic growth within the
State. Based on 44 indicators including Human Development and infrastructure
related parameters this committee identified 30 most backward Talukas. Special
interventions for development of these Talukas have been initiated.
The 11 th Plan document has lauded the steps taken by Government of
Gujarat for its unique strategy to accelerate the development of 30 relatively
backward talukas wherein senior officers of the rank of Secretary and above
have been asked to voluntarily adopt one taluka each to prepare and implement
development plan for these talukas in a time bound manner.
However, Eleventh Plan has not made any recommendation to financially
assist State Government's initiatives in addressing the problem of regional
imbalance within the State.
Under the hill area development programme, hilly districts of Assam, West
Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa have been included.
Inspite of Gujarat having a large hilly region in the Aravali and Sahayadri ranges
covering as many as nine districts having substantial tribal population, not a
single district or taluka of Gujarat has been taken up under this programme.
Maintaining ecological balance and preservation as well as creation of
sustainable livelihood opportunity is a problem hilly region of the country share
with the desert regions of western India. The Great Rann of Kutch and the Little
Rann of Kutch face major hardships on account of harshness of the terrain and
lack of natural resources. In spite of repeated requestes made by Gujarat, Central
Government has failed to appreciate the issues of the desert regions which need
special incentive packages to address the problems of poor infrastructure and
lack of economic activities aimed at creation of sustainable livelihood
opportunities.
I would request the Honorable Prime Minister to intervene in this matter as
this would also be useful from the strategic point of view since most of the
desert regions in the country have international border.
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2. Equitable Development - Gujarat model :
In Gujarat, the Government does not discriminate amongst its 5.5 crore
citizens on grounds of caste, creed and religion and the State is determined to
ensure development of all as a part of its inclusive policies that of socioeconomic
development. The government has taken priority to Human
Development Index and the balanced development of the State. Gujarat State
has undertaken unique initiative such as; "Chiranjeevi Yojana", "Bal Bhog
Yojana" Fortification of Atta, "Kanya Kelavani Yatra", "Beti Bachavo"
Campaign to address the concern in health, nutrition and education status of
the entire deprived sections of the population.
A unique Public-Private-Partnership 'Chiranjeevi Scheme' has been
launched to ensure institutional safe deliveries through the participation of private
doctors. I am pleased to share with you that 865 private obstetricians are
currently enrolled with us to provide safe delivery facilities to the poor women
in the State. So far they have carried out 2.35 lakh safe deliveries for marginalized
population group in the State. Our estimate shows that more than 9000 mothers
and children have been saved due to this intervention. While the institution
deliveries' rate has gone up from 54% to 87%, 90% of these beneficiaries are
from the deprived classes of SC, ST and BPL families.
The emergency medical transport services popularly known as '108'
ambulance services have tranported more than 45000 of poorest women from
the remote areas to health-care institutions. What is interesting is that this
service has carried out 600 deliveries within their ambulances so far.
The twin evils of mal-nutrition and ill health are being attacked through the
supplementary nutrition, micro-nutrient supply orientation and protein substitution
schemes. Fortification of atta and oil, "Bal Bhog Scheme" have been launched
to improve the nutritional level among the poor children.
Almost 1.3 Cr. School Children are given yearly health check-up out of
which more than 5000 children are treated for major illness like heart, kidney
and cancer diseases. These initiatives combined with the flag-ship programmes
of "Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojana", "Sagar Khedu Vikas Yojana" and
"Garibi Samrudhi Yojana" have led to a holistic approach in ameliorating
the deprived poor sections of the people of all communities. I can say with pride
and conviction that there is no room for caste rhetoric in the state. I believe only on
"Development rhetoric" which guides the state's policy of inclusive growth.
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Special initiatives for Tribal development :
Gujarat has sizeable Tribal population, but the Government has taken special
care for their development and progress. Though the threat of Naxalism has
affected many tribal areas in the country, progressive policies and concern
for equitable development of all has kept this menace at a distance from Gujarat.
The State, has recently launched an ambitious, Rs. 15,000 crore
"Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana" with the aim of upgrading the social and civil
infrastructure in this area at par with the rest of the State. The new approach
aims at doubling of the income of scheduled tribe families through various
innovative schemes and programmes like "Vadi Programme", dairy development
programmes etc. Also, this initiative will ensure quality science stream schools
and technical institutions in the area, bringing the state of art health facilities at
their door steps and providing such quality road, drinking water, electricity and
broadband facilities in this region as are available in the other areas of the
State. Special care has been taken to provide and upgrade urban infrastructure
in the Tribal areas which will become growth centres for such remote regions.
We are allocating more than adequate resources for the development of
ST population, but such intent is missing in some key schemes of the Central
Government. The guidelines of recently launched "Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana"
do not even mention the word Scheduled Tribe. Ministry of Agriculture has
ignored research in upland crops which would mainly have benefited ST farmers.
Similary, popular scheme of "Eklavya Model Residential Schools" for
promoting quality education facilities is not being expanded. Funding from
Government of India for ST development is constantly getting reduced from
8.9% of State's Tribal Area Sub Plan (TASP) budget in the year 2005-06 to
barely 4.3% last year. I request the Hon. Prime Minister to consider taking
urgent action on the approach of the central Ministries in this matter.
3. Promotion of feeling of security :
It is high time that the nation should learn to address issues concerning
the security of 100 crore citizens. We have to promote the sense of security
among all sections of the society without making any division on the basis of
minority and majority as the threat of terrorism has made all our citizen
vulnerable. The terrorist attacks, Naxal menace and illegal migration and
infiltration have exposed our citizens to insecurity of life and livelihood. Even
the minorities need protection and security against terrorism to lead their lives
with self respect.
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It is very unfortunate to note that some people indulge in talking about
vulnerability of particular sections of the society while we should be concerned
about the security, safety and development of all. It is a misfortune that the
country is unable to arrive at a consensus to strictly deal with the challenges of
terrorism. The individuals and organizations showing leniency towards the
terrorists and disruptive elements need to be identified and isolated. A clear line
must be drawn between those who support and those who do not support our
fight against terriorism.
The entire western world has taken up vigorous campaign against terrorism.
Many developed nations which have been champions of human rights did not
hesitate in enacting stringent laws to deal with terrorism. However, many
individuals and organizations in our country, in the name of community, religion
or protection of human rights provide direct or indirect support to such elements.
This also demoralizes our security forces.
I would like to emphasize that we need to strengthen the hand of our
security agencies and the police force. Extra-ordinary challenges need extraordinary
responses. It is most unfortunate that the nation not only lacks
determination to strictly deal with terrorism, but also does not have any clear
policy and programme to prevent our youth from falling in to the trap of
indoctrination and joining terrorist out fits. A stringent law is required not only
to punish the perpetrators of terrorism, but also to prevent our educated being
drawn in to terrorist ideology.
4. Communal Harmony and other elements contributing towards
national integration :
Gujarat is keen on maintaining social harmony and peace by focusing on
the welfare and development of all its citizens. The state believes in justice to
all and appeasement of none. The state has maintained law and order and
communal peace. Many religious festivals and occasions have been celebrated
peacefully. The Rathyatra of Ahmedabad and rest of the state which, in the
past, witnessed communal riots on several occasions have passed off peacefully
in recent years from 2003 to 2008. Muslims and Hindus co-operated with one
another in celebrating the festivals.
Even after grave provocation of serial bomb blasts in Ahmedabad and
recovery of number of live bombs in different parts of Surat City, 5.5 crore
citizens of Gujarat maintained peace and showed great resolve to fight terrorism.
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Honorable Prime Minister has also appreciated the great resilience
and resolve demostrated by the people of Gujarat during his visit after the
bomb blasts.
However, I may mention that the rise of terrorism with educated youth
involving in terrorists attack does not augur well for communal harmony. National
consensus is required to isolate such people, groups and the so called intellectuals
supporting these elements in the name of protection of human rights. Deterrent
punishment is necessary to keep the youth away from such indoctrination.
I once again urge the Union government to expedite approval of GUJCOC.
Mass religious conversions by coercion and allurement must be checked to
ensure peace in the society. Communal peace is often disturbed in the society
because of such activities. In civil appeal No. 1489 and 1511 of 1974: Rev.
Stanislaus Vs. State of M.P. and others and in criminal appeal No.255 of 1974
and civil appeal No.344-346 of 1976 State of Orissa Vs. Yulitha Hyde and
others the Supreme Court had observed "what Article 25(1) of the Constitution
grants is not right to convert another person to one's own religion by an exposition
of it tenets. Articles 25 (1) guarantees "freedom of conscience" to every citizen
and not merely to the followers of one particular religion, and that in turn
postulates that there is no fundamental rights to convert another person to his
religion that would impinge on the "freedom of conscience" guaranteed to all the
citizens of the country." (AIR 1977 SC 908-1977 CLR. L.J. 551 (A.N. Ray, CJ
MH Beg. RS Sarkaria, PN Shinghal and Jaswant Singh JJ.)
Let the religious groups profess and practice their respective religions and
refrain from forcible conversion. Let all resources available with such groups
and organizations be utilized for upliftment of deprived sections of the groups
and communities rather than use such resources in religious propaganda which
fall in the realm of personal faith.
5. Social Structure-Caste and Identity divisions and rhetoric :
Indian peninsula is known as the home to many castes and communities.
The diversity of the India society has added color to our culture and heritage
and contributed greatly to its growth and development. About 52% of the total
population of the State belongs to the backward class. There are 145 communities
which are covered under socially and Educationally Backward Class which also
includes 29 religious minority communities and 40 Nomadic and Denotified
Tribes. Population of the minority communities in the State is about 9.45%.
Scheduled Castes population in the State is 7.09% whereas the Scheduled Tribe
population is about 15%
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It is learnt that there is a move to include certain sections of Muslim and
Christians as Scheduled Castes. However, reservation for SC/ST is provided
under the Constitution, as discrimination on certain grounds led to fewer
opportunities for these sections of the society. Reservation on religious grounds
for some section of Minorities as scheduled castes undermines the Constitutional
spirit behind the provision. I caution this august forum that such a decision
without proper deliberation will prove detrimental to national integration.
6. Promotion of Education among minorities, Scheduled Casted and
scheduled Tribes :
Gujarat is determined to improve literacy rate and provide easy access to
education for all sections of the society as it does not discriminate its 5.5
crore population. Gujarat has taken up unique initiative in the form of an
annual campaign to ensure 100% enrollment in the primary schools irrespective
of caste, creed, religion or sex. Through the massive drive for enrolment in the
primary school and "Kanya Kelvani" campaigns we have achieved almost 100%
enrolment. The drop-out rate which was over 37% in 2001-02 has been reduced
to less than 3%
The overall literacy rate of the state is 69.14%. Literacy rate among
Scheduled castes is 70.50% and among Muslims it is 73.47%. The Sachar
committee has highlighted that the literacy rate among Muslims in Gujarat at
73.47% is not only higher than state average of 69.14% but also way above the
all India literacy rate of Muslims at 59.1%
We have taken an important initiative of public-private partnership for
conducting short term vocationally useful courses using the existing premises
of government schools and colleges. This initiative is spearheaded by "Gujarat
Knowledge Society" which has drawn up plans to run hundreds of courses
targeting thousands of batches and lakhs of students in the next two years.
Such efforts have started bearing fruits. For example, some creative inputs and
skill development have led to massive increase in production and marketing of
quality kites by the artisans in the state.
This initiative of skill development, I am sure, will be a path breaking
initiative in the country, whereby the skill gap between what is demanded in the
market and what is supplied by the education system is filled up through such
short-term courses.
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I take this opportunity to draw kind attention of this august gathering to
the fact that inclusive development and national integration will suffer if we
fail to provide access for all communities to uniform modern education. The
Constitution provides that universal primary education is a basic right of a
child. It is high time that common curriculum is prescribed for all institutions
including the minority run institutions. We need to equip our citizens to
contribute to the growth and development of the Country. In highly competitive
environment of today, deprivation of modern education will lead to further
segregation affecting integration. I would request every one to give serious
thought to these aspects so that a consensus is arrived at for regulating all
educational institutions whether run by minorities or others.
With the above observations and suggestions, I conclude my speech and
hope that this forum will consider the same carefully to address the real issues
posing serious threats to national integration.
Vande Mataram
140

SHRI HARMOHINDER SINGH CHATHA
AGRICULTURE MINISTER, HARYANA
Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Hon'ble Union
Ministers, Respected Chief Ministers, representatives from the States and Union
Territories and distinguished Members of this Council !
At the outset, I would like to compliment the Government of India, in
general and the Hon'ble Prime Minister, in particular, for convening the meeting
of the National Integration Council at this very opportune time. I feel privileged
to express the views of our Government before this august gathering.
My Chief Minister, Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda ji, could not attend this
meeting as he is abroad. However, he has conveyed his regards, good wishes
and greetings to all of you.
I would like to inform you that our Government in Haryana has pursued,
over the past three and half years, forward looking and people friendly policies.
There is all-round prosperity. In addition to the impressive economic growth,
we have maintained focus on improving the quality of life, enhanced
opportunities for better education and health, welfare of weaker sections,
minorities and marginalized groups etc.
I would like to specifically highlight some of the significant achievements
made by the State with regard to the agenda points circulated for the meeting.
1. Social Structure
Haryana seeks to create a fair and inclusive social structure by integrating
the vulnerable sections of the society into the mainstream through their economic
and social development. In addition, providing physical and emotinal secuity to
the weaker sections of the society is the prime focus of the state policy. The
State has taken a lead in addressing the basic needs of Scheduled Castes and
Backward Classes. The Hon'ble Chairperson of the UPA, Smt. Sonia Gandhi,
recently launched a novel scheme of giving 100 square yard plots to eligible
Scheculed Castes and Backward Classes (A) families on "Gandhi Jayanti". It is
expected that over 6 lakh Scheculed Castes and Backward Classes families
would be benefited under the scheme, at an estimated cost of Rs.2,300 crore.
Besides, financial assistance of Rs.50,000 is being provided to Below Poverty
Line Scheduled Castes families for construction of houses.
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On the social front, the Government is implementing a scheme titled
"Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Vivah Shagun Yojana", wherein Rs. 15,000
is given for the marriage of girls belonging to Scheduled Castes families.
Besides, special efforts are being made for generating self-employment, through
subsidy assistance of Rs. 159 crore given by the Scheduled Castes and Backward
Classes Corporations.
The State is committed to provide basic infrastructure like drinking water
and electicity facilities to all the vulnerable sections of the society. Under the "
Indira Gandhi Drinking Water Supply Scheme", water connections, including
storage tanks, are being provided free of cost to all the Scheduled Castes
housholds in rural and urban areas. The State is also effectively implementing
the "Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955" and the "SCs/STs (Prevention of
Atrocities) Act, 1989".
The State has 5.70% Muslim population and 5.54% Sikh population.
Muslims are largely concentrated in the Mewat region, which has since been
carved out into a separate district. A special scheme called "Rajiv Gandhi
Drinking Water Supply Scheme" with an outlay of Rs. 425 crore has been
launched in the Mewat district to ensure drinking water to all the villages. Similarly,
"Rajiv Gandhi Vidyut Pariyojana" is also being implemented to upgrade
electricity supply. Mewat Multi Sectoral Plan of Rs. 33 crore has been submitted
to the Ministry of Minority Affairs in the Government of India for strengthening
health and education sectors in the region. Similarly, a Rs. 15 crore plan for
Sirsa, a minority concentrated district of Sikhs, is also being drawn up. Further,
under the special scheme of the Government of India for promoting education
amongst minorities, funds to the tune of Rs. 2.75 crore are being spent on the
beneficiaries.
2. Economic Development
The growth of the manufacturing sector in Haryana has been significant,
particularly during the last three years and is constantly on the increase. This has
indirectly augmented the growth in the tertiary sector of the economy. The
revenue receipts of the State are also buoyant and the financial health of the
State is impressive. Haryana now has the second higher per capita income
among the States in India. The growth in the Groos State Domestic Product
(GSDP) at constant prices (1999-2000 levels) is nearly 10.5 per cent. The
State witnessed an unprecedented flow of investment to the tune of about
Rs.33,000 crore since 2005. Projects with an investment of more than
Rs.66,000 crore are also in pipeline.
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It has, however, been observed that industrial growth has been prominently
concentrated in areas surrounding Delhi, particulary in Gurgaon and
Faridabad districts. The State has taken effective steps for dispersal of industries
in other areas, particularly in the hinterland of the State, to offset this
Delhi-centric growth. The current Industrial Policy addresses these concerns
through introduction of incentives in the industrially backward blocks of the
State, and development of infrastructure in other areas as well. Prominent
amongst these initiatives are the development of Industrial Model Township
at Rohtak, expansion of Growth Centre at Bawal (Ahirwal area), development
of Growth Centre at Saha (Distt. Ambala) and also development of Industrial
Estate at Sirsa, Further, there is a plan for development of an Industrial Model
Township in Mewat. It is expected that with these steps, industrial activity will
be dispersed to other areas of the State as well, thus providing better opportunities
to the people, particularly from weaker and minority sections, to be
come active stake holders in the process of development.
3. Promotion of feelings of security amongst minorities and vulnerable
sections.
Haryana is a peaceful State with a rich tradition of social cohesiveness, coexistence
and mutual tolerance. The State links the National Capital with the
northern States of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and J&K. It also encircles the
National Capital on three sides. Any disturbance in the law and order in any of
the neighbouging areas, especially Delhi, inevitably affects the State.
To instill confidence in the weaker sections and minorities and ensure their
protection and safety, several effective steps have been taken by the Government
including effective policing, efficient intelligence network, modernization,
strengthened communication facilities, computerized analysis and support of
forensic scientists. The State has also taken steps in bringing greater sensitivity
and awareness towards minorities and vulnerable groups during the police training.
The percentage of women in the police force is planned to be raised to 10% of
the total strengh. The police population ratio is being improved. Community
policing is being given higher priority as public cooperation is vital for collection
of intelligence and maintaing communal harmony. The Government of India has
already been requested to provide requisite funds to raise one Mahila Battalion
to cater to the increased demands on the Haryana police force and to ensure
safety of women and children. The intelligence wing of the State
Police is being strengthend by improving functioning of intelligence gathering
units and equipping them with modern equipment.
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4. Education
Haryana has taken a large number of steps for promotion of education for
all segments of the society, especially the weaker sections and minorities. For
promoting education amongst Scheduled Castes, a novel scheme of giving
monthly allowance of Rs. 150 to girl students of primary classes and Rs. 100 to
boys has been launched. The stipend amounts are suitably enhanced for higher
classes, upto the senior secondary level. Besides, for meeting the new academic
session related expenses, a one time allowance ranging from Rs. 740 in Class I
to Rs.1,450 in Class 12 is being given. Similar schemes for promoting higher
education amongst other weaker sections of the society are being formulated.
The State is also giving free books, including workbooks, to all the
government school children. Further, bicycles are being given to girl student and
Scheduled Castes boys from Class 6 th onwards, who go outside the village for studies.
The State is ensuring availability of primary education facility to all student
within one kilometre of their village, elementary education within 1.5 kms, and
high and senior secondary education is being made available within a distance of
3.5 kms.
Several innovative initiatives are being taken in the field of education under
Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan as well as in minority district plans for educating the
children belonging to the minorities. Special focus is being given to bringing
drop-outs back to schools and to provide other facilities/incentives for continuing
their education.
5. Communal Harmony
I am glad to inform you that there have been no communal incidents in Haryana
in the recent past. The administration is responsive, sensitive and fully alive to
maintain communal harmony, at all costs. Despite provocation from various factors,
the people of the State have maintained peace and mutual harmony.
I would like to assure this Council that the State would take all necessary
and effective steps to maintain peace and harmony. We would ensure that the
benefits of progress and development are shared by all sections of the society,
including the minorities and weaker sections of the society.
I would like to thank the Government of India for giving me this opportuniy
to place the views of the State Government before all of you.
Thanking you.
Jai Hind !
144

ekuuh; iz/kkuea=h ths]
Jh Jh f'kcw f'kcw lksjsu lksjsu
lksjsu
eq[;ea=h] eq[;ea=h] >kj[k.M
>kj[k.M
vkt jk"Vªh; ,drk ifj"kn~ dh ,d egRoiw.kZ cSBd vkidh v/;{krk esa vkgwr dh xbZ gSA ;g cSBd u
dsoy lelkef;d gS cfYd vkt dh ifjfLFkfr;ksa esa ,slh cSBdksa dk vk;kstu vYivarjky esa djuk vko';d
Hkh gSA bl cSBd ds fy, eSa vkidks /kU;okn nsrk gw¡A
Hkkjr tSls fo'kky ns'k esa fofo/krk,¡ gSaA bl ns'k esa dbZ tkfr] Hkk"kk ,oa /keksZ ds yksx fuokl djrs gSaA
vusdrk esa ,drk ns'k dh fof'k"Vrk gSA ge lHkh Hkkjrokfl;ksa dks bls laHkky dj j[kuk vko';d gS rHkh ge
lc feydj bl x.kra= dks etcwr dj ldsaxsA
vkt ns'k esa vkarfjd lqj{kk ,d egRoiw.kZ fo"k; gSA ckã 'kfä;ksa ds vfrfjä vkarfjd 'kfä;k¡ ns'k dks
rksM+us esa yxh gqbZ gSaA /keZ] tkfr] Hkk"kk vkfn ds vk/kkj ij ns'k fojks/kh 'kfä;k¡ jk"Vª dks detksj djus esa yxh
gqbZ gSaA fuf'pr :i ls bu 'kfä;ksa dh igpku djuh gksxh ,oa muds fo#¼ lafo/kku lEer~ dM+h dkjokbZ djus
dh vko';drk gSA
ns'k esa ,sls dk;ZØeksa dh lajpuk dh tkuh pkfg, rkfd yksx NksVh ckrksa dks NksM+dj ,d cM+s lekt dh
dYiuk dj ldsaA ,d jk"Vªh; lekt dk fuekZ.k djsa] ftldk ,d ek= mís'; le`¼ Hkkjr jk"Vª dk fuekZ.k
djuk gksA b/kj ns'k ds dqN bykdksa esa fNViwV ?kVuk,¡ gqbZ gSa] tks fpUrk dk fo"k; gSA bu ?kVukvksa dh ge fuUnk
djrs gSaA
vkt ns'k esa vkfFkZd fodkl dkQh rsth ls gks jgk gSA fdUrq bl fodkl dk Qy dqN {ks=ksa esa gh lhfer
gSA ns'k ds fiNM+s jkT;ksa esa jk"Vª ds fodkl dh >yd feys blds fy, ;g vko';d gS fd >kj[k.M tSls fiNM+s
jkT;ksa dks fo'ks"k lgk;rk nh tk;A gekjh ljdkj fodkl ds dk;ZØeksa esa rsth ykus ds fy, dfVc¼ gSA vkt
mxzokn tSlh leL;k jkT; ds le{k [kM+h gSA fodkl ds dk;ZØeksa ls bl leL;k dk lek/kku [kkstk tk
ldrk gSA bl iz;kl esa eSa dsUæ ljdkj ds lgHkfxrk dh vis{kk djrk gw¡A
ns'k esa vYila[;d leqnk;ksa ds izfr gesa fo'ks"k /;ku nsus dh vko';drk gSA gekjs dk;ZØe] pkgs oks
fodkl ds dk;ZØe gksa ;k vU; dksbZ dk;ZØe mlesa vYila[;dksa dh Hkkxhnkjh lqfuf'pr dh tkuh pkfg,A
>kj[k.M jkT; esa vuqlwfpr tkfr ,oa vuqlwfpr tutkfr dh la[;k yxHkx 36 izfr'kr ds
vkl&ikl gSA vf/kdka'k yksx xjhch js[kk ds uhps thou&clj djrs gSaA buds lkekftd] lkaLÏfrd ,oa
vkfFkZd fodkl ds fy, jkT; ljdkj us ;kstuk,¡ cuk;h gSa ,oa budk dk;kZUo;u fd;k tk jgk gSA bu oxksZ ds
fy, f'k{kk ,oa jkstxkj ds egRoiw.kZ dk;ZØe jkT; esa dk;kZfUor fd;s tk jgs gSaA 2001 dh tux.kuk ds
vuqlkj jkT; esa vuqlwfpr tkfr dk lk{kjrk nj 37-60] vuqlwfpr tutkfr dk lk{kjrk nj 40-10 tks
dqy lk{kjrk nj dk 54-13 izfr'kr gSA >kj[k.M jkT; xBu ds i'pkr~ 17842 vkcknh okys fo|ky;
foghu Vksyksa esa izkFkfed fo|ky; dh lqfo/kk miyC/k djkbZ xbZ gSA blds vfrfjä yxHkx 5000 izkFkfed
145

fo|ky;ksa dks mRØfer dj e/; fo|ky; cuk;k x;k gSA bl rjg vkt >kj[k.M jkT; esa izfr ,d fdyksehVj
dh nwjh ij izkFkfed fo|ky; dh lqfo/kk ,oa rhu fdyksehVj dh nwjh ij e/; fo|ky; dh lqfo/kk miyC/k
djk;h x;h gSA vYila[;d] vuqlwfpr tkfr rFkk vuqlwfpr tutkfr ds cPpksa dks f'k{kk ds ekSfyd
vf/kdkj dk YkkHk nsus gsrq jkT; ljdkj us f'k{kk ds fodkl gsrq 700 djksM+ dh ;kstuk,¡ foÙkh; o"kZ 2008&09
gsrq LohÏr dh gSA mä dksfV ds cPpksa dh f'k{kk gsrq vusd ykHkdkjh ;kstuk,¡ dk;kZfUor dh tk jgh gSa %&
� lHkh cPpksa ds chp oxZ 1 ls 8 rd dh fu%'kqYd ikB; iqLrdksa dk forj.k fd;k x;k gSA bu iqLrdksa esa
lHkh /keksZ rFkk jk"Vªh; v[k.Mrk dh ppkZ bl rjg ls dh x;h gS fd cPpksa esa pfj= fuekZ.k ,oa jk"Vªh;
v[k.Mrk dk cks/k gks ldsA
� jkT; ds vYila[;d dksfV ds fo|ky;ksa ^^enjlk lfgr** lHkh fo|ky;ksa dks e/;kã Hkkstu ;kstuk dh
lqfo/kk ls vkPNkfnr j[kk x;k gSA
� jkT; essa 833 izkjfEHkd vYila[;d fo|ky; rFkk 131 ek/;fed vYila[;d fo|ky; vofLFkr gSa]
ftuesa Øe'k% 3838 ,oa 2175 f'k{kd fu;qä gks dk;Z dj jgs gSaA bu vYila[;d fo|ky;ksa ds
f'k{kdks ds osrukfn dk Hkqxrku jkT; ljdkj }kjk vuqnku ds ek/;e ls fd;k tkrk gSA
� blds vfrfjä jkT; ljdkj }kjk dqy 186 izLohÏr enjlk lapkfyr gSa] ftuesa dk;Zjr f'k{kdksa ds
osrukfn dk Hkqxrku dk nkf;Ro jkT; ljdkj dk gSA
� lHkh vYila[;d dksfV ds fo|ky;ksa ds f'k{kd ,oa f'k{kdsÙkj deZpkfj;ksa dks ljdkjh fo|ky;ksa dks izkIr
lHkh lqfo/kk,¡ nh tk jgh gSaA
� o"kZ 2008&09 esa >kj[k.M ljdkj us ukekadu vfHk;ku dk;ZØe lapkfyr dj yxHkx ik¡p yk[k
cPpksa ds ukekadu fo|ky;ksa esa djk;kA blesa ls vf/kdka'k cPps vuqlwfpr tkfr] vuqlwfpr tutkfr ,oa
vYila[;d dksfV ds gh FksA mi;qZä rF;ksa ls ;g Li"V gS fd jkT; ljdkj lHkh /keZ] tkfr] leqnk; ds
cPpksa dks f'k{kk dk leku volj nsuk pkgrh gS rkfd ,d etcwr jk"Vª dk fuekZ.k fd;k tk ldsA
>kj[k.M jkT; esa lkEiznkf;d ln~Hkko cuk;s j[kus ds fy, jkT;] ftyk ,oa iz'kklu ds fupys Lrj
rd 'kkafr lfefr;ksa dk xBu fd;k x;k gSA jkT; esa lkEiznkf;d lkSgæZ cuk;s j[kus gsrq iz'kklu dks
laosnu'khy cuk;k x;k gSA ftyk Lrj ij mik;qä ,oa iqfyl v/kh{kdksa dks bldh ftEesnkjh nh xbZ gSA jk"Vªh;
,drk lfefr dh vuq'kalk ds vuqlkj R;ksgkjksa dks lkSgkæZiw.kZ ,oa 'kkafriwoZd lEiék djus gsrq ukxfjd lfefr
,oa /kkfeZd laxBuksa ls leUo; LFkkfir fd;s tkrs gSaA lkEiznkf;d rkdrksa ds fo#¼ le;iwoZ dkjokbZ djus gsrq
[kqfQ;k ra= dks etcwr fd;k x;k gSA LFkkuh; iz'kklu] vke turk ,oa ehfM;k ds chp leUo; LFkkfir djus
gsrq le;&le; ij mPp Lrjh; cSBdsa dh tkrh gSaA jkT; ljdkj lkEiznkf;d fgalk (fuokj.k] fu;a=.k ,oa
iquokZl) fo/ks;d] 2005 dk leFkZu djrh gSA
vUr esa eSa ekuuh; iz/kkuea=h th dks viuk vkHkkj izdV djrk gw¡ fd mUgksaus eq>s viuk fopkj j[kus dk
volj iznku fd;kA eSa mUgsa vk'oLr djrk gw¡ fd jk"Vªh; ,drk dks etcwr djus ds fy, esjk lEiw.kZ vkids
lkFk gSA
!! !! t; t; fgUn fgUn !!
!!
146

SHRI B. S. YEDDYURAPPA
CHIEF MINISTER, KARNATAKA
Respected Prime Minister, Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Hon'ble
Governors and Chief Ministers from various States, Leaders of National and
Regional Political parties, distinguished member of the National Integration
Council, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I would like to begin by noting with concern that the objective of setting
up the National Integration Council to tackle the evils of communalism, casteism,
regionalism and linguistic issues threatening peace, harmony and integrity of
our country, has been affected by not having convened this meeting regularly.
This meeting is being held after a long gap of three years. In my view, this
Council needs to meet regularly in future, at least once a year. Not only at the
National level, but also at the State, District and Taluk levels, where it has to
happen in regular intervals to take stock of the prevailing situation and to give
the right direction towards the much needed National Integration.
It is very unfortunate that divisive forces have been continuing to be
active in many parts of the country and their nefarious plans to destory the
unity and integrity of our country is fuelled by narrow partisan views projected
often for petty political advantage. Many of these forces with external linkages
are assisted by internal forces instigated by political considerations.
Since the advent of cross-border terrorism in the closing years of 1970s,
India has been in the vortex of foreign-sponsored terrorism. Our country has
lost nearly 80,000 lives, both civilians and of security forces in the past three
decades - in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern states and in the rest
of India.
Terrorism has taken deep roots and is spreading its wings all over the country.
Repeatedly terrorists are striking again and again, at will and at their time and
place of choosing be it the very capital of our country or remotest part of this
vast country. Many victims of these blasts are women and children of all
communities. From Kashmir to Kerala and from Gujarat to Tripura, these antinational
and anti-social elements, admittedly with linkages across the Nation's
borders, have caused havoc and heavy loss of life and property. It is high time
that we set aside all other considerations and tackle this terror threat
unitedly. The Centre has to show the way in this major task of preserving the
unity and integrity of this great country.
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We should not hold any religion or religious community responsible for
the criminal acts of some individuals belonging to that community. At the same
time, it is equally wrong to shy away from passing an anti-terror law or taking
lawful action against terrorists for vote-bank consideration.
South India, which was known for its peaceful co-existence and communal
harmony, is being disturbed by the terrorists and anti-India forces. The series
of bomb blasts in several Churches in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and
Maharashtra which occurred in 1999-2000, were traced by the efforts of
Karnataka Police. The investigations revealed that the Deendar Anjuman terrorist
group was responsible for causing these attacks on the churches.
The red corner notices issued through Interpol New Delhi, is yet to secure
the masterminds behind these blasts in India. The Supreme Court very recently
upheld the Center's decision to ban Deendar Anjuman, for carrying out antinational
activities.
The shoot out at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore three years
ago, the recent serial bomb blasts in July 2008 in Bangalore, the recent serial
bomb blasts in July 2008 in Bangalore, the defusing of some bombs and
arrests of suspects in Northern Karnataka recently, only prove the point
that the terrorsts are spreading their network even to a peaceful State like ours.
"Terrorism" is an international phenomenon and it affects our natinal
security. It is a social cancer which is spreading its tentacles across the globe.
When mixed with religion, it becomes doubly potent. Therefore, it is necessary
that terrorism is firmly handled and effectively tackled across our international
borders and at the national level, so that it does not spread its wicked wings
affecting the development processes across the states in our country.
Many of us in the State Governments, feel that adequate steps are not
being taken to tackle the issue of terrorism in our country. The soft pedaling
of the issue of bringing in tough legislations required to contain terrorism, the
lack of coordination among various police forces, the parallel investigations
done by the enthusiastic media and the lack of capacity in the state police
forces and the slow pace of modernization are affecting the fight against terror.
The new Government in Karnataka has given top most priority for maintaining
peace and harmony and law and order in the State. Our Government is committed
to the welfare and development of the religious and linguistic minorities. We are
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genuinely interested in the socio-economic upliftment of the minorities. Hence,
we have increased the allocation for miniorities by 46% in our first Budget
presented in July 2008. Even though there was not a single elected Muslim
MLA in our Party, we appointed a well known Muslim scholar as a Cabinet
Minister. For the first time in the history of India, a Muslim woman has been
nominated on the Karnataka Wake Board, based on the recommendation of Muslim
scholars. For the first time, we have set up a Working Group to prepare a
Vision Document for the long term plan for sustainable and scalable models for
the development of Minorities. Our endeavor is to mainstream the minorities
and remove the feeling of alienation among them through our genuine efforts
which will bring about Communal Harmony and National Integration.
While our efforts are on to integrate the minorities into the mainstream
through their socioeconomic development, some of the anti-national and antisocial
elements are working against this process. We will not let Karnataka
become a haven of the terrorist and terrorist organisations.
Due to our pro-active efforts, the Ramzan month and Dasara were peaceful
and was celebrated harmoniously by the Muslims and Hindus. However, antinational
and anti-government forces are not happy with our efforts and activities
aimed at bringing integration among the different religious and social groups in
the State. They have been working to disrupt the peace and harmony in our
society which will not be tolerated by our Government.
While Christians and Hindus have co-existed peacefully in the State for
many centuries, there have been unconstitutional and illegal efforts by some of
the Christian organisations such as 'New Life' to forcibly convert or to induce
conversion to Christianity. Their efforts include publishing booklets such as
"Satya Darshini" denigrating Hindu gods and goddesses. Such conversions are
being resisted and agitated against by other religious groups. Our Constitution
provides for Freedom of Religion but, does not permit forcible or induced
conversion. Threrefore, the activities of 'New Life' and other such organizations
are creating disharmony and social tension in the State.
On 14th September 2008, there were some attacks on the Christian religious
places in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikkamagalur Distirct by mobs
protesting against conversions leading to law and order situation in these districts.
I along with Home Minister, Principal Secretary, Home and Director General of
Police visited Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District on the same day. Due to
the effective and immediate steps taken by the State Government, peace and
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normalcy were restored within a couple of days. However, opportunistic
politicians had been misusing the situation even after the normalcy was restored.
Disharmony and disunity gets accentuated by perception of differential
treatment. It is necessary that in a federal set up Central Government by it
action demonstrate its impartiality and fairness while dealing with state
governments led by various shades of political allegiance. I can not but express
my regrets that some recent actions of the central government have been seen
to be partisan not conducive in promoting national integration. There have
been serious communal and terrorist activities in other States such as Jammu
and Kashmir, Assam, Tripura, NCT of Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, the Union
Government was not so active in sending advisory notes, at times touted as
notices (under Article 355) to the States. According to our considered opinion,
there was no need to rush a central team to Karnataka and for those officers to
speak to the press before even submitting a report to the Union Home Ministry;
especially, when a judical enquiry had already been ordered. It
was very unfortunate that our State was targeted for political vendetta by
ministers and official of the Government of India.
India is a Federation of States. The States have their own place in the
Constitution of India. The Union Government is expected to respect the
autonomy and authority of the States and treat all the States on equal footing
irrespective of the political parties in power. Only then, can the federal
structure as envisaged in the Constitution of India will survive and succeed.
On our part, Karnataka State has taken several proactive steps towards
providing national integration. Some of them are:
a) Formation of Integration Council at state level, district level, and taluk/
tehsil level.
b) Reaching out to all common people irrespective of caste or creed or
community in our weekly Janaspandana meetings at Hobli (below taluk)
level, to receive and resolve complaints.
c) Provided additional amount of Rs.25 crore for modernizing the police for
this year.
d) Ensuring that the Peace Committees hold regular consultations with the
leaders of different communities and organizations.
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e) Set up judical inquiry to probe into attacks on various churches.
f) Arrest of all suspected miscreants immediately, irrespective of caste,
creed and community.
g) Organised a series of meetings with the Christian community leaders and
priests.
Following additional steps are also being planned to be undertaken soon.
a) Appointment of Additional Police Officers, selected from public to help
maintain communal harmony.
b) Setting up State Level Security Commission.
Today's National Integration Council should deliberate and come out with
strong and effective measures to be taken. On behalf of the Government of
Karnataka, I suggest the following.
i) The Government of India should be proactive in extending assistance to
the State Government on the increase of terrorist threats especially those
funded and supported by external forces.
ii) The Union Government should take effective steps to stop infiltration of
terrorists from across the western and eastern borders of our country. All
foreigners overstaying and fomenting communal trouble should be identified
and deported.
iii) The Ministries of External Affairs and Home Affairs together should bring
in stringent VISA norms on the lines of U.S.A. and European Countries
for citizens of certain nations harbouring terrorists.
iv) At the earliest, bring into operation a national citizen register. Government
of India should provide the template and all states can work on these
lines. Karnataka offers to become the pilot state for issue of multipurpose
national identity card.
v) The Government of India should initiate immediate action to trace the
sources of foreign funding for the terrorist organizations which are operating
in the country and curb their further funding.
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vi) The Union Government should come out with a Central Legislation to
handle terrorist activities, similar to POTA, 2000. The new Act should
facilitate action to curb high-tech crimes and heinous terrorist activities. It
is heatening to note that the Administrative Reforms Commission, appointed
by the Union Government under the Chairmanship of senior Congress
leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister, Shri Veerappa Moily, has
strongly supported the need for a stringent anti-terrorist law. Let us
incorporate such law whatever safeguards are needed to prevent its misuse.
vii) The Government of India may also consider bringing a Central Legislation
to prevent forcible and induced religious conversions.
viii) The Union Government should as soon as possible introduce a federal
law and set up a separate federal agency to deal with terrorist acts and
organized crime and cyber crimes.
ix) The NDA government had set up a committee, under the chairmanship of
Justice V. S. Malimath, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court,
for overhauling the Criminal Justice System in India. Its recommendations
should be implemented expeditiously.
x) There should be effective and meaningful coordination between the Central
Intelligence Agencies and the State Intelligence Agencies on a regular basis.
xi) The Central Intelligence Agencies including RAW, should share information
on a continuous basis regarding the international terrorism and crimes
relevant to the concerned States. They should also facilitate modernizing
the state forces with the equipments required for this purpose.
xii) The Ministry of Home Affaris should maintain a cordial relationship with
their counterparts in the States based on equality and functionality, instead
of treating them as subordinate offices meant for receiving letters and
instructions from the centre.
xiii) The Central Government should help the States in building the capacity of
State Police in handling the terrorist activities through intensive special training
courses at the National and International Institutions. These should be
broad based and cover all cadres of all states.
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xiv) The Union Government should substantially enhance the financial assistance
to the States for modernization of the State Police and strengthening the
Anti-Terrorist Cell.
I hope that the suggestions given above are taken in the right spirit and
actions initiated to implement them at the earliest. I assure you of the
fullest cooperation and support of my Government in ths endeavor to strengthen
the national fabrics and to promote peace and harmony in our country.
I thank the Hon'ble Prime Minister and Home Minister for giving me this
opportunity to share my thoughts on National Integration.
JAI HIND
JAI KARNATAKA
153

SHRI V. S. ACHUTHANANDAN
CHIEF MINISTER, KERALA
Honourable Chairperson and Members of the National Integration Council.
I am glad that a meeting of the National Integration Council is taking place
at this moment. The challenge to the unity and integrity of our nascent nation has
never been as severe as it is now, and the National Integration Council is the
appropriate forum to discuss our collective response to this challenge.
The most obvious manifestation of this challenge is the spate of terrorist
attacks that is occurring all over the country, taking a heavy toll of the lives of
innocent citizens. Terrorism has to be dealt with, with absolute firmness, and the
Union government can count on the complete support of the government of
Kerala in eliminating this horrendous cancer that now afflicts our national life.
But at the same time we have to be careful that our measures against terrorism
do not undermine the basic structures upon which modern India has been founded,
i.e. the structures of democracy, secularism, and a rights-based approach to
freedom that protects not only individuals against possible excesses of the State
but also small groups and minorities against majoritarian encroachment and
against vilification by mischievous elements trying to appeal to majoritarian
sentiments for narrow ends. If these structures get weakened or undermined in
our fight against terrorism, then the terrorist paradoxically would have succeeded
precisely in their effort to defame, delegitimize and destabilize our nation State.
The fight against terrorism in short requires a strengthening of our democratic
and secular fabric, and not a compromise vis-a-vis these cherished values. The
surest weapon against terrorism is to make every Indian feel that he or she
belongs here and is proud of being a part of this nation. This is why we have
been deeply disturbed by the recent developments in Karnataka, Orissa and
elsewhere, where persons belonging to a minority community have been targets
of vicious attacks. These attacks, apart from being inhuman and a flagrant
violation of the law of the land, constitute grist to the mill of the terrorists. They
defame and delegitimize our nation, divide our people, and give implicit support
to terrorist propaganda about the hollowness of our cherished secular values.
This terrorization of the minorities, this communal game dividing and
polarizing people along religious lines, must stop. We demand the most stringent
measures against the Bajrang Dal which has been spearheading this vicious hate
campaign. The concerned state governments must live up to their constitutional
154

esponsibility of providing security to the minorities. And the Central government
must live up to its consititutional responsibility of ensuring that the concerned
state governments actually do so.
Of course the communal elements find a fertile soil for their nefarious
activities in the fact that the process of economic development of the country
has been deeply inequalizing; while it has brought unprecedented wealth to a
small segment at the top, it has brought acute misery to vast masses of the
people whose desperate struggle for survival is bringing them into acute conflicts
with one another. This is not a question of some being "excluded" from the
benefits of growth as a happenstance, and, hence merely needing more "inclusive"
measures within the same neo-liberal growth strategy for their uplift, as the
Eleventh Plan suggests. This so-called "exclusion" is intrinsic to the strategy
itself. The type of growth strategy we are currently pursuing necessarily produces
such "exclusion", since the withdrawal of the State support, without which vast
masses of peasants, petty producers and workers cannot survive the onslaught
of domestic corporates, multinational corporations and globalized finance,
dooms them to absolute deprivation.
World capitalism is obviously moving into a prolonged and serious crisis
which will inevitably cast its shadow on our economy as well, and add further to
the woes of the common people. They have to be protected against this crisis,
through a reactivation of the protective and interventionist role of the State. We
may have had differences in the past about the effects of neo-liberalism, but
these differences should disappear now, since the outcome of the functioning of
unbridled capitalism is obvious for all to see. Indeed, now is the opportune
moment to formulate a new development strategy that escapes the thraldom of
neo-liberalism.
But even as we put through a paradigm shift in economic policy, we
cannot afford to ignore short-term, specific measures. One such is the extension
of the policy of reservations based on social deprivation to the private sector.
There can be no excuse whatsoever for leaving the private sector out of its
ambit; indeed even in the U.S. legislation on affirmative action is not confined
to the government sector alone but includes the private sector as well.
While doing so, we also have to ensure that the dalits, the scheduled
tribes and the minorities, get appropriate educational opportunities. The Sachar
Committee has made us acutely aware of the lacunae in this sphere with regard
to the miniorities, but the problem afflicts other deprived segments as well.
155

We shall in this context support whatever measures the Union government
takes to implement in earnest the right to education; but we are deeply
dismayed by the unilateral curtailment that has been decreed by it with
regard to the central share in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, ignoring the pleas of
almost all the
Chief Ministers at the NDC meeting.
The central government is giving much emphasis to higher education in the
eleventh plan. While this is welcome, it must make sure that the policy of
reservations is duly implemented in all the new institutions that are planned to be
set up. And the nature of education in these institutions must be such that it
imparts democratic, egalitarian, anti-patriarchal and secular values to all the student.
These supposedly "world-class" institutions cannot be cradles for communal,
casteist and patriarchal prejudices.
The challenges to our survival as a modern democratic nation are at present
severe. Steps have to be taken in a whole range of spheres to stave off this
challenge.
Thank you for your attention.
156

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158

SHRI VILASRAO DESHMUKH
CHIEF MINISTER, MAHARASHTRA
Respected Prime Minister Sir, Hon'ble members of the Union Cabinet,
Chief Ministers of various States and Members of National Integration Council.
Today's meeting of the N.I.C. has come at a timely juncture when several
complex issues, that have in recent months posed a challenge to elected
representatives, administrators and the common citizen alike, can be analysed and
discussed to arrive at workable and enduring solutions to these problems.
Maharashtra has rich and long tradition of tolerance, liberalism, progressive
thoughts, social reforms, secularism and cosmopolitan society. It is known as
land of Saints. Some recent unfortunate incidents can only be described as
aberrations to the culture of our State. I would like to assure that my
Government is deeply committed to the secular values, tolerance and pluralistic
nature of our society. My Government will make every effort to maintain
communal harmony and peace.
2. In Maharashtra, the Govt. has been increasingly alert to the acts of violence
and terrorism. We have suitably geared up the State Govt., the Police and allied
systems to effectively combat this phenomena. The Anti Terrorists Squad (ATS)
has been set up in 2004 as a specialised Unit to counter terrorism. The ATS has
collected valuable intelligence and provided inputs to the Govt. about the activities
and modus operandi of terrorists, and the underworld elements. We have ensured
that nefarious activities are reduced. Our Govt. has accorded the highest priority
to maintenance of law and order, so that the common citizen lives in an atmosphere
of peace, security and confidence.
3. The following steps have been taken by the Government of Maharashtra to
promote the feeling of security among minorities and other vulnerable sections.
(i) In communally sensitive places, only officers of impeccable integrity,
efficiency and secular attitude are posted.
(ii) Peace Committees and Mohalla Committees have been formed at the level
of Police Stations, Sub-Divisions and districts. These committees comprise of
respectable members of different castes and religions. Periodically as well as at
the time of important festivals, meetings of these committees are held at all
levels.
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(iii) The Government of Maharashtra has prepared a booklet called "Guidelines
for Dealing with the Communal Disturbances", which contains detailed
instructions to control communal disturbances, preventive measures to be taken
and the action plan to handle the actual communal disturbances in case they occur.
(iv) The Government of Maharashtra has established a State Human Rights
Commission as well as a Minorities Commission. Anybody, who feels that his
human rights have been violated can approach the Human Rights Commission
which takes appropriate steps to redress the grievances. Similarly, any members
of the minorities communities having grievances can approach the Maharashtra
Minorities Commission which addresses the issue and finds out appropriate
solutions.
(v) In order to safeguard the interest of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes,
the Government of Maharashtra has formed a wing in the Police called 'Protection
of Civil Rights' Which is headed by a officer of the rank of Additional Director
General of Police.
(vi) The State Government has formed a Communal Harmony Council under
the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, with a view to enhance communal
understanding and harmony among the citizens belonging to various castes,
creeds and religions. In order to implement and monitor the recommendations
and decisions taken by the Communal Harmony Council, a Communal Harmony
Empowerment Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of the
Chief Secretary.
4. The Government of Maharashtra views with serious concern the growing
trend of religious intolerance and fundamentalism. Due to the high level of
alertness and vigilance that is being exercised, the casualties due to violence
related to sectarian or religious fanaticism have been kept in check. Only a few
persons have lost their lives or have suffered injuries as a consequence. The Govt.
has been sensitive to the human rights issues and aspects involved. These cases
are handled carefully by experienced personnel to minimise instances of any
reaction or backlash.
5. The Government of Maharashtra has accepted the Sachar Committee
Report. It is the Maharashtra Government's conviction that a proactive approach
is needed to convince the minorities to wholeheartedly join the mainstream in
the task of integration and nation building. In pursuit of this goal, a separate
Department for Minorities Development was set up in February, 2008 and
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placed directly under the Chief Minister, thereby ensuring coordination with
various Departments. As per the 2001 Census, the minorities comprise of
19.3% of the State's total population of 96.87 million. A Budgetary provision
of Rs. 167.62 crores has been made for the current financial year 2008-
09 for implementing various welfare schemes for the development of minorities
in Maharashtra. It includes a provision of Rs. 50 crores for additional
share capital to the Maulana Azad Minorities Financial Development Corporation,
which exists to disburse low interest loans for the self-employment
and education to the minorities.
6. The activities embraced by the Minority Development Department include
the provision of free coaching to the weaker sections, among the minorities, to
prepare and enable them to compete in the entrance examinations for professional
courses like M.B.A., M.B.B.S., Engineering etc. Rs.4.4 crores has been set
aside for this scheme during the current year and would be used to provide a
maximum of Rs. 20,000/- per student for payment of coaching fees, and supplemented
with a stipend of Rs.1,500/- per student. The Minority Development Department
has also taken up the establishment of Residential Schools for minority community
students in areas where there is a concentration of minorities. Further, the State
has identified 43 Towns wherein concentration of minority communities exists.
Industrial Training Institutes will be set up in these Towns for which an amount
of Rs. 17 crores has been provided. For setting up 10 Hostels for minority girl
student and working girls in the first phase, an amount of Rs. 3.5 crores is
provided. An incentive through the provision of attendance fees for each day for
9.61 lakhs of students from the minority communities has been envisaged, and
for which an amount of Rs.24.14 crores has been earmarked. Further, two pairs
of School Uniforms for each child will be provided to 5.63 lakh school children,
who are studying in the Primary Classes in Urdu Schools. An amount of Rs. 18
crores has been earmarked for imparting short term training programmes and for
self-employment oriented courses such as Dress Designing, Beauticians' course,
Catering, Handicrafts, repairing of Computers, T.Vs. and Electronic goods, as
also Computer operations have been taken up. 50% of these courses will be
reserved for girls.
7. In addition to the above schemes, the State Government is also
implementing various educational schemes introduced by the Ministry of Minority
Affairs (GOI) for minority students. Rs. 6.8 crores have been provided as
25% share of the State Govt. for the Pre Matric Scholarship Scheme which
will benefit 36,800 students. The State Govt. is also successfully implementing
a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Merit-cum-Means based scholarship for
students belonging to the minority communities for Technical and Professional
courses at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels.
161

In all, 1840 scholarships have been earmarked for all the minority communities
comprising of Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Sikhs and Parsis, There are 16,100
scholarships earmarked during 2008-09 for the minority communities in
Maharashtra under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme which is funded entirely
by the Central Govt. for Higher Education from class XI up-to Ph.D. level and
including Technical and Professional courses of ITIs. and Industrial Training
Centers etc.
8. Maharashtra has long been a leader and trend setter amongest the States
of India for economic development and removal of regional imbalance. The
rate of growth of the State's economy is on a par with that at the national
level. The rate of growth of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) over
the last three years has been 9.3%, 9.7% and 9.00% which is comparable to
the National level G.D.P. of 9.4%, 9.6% and 8.7% respectively. Though a
severe financial crunch had prevailed in the State during the initial years of the
Xth Plan, the Annual Plan outlays however, improved thereafter. Against an
approved Xth Plan size of Rs.66,632 crores, the State provided for an outlay
of Rs.59,123 crores and spent Rs.55,324 crores. The Annual Plan outlays
during 2007-08 and 2008-09 has been substantially stepped up. The outlays
increased from Rs.14,829 crores in 2006-07 to Rs. 20,250 crores in 2007-08,
and has touched Rs.25,000/- crores during the year 2008-09.
9. For historical and geographical reasons, the levels of development prevailing
in different parts of Maharashtra have not been uniform. To overcome such
differences or disparities, the Central Govt. had approved of the setting up of
Development Boards under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution.
The Governor of Maharashtra has been able to exercise his authority in ensuring
an adequate monetary provision for addressing the disparities in the economic
development of the State's diverse regions. The backlog of development which
were identified at the time of setting up of the Development Boards have been
reduced to the extent of 61%. Importantly, the current Plan outlay will ensure
the balanced growth of different regions of Maharashtra.
10. According to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe orders Act, 1976 in
Maharashtra State 59 castes are included in Scheduled Caste, 51 castes are
included in VJNT, 346 castes are included in OBC and 7 castes are included
in SBC list. For the inclusion and omission of any caste in the State
list, there is Backward Class Commission headed by the Retired High Court
Judge and Six non-official Members of the six revenue divisions. The Commission
verifies the applications and demands raised by the people and recommends to
Government for decision.
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11. The population of the Scheduled Castes in Maharashtra is 98.62 lakhs
and comprises of 10.02% of the State's population. Of this, 60 % are in rural
areas, and 40% inhabit the urban areas. It is a matter of satisfaction that the
educational schemes with a provision of Rs. 470.40 crores that are implemented
by the Maharashtra's Social Justice Department for the S.Cs. has resulted
in an impressive increase in the literacy rate of the S.Cs. from 14.70 in
1971 to 27.80 in 1981; 56.40 in 1991 and has touched 71.90 in 2001. In
contrast, the general literacy rate in the State ranged from 33.80 in 1971 to
76.90 in 2001. The Social Justice Department implements 17 distinct education
oriented schemes which cover tuition fees and examination fees to B.C
Students, scholarships to B.C. Student in High Schools, the Central Scheme
of Post Matric Scholarship, Scholarships to B.C. girls in Stds. V to VII (Primary),
Scholarship to B.C. Girls in Stds. VIII to X (Secondary), Public School
Education for children of parents who are engaged in unclean occupations,
stipends to B.C. students studying in I.T.Is., Maintenance Allowance to B.C.
Students studying in Sainik Schools, Book Banks for B.C. Students in Medicine,
Engineering, Architecture, Veterinary, Polytechnics courses, payment of maintenance
allowance to B.C. Students studying in professional courses and staying in
the attached Hostels thereat, grant-in-aid to Hostels, Starting of Ashram Schools
for S.Cs., Setting up of Balwadis etc. The Budgetary outlay in respect of these 17
education oriented schemes in Maharashtra in this crucial sector during the current
year is Rs. 470.40 crores, out of a total outlay of Rs. 2232 crores, and compared
to Rs. 284.95 crores in 2003-04, which is an increase of 165%.
12. As per the 2001 Census, Scheduled Tribe population in Maharashtra is
85.77 lakhs and forms 8.85% of the State's total population of 968.79 lakhs.
Maharashtra is the second largest State in the Country after Madhya Pradesh
in terms of S.T. Population. The literacy rate among the tribals in Maharashtra
is 52.2% as against 76.9% of its general population. Further, the literacy rate
for tribal males is 67% and the female literacy rate is 43%, which is below the
general literacy level. The State Govt. has taken in hand a number of effective
measures to improve the educational status of S.Ts. in Maharashtra. For this
purpose, (among the other development oriented schemes for the tribals) the
Govt. has allocated Rs. 2250 crores, this year which is 9% of the State's
overall Rs. 25,000 crores budgeted outlay. The State Govt. had spent an
amount of Rs.199.54 crores for residential Ashram Schools and Hostels for
tribal boys and girls during 2007-08 which represented 11.10% of the total
allocated plan funds for education, in the Tribal Development Sector.
13. The State Government is running 1254 residential schools for Tribals with
a student capacity of 4,20,500. There are 235 primary schools 872 secondary
schools and 147 junior colleges in tribal areas. Boarding, lodging and teaching
163

are free of cost in these schools and such residential schools which are
located in the interior tribal areas. Apart from residential schools, the State
Government is also running hostels for S.T. Boys and Girls in the interior
parts of the State. There are 343 hostels with a capacity of 25725 students.
Currently, 22733 students are availing of this facility. Special emphasis is on
imparting vocational training to the tribals who are dropouts and with a
view to bring them into the mainstream of development, the governement
has setup 56 vocational training institutes, which impart education for 22
separate trades.
Presently, 7635 student are being trained in seven Tribal Districts.
14. The Govt. of India has sanctioned nine English medium residential schools
to impart quality education to the tribal children in Maharashtra. Four such
Schools are being run on the lines of Navodaya Vidyalayas. The cost per
student per annum is Rs. 50,000/-. Govt. of Maharashtra intends to educate
5000 children per year in such schools and 50% of the cost will be met from
the State's funds. I would appeal to the Central Govt. to sanction more such
schools as this will help the tribal children. The Maharashtra Govt. has introduced
the scheme of supplying Uniforms and Writing materials to student of S.C.
and S.T. families, who are studying in Z.P. Primary Schools. Since the attendance
in such Schools was helped to curb the dropout rate, and correspondingly
increase the attendance of student. Each student under this scheme from Class
I to IV is supplied with a set of Uniform and writing material free of cost.
15. I am confident that the sharing of experiences on this occasion among my
colleagues in working for the development and well being of the country's
disadvantaged sections will now lead to deep thought being given to the caste
and identity divisions that have, in recent times, rent the social fabric of the
nation. Common consensus will indeed favour restraint over rhetoric-the question
before us is how can maturity, tolerance and understanding be fostered on
society by example and persuasion rather than administrative fiats or diktats.
The diversity of Indian Society with the different levels of ethnic, cultural,
linguistic and religious plurality is indeed an unique feature of our Nation and
needs to be thoroughly safeguarded as per provisions of the Constitution.
***
164

SHRI OKRAM IBOBI SINGH
CHIEF MINISTER, MANIPUR
Respected Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singhji, Respected Home Minister,
Shri Shivraj Patilji, Hon'ble Union Ministers, Hon'ble Chief Ministers from the
States, Senior Officers of the Central & State Govts, Ladies and Gentlemen.
I am privileged to address this august gathering of the National Integration
Council which is being held after a span of three years. Let me at the outset
congratulate our respected Prime Minister for leading from the front and
successfully concluding the Nuclear Agreement. We are confident that
this will lead to a break-through in meeting the growing demand for power in all
parts of our country.
I would also like to place on record the sincere appreciation of the people
and the Govt. of Manipur to the Ministry of Home Affairs for organising this
meeting of the National Integration Council at an appropriate time when the
social fabric of our secular country is under threat from disruptive and fringe
anti social elements for narrow parochial gains. We must act firmly and urgently
to nip the problem in the bud.
Social structure
Sir, India is a diverse country. Manipur State mirrors this diversity. We
have tribals and non-tribals, hill and plains people who belong to different
religions and speak in different dialects. In the current socio-political
environment, external and extreme elements within our own multi-cultural society
may try to exploit this diversity for narrow political gains. Hence, the need
to be vigilant, alert and responsive to the genuine needs of all sections of our
people, particularly the weaker and backward sections who need special
protection. We also need to strengthen the Intelligence machinery, both at the
Central and State levels and ensure effective co-operation and coordination
among the various security agencies.
Economic Development
Sir, lack of economic development and competition for scarce resources,
including land, is often the root cause of communal and ethnic clashes. During
the last National Integration Council meeting held on 31 st August 2005, you had
rightly commented, and I quote "The rapid and equitable development of
our economy is as important to national integration as the assurance of
social justice and communal harmony."
165

Allow me your indulgence at this stage to refer to the continuing infrastructure
deficit in Manipur, and if I may add the entire North East region,
lags behind other regions of the country in terms of road connectivity, power
availability, banking and financial services, water supply ad sanitation, etc. I
need hardly emphasise that rapid and balanced economic development is the
need of the hour and, Sir, let me assure you that the Government of Manipur
led by the Indian National Congress, and assisted by the UPA Govt. at the
Centre under your able leadership, is making concerted and sustained efforts
to achieve this objective. The UPA Government's flagship programmes like
the NREGS has contributed significantly to the people in the rural areas
finding gainful employment and also to create community assets. Sir, the
NREGS has ensured that the people at the grass-root level have a stake in their
own development. We congratulate you for this remarkable success.
I also thank Shri Mani Shanker Aiyar, Hon'ble Minster for Development of
the North East Region for his unstinted efforts in catalysing development in the
NER. Earlier the approach of the Central Government was to insulate the NER.
There were several restrictions on travel, movement, etc. This has not been
helpful for the economic development. In fact it also worsens 'xenophobia' or
fear of strangers/others. We need to adopt a wholesome development approach
and the North East Region, particularly Manipur which offers the most feasible
land-route, as the Gateway to the dynamic South East Asian countries. The
Look East Policy has given a new hope, an direction, to the people of the
North East Region. Sir, we believe firmly that this process will gain further
momentum under your visionary leadership.
Promotion of feeling of security among minorities and other vulnerable
sections
As a small border state, the feeling of insecurity or vulnerability among
the people of Manipur is understandable. Sir, we share a porous 367 kilometre
border with Myanmar. Although we do not share borders with Bangladesh,
there are reports of illegal migrant entering some of the border areas in our
state. The issue was debated recently in the State Legislative Assembly. Sir, we
need a firm and consistent approach in dealing with illegal influx of foreigners,
particularly from some of our neighbouring countries. In this context, I have
recently requested you and the Hon'ble Union Home Minister to fence the
border with Myanmar. I am sure, you will appreciate that this is urgently
required to control smuggling of arms, drugs and use of adjoining areas as
safe haven by insurgent groups.
166

Sir, we are making serious efforts to address the needs of the weaker
and vulnerable sections of the population by providing them a "voice" through
democratic means by substantially empowering the Local Self Government. As
a part of this process, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has on
10 th October, 2008 passed the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (3 rd
Amendment) Bill 2008. This Act will double the number of subjects and
departments transferred to the District Councils to twentyfive as against only
twelve subjects earlier. Steps are also being taken to conduct elections to the
six District Councils in our State.
Besides the District Councils, Manipur has a long history of Panchayati
Raj institutions in the valley areas of the State. To ensure adequate resources
for both the Panchayati Raj Institutions and the Hill District Councils we
propose to constitute the 3 rd State Finance Commission shortly.
Education - Communal Harmony - Other element contributing towards
national integration
Sir, you are aware that a large number of students from our state take
admission in medical, engineering and other institutions for study. A significant
number of these students have found employment in various parts of the
country. While the North-East region represents only 4% of the population of
the country, I am inform that as much as 20% of employees in the BPOs and
Call Centres are from the North-East. This is a positive development and, I
believe, is contributing to natonal integration. Over the years there is a better
awareness, and if I may say so, improved apprection of the cultures and way
of life of each other. These students and professionals represent a very important
process in national integration and assimilation. Sir, it would not be wrong to
state that through these students and professionals we are sowing the seeds for
a long-term integration of the people of the country. I congratulate you for
providing opportunities and a congenial environment for making this possible.
In conclusion, I wish the deliberations at this meeting of the National
Integration Council all success.
Jai Hind.
***
167

SHRI PARKASH SINGH BADAL
CHIEF MINISTER, PUNJAB
Respected Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Home Minister,
Shri Shivraj Patil, esteemed Members of the Council, distinguished Ladies
and Gentlemen.
We are meeting at a time when the country's social structure and its economic
health are facing some of the greatest challenges since Independence. Not only
is the development process passing through an extremely testing time but even
the social fabric of the nation is under severe stress, with caste relations and
communal harmony facing threats from several quarters. It may sound a bit
harsh but the impression one gets of India at this juncture is of a nation almost
at war with itself. All this calls for an immediate and massive nationwide initiative
to retrieve the situation.
Social Structure : Caste and Identity Divisions and Rhetoric
It is an unfortunate reality even after 60 years after Independece, the country
continues to be divided on the basis of castes and class. We are sitting at a very
sacred platform. Therefore, let us do some honest soul searching about our role
as political parties and leaders about this. Unfortunately, social groups and
political outfits have exploited these factors because of "vote bank politics". All
political parties need to introspect and find ways to re-orient their approach and
their policies in this matter.
Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes
The scheduled castes and scheduled tribes constitute one of the most
significant segments of our population. They have been exploited for centuries.
What is even worse, no steps have been taken by successive governments to
better their economic development, living conditions and social status. They still
struggle to get two square meals a day and have no access to basic amenities of
life such as elementary health care, education, housing and living environs fit for
human habitation, clean drinking water etc. This has further sharpened the caste
identity divisions in the country, ultimately leading to social tensions and even
violence. Even the policy of reservations has been adopted and implemented in
a manner which has further increased these divisions. More than 90% of the
SCs/STs live Below Poverty Line even when this Line itself is drawn in such a
way that only the dead and the dying qualify under this category. The main
168

eason for this, as I said before, is that we the politicians have used even
reservations mainly as a tool in the pursuit of vote bank politics. Since this the
highest forum for national debate, let us do some honest introspection about our
role in this regard.
I suggest that as a first step, let us resolve to rise above vote bank politics.
Let us join hand for ensuring equitable opportunities and distribution of resources
to the under-privileged sections of society. Among the urgent steps to be taken
are the provision of 'Suitable environment for their growth, including
availability of livable housing, clean drinking water and access to elementary
heath care and quality education. We also believe that poverty and the Below
Poverty Line should be redefined in the light of ground realities.
Education of Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes
We have been slow to realize the potential of the role which education plays
in the task of nation building is truly vital, if not decisive. Unfortunately, universal
education, even of a quality such as we can provide, still remains a distant
dream for millions of our countrymen. I am in favour of massive subsidization
of the education sector and for this, the centre must come forth with liberal
doses of help. We in Punjab have already started a campaign for providing free
quality education to the poor and intelligent students through an initiative known
as the Adarsh School scheme. I strongly believe that this initiative needs to be
taken up at the national level. Education must be put among the highest priorities
of economic planners.
Here I would like to make a special case for a bold national initiative for
promotion of education among the minorities and the scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes. They have suffered the curse of exploitation and discrimination
for centuries and they fully deserve a special dispensation. I would strongly
advocate the convening of special sessions of the National Integration Council
the and the National Development Council devoted exclusively to the economic
welfare of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the minorities.
Economic Development : Equitable Development
Development must not be viewed purely in terms of statistics, growth
rates, per capita incomes or even scores on comparative scales which can be
totally misleading because the benefits of this development have not reached
down to the common man, especially the poorest among the poor. Thus, while
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we can take pride that the country has recorded impressive figures in terms
of growth rate, our village and cities still grapple with basic problems like
non-availability of clean drinking water and absence of basic amenities like
sewerage. Large segments of our population do not have the assured two
square meals a day, leave aside access to even basic levels of health care,
education and housing fit for human habitation. The gap between the rich
and the poor continues to widen. Nearly 77 percent of our people still
survive on less than Rs.20 per day. This shows that we have failed to realize
the goal of equitable
development.
One of the reasons for this inequitable pattern of development is the
wrong approach adopted in central policies. For example, agricultural policies
of the centre are made without any regard to the unique requirements of
different regions in the country. Although agriculture is a state subject, the
centre controls the critical area of price fixation of both the farm inputs and
the agricultural produce. But while the costs of inputs have sky-rocketed, there
has been no corresponding increase in the MSP of critical food-grain and
other agricultural produce.
The increase in cost of cultivation has led to the decrease in net-profit. This
has seriously affected the social fabric in the country, especially in Punjab. This
was one of the main reasons behind the decade-long violence that afflicted
Punjab. These conditions can also lead to the rise of ideological violence as
witnessed in several parts of the country. The disturbing news from the farm
sectors is that 40% of the agriculture population of Punjab has become surplus
and needs to be shifted away to alternative jobs in other sectors such as industry,
service etc. Failure to do so will add to the already mounting number of the
unemployed and this in turn will pose a serious threat to peace. Economic
deprivation leads to frustration among the people and this frustration is exploited by
mischievous elements to create conditions of unrest in society, leading to serious
threats to peace. Poverty and unequal distribution of wealth thus become major
challenges to peace and national integration.
I also wish to state here that the subsidies being given by the Punjab government
to the farm sector should be treated as national investment for growth incentives.
While I strongly advocate such subsidies, I also urge the centre to come forward
and share the burden of the state goverment because these subsidies serve the
objective of food security, which is realy a national issue.
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Removal of Regional Imbalances
Then, there is also the question of regional imbalances. Very often, in
order to promote growth in one State, another State has been made an unwitting
victim. For example, the grant of special incentives to promote industrialization
and economic development in J&K, H.P. and Uttarakhand have led to a virtual
flight of industry from Punjab. Decisions such as these must be re-considered
so that no State is adversely impacted by them, as Punjab has been in this
case. We do not advocate the withdrawal of these incentives to our neighbouring
states; we merely seek their extension to Punjab.
The planning process in our country has not kept pace with uniform development
across the country. The methods and formula adopted for devolution of funds
has serious flaws and this also contributes to both regional imbalance and to the
lack of equitable and sustainable development. These formulas are tailored to
suit only the backward states while punishing performance and efficiency. This
is as much true of the farm sector as of any other. In matters of agriculture and
irrigation, for example, Punjab has been denied its share in central funds simply
because we have worked hard and invested heavily in these two areas. Punjab has
depleted its only natural assets, land and water to provide food security to our
country.
But the centre has not thought it fit to reward the Punjab farmer by liberalizing
the norms for central investment in the farm sector in the state. Punjab deserve
to be accorded a special economic status.
Because of the injustice meted out to high performing states like Punjab,
these are being left behind in the matter of devolution of funds and allocation
of resources under various central schemes, leading to fresh regional imbalances.
There may be sub-regional inequalities which we must address. For
example, people living along the border belt have suffered huge disadvantages
because of sustained neglect. They bear the brunt of hostile environment for
the sake of the country but in the process they have suffered massive economic
disadvantages. The country needs to treat the entire border belt as a special
zone where norms of central assistance should be liberally redrafted.
To remove these regional imbalances, the planning process in our country
must be drastically altered, decentralised and brought in tune with the federal
principle. The state government are in the best position to understand the
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problems of the people and their specific requirements, but they are
not involved in the formulation of policies and programmes which directly
affect them. Genuine federalism alone holds the key to the resolution of our
development related problems.
Secondly, the formulas for devolution of central funds should be recast in
such way that states which contribute to the central kitty more should also
receive more. The top-down approach to development has completely failed.
That is why the fruit of economic development are not reaching the targeted
end-beneficiaries.
Promotion of feeling of security concerns among minorities and
vulnerrable sections of society
It is also very significant that today's meeting has brought the minority
question sharply into focus. Not enough has been done to instill a sense of
security in the minds of minority groups. Instead of putting in place a mechanism
for addressing and redressing the concerns of our minorities, we keep harping
on an artifical uniformity. Let us frankly admit that despite our claims to the
contrary, minorities, including the Muslims and the Christians, are not feeling
safe in the country.
Let me speak from experience. The Sikhs are known to be a brave and
patriotic community and they have made by far the largest and the most
significant sacrifices and contribution to the cause of securing and preserving
the freedom of our country. Without mincing words, let me add that despite
this, the Sikhs have been treated most unfairly and condemned as traitors,
thanks to the highly opportunist and dangerous political games of the rulers of
the day. This was in spite of the fact that there were no communal clashes in the
Sikh dominated Punjab even at the peak of terrorism. Normalcy was restored
through unspeakable sacrifices made by the Punjabis, led by the great heroes of
the Shiromani Akali Dal.
But even now, the political opportunism of the past still shows its ugly face in
some of the decisions concerning the Sikhs. The latest example of this is the
dangerous move to try and divide the Sikh community by splitting up their great
religious organization, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
and setup a separate committee outside Punjab. The SGPC was formed after the
community made unparalleled sacrifices to earn the right to manage their own
shrines, and it represents the collective religious pride of the Sikhs. It is shocking
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that a national party which calls itself secular has not only tried to sabotage this
glorious representative religious body of my community but even put the splitting
of the SGPC on its election manifesto. A very dangerous situation was
emerging, threatening to push Punjab back into the dark days of the eighties
and early nineties. I must thank the Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan
Singh ji for his timely intervention in the matter. But I wish to caution this
august house that any revival of that move will be fraught with serious dangers
for the cause of peace, communal harmony and national integration.
A new dimension has been now added to the minority question with a highly
ill-advised move for determining minority status at the state level only. This will
completely destory the concept of national minorities. I wish to caution the whole
country here today that this move is potentially dangerous and can pose a
serious danger to the process of national integration, as this will alienate the
minorities and will create fresh fears and insecurity in their minds. Minorities
must be allowed to flourish in an atmosphere free from any unreasonable
constraints. Effective safeguards must be provided to protect, preserve and
promote their unique economic, cultural, educational and religious concerns.
Safeguarding the minorities amounts to safeguarding the spirit of national
integration.
Communal Harmony
Maintaining peace and preserving communal harmony must rank among
the top priorities of any government, at the center or in the states. But peace
and communal harmony are far more than administrative issues. A major national
effort is needed for promoting sentiments of brotherhood among people
professing different faiths. Our Constitution guarantees the freedom of
consicence but much more than a constitutional guarantee would be required
to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among various commuities.
In this, Punjab can be a torch bearer not only to the rest of the country
but to the whole world. At a time when divisive forces are exploiting religious,
caste and ideological differences to foment unrest and tear apart the national
secular fabric, it will be in the fitness of things to bring national focus on to
the tercentenary celebrations of Guruta of holy Sikh scripture, Sri Guru Granth
Sahib in the next few weeks as celebrations are already peaking around the
globe and a groundswell of religious fervour is sweeping the people irrespective
of their religious affiliations.
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The message of universal brotherhood - Sarbat Da Bhala (Welfare of all
mankind) - of Guru Granth Sahib can be disseminated and all political forces
can find a common cause to underline the feeling of belonging to a higher
cause. The fact that Guru Gobind Singh Ji was born in Patna Sahib
and that he passed on the Guruship and left for his abode in Nanded Sahib in
Maharashtra, the country will be well served by underlining how a wave from the
Ganges finally found its way in the Godavari.
I invite the Prime Minister and all of you present here to come and be
part of these celebrations which could be a great unifying factor.
I once again appeal to all political parties in the country to tailor their
political philosophy and agenda in a manner that these promote the cause of
communal harmony, social justice and equitable development, with special
emphasis on the poor and the down trodden.
Thank you.
174

SHRI KALAIGNAR M. KARUNANIDHI
CHIEF MINISTER, TAMIL NADU
Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Hon'ble
Union Ministers, Hon'ble Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories,
Leaders of National Political Parties and Distinguished Members of the National
Integration Council,
At the outset, I would like to thank the Prime Minister for having convened
the meeting of the reconstitued National Integration Council at this crucial juncture.
In the wake of communal disturbances reported in different parts of the country
posing a threat to our secular fabric and solidarity, convening the reconstituted
National Integration Council has assumed greater significance. The motivated
and instigated incident of communal violence not only pose a serious threat to
communal peace and amity, but also hamper the momentum of social and
economic development of the country. I am confident that our deliberations
today will certainy result in positive decisions leading to strengthening of our
institutional response both at Central and State levels to effectively meet the
challenges facing this great nation.
2. Tamil Nadu is always keen in maintaining communal harmony in the State
by taking pro-active measures in fulfilling the demands of minorities and downtrodden.
Our State Government has constituted an independent Directorate for minorities
which exclusively formulates and supervises implementation of various welfare
schemes for upliftment of the minorities. Introduction of scholarships and
educational loan schemes, imparting skill development training for creating
self-employment, sanctioning of loans with reduced interest through Minorities
Economic Development Corporation etc., are some of the measures introduced
by the State Government for the welfare of minorities in the State. We have introduced
a separate quota for backward class candidates belonging to Muslim and Christian
communities. We have also constituted Minorities Commission to address the
grievances of the minority communities and advise the Government on their issues.
3. To ensure backward and minority communities occupying a level playing
field, it is imperative that reservation to other backward classes must be enforced
in the Central services, Central educational institutions without any exclusion of
the so called 'creamy layer'.
4. The recently announced Industrial Policy and MSME (Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises) Policy of our Government have laid emphasis on the
balanced development and industrialisation of all the regions, particularly the
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ackward blocks of the State, by offering attractive packages including capital
subsidy, employment subsidy and power tariff subsidy. In the MSME sector,
special capital subsidy has been extended to Women entrepreneurs and also to
underprivileged sections of the society including the disabled.
5. The State Government is taking steps to start industrial parks and special
economic zones in different regions of the State to create employment
opportunities. Besides this, by implementing special schemes such as, supply of
rice at Re.1 per Kg. provision of grocery items at subsidised price through fair
price shops, distribution of free television sets and gas stoves to the poor family
cardholders, implementation of Anna Village Renaissance Scheme, sanctioning
loans to self-help groups and by the introduction of exclusive schemes to uplift
the minorities and downtrodden, the State Government is ensuring equitable
development of all classes of the people.
6. The activities of fundamental and casteist organisations are being monitored
closely by activating the State police and the intelligence machinery and action
including detention under the National Security Act is being taken wherever
necessary to maintain communal harmony in the State. Peace committees have
been formed in sensitive areas in all the districts and the services fo these
committees are being utilised to defuse any friction between people belonging to
different religions and castes. An Amendment has been made to the preventive
detention Act in the State enabling detention of persons who desecrate or denigrate
the statues of caste leaders and thereby incite caste conflicts.
7. The extremist forces in certain parts of the country are posing threat to
maintenance of the public order, challenging the writs of constitutionally elected
governments. Strengthening the Central and State Intelligence networks, ensuring
effective co-ordination with State police forces, formation of elite polic e groups
exclusively for tackling extremists and terrorist elements in the affected States,
provision of modern weapon systems, protective gear and required logistics to
those groups, creation of inter-state joint task forces to conduct joint operations,
provision of training to the State police at the training centres of Central police
forces and Armed forces including foreign training centres to adopt
latest techniques are some of the enforcement oriented measures to be implemented.
8. Extensive steps have been taken along the coastline of more than thousand
kilometers to prevent intrusion, smuggling by nefarious elements and also to
deny Tamil Nadu coast being used as a base for carrying out their activities. A
chain of check posts have been created along the coastline by diverting one
battalion of Armed Police to take care of the coast line. Our requests for
reimbursement of these expenditures which otherwise should have been incurred
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y the Central Government which is in charge of protecting the international
border has not been adequately responded to by the authorities concerned.
This assistance is crucial to the State Government for it is safeguarding the
national interest and is defending the international borderline.
9. Implementing developmental schemes in the extremist prone districts to
create employment opportunities, eradication of illiteracy in backward districts,
improving co-ordination between various agencies of the government in
implementing the existing welfare schemes vigorously, strengthening
village vigilance system are some of the measures to be focused by the District
Administration. Socio-Economic Development Programmes specifically suited
to these districts are being implemented and is continued without any central
assistance. Furthermore, Special Task Force (STF) has been deployed in
the vulnerable sectors to prevent intrusion and any extremism related activities in
those regions.
10. In spite of assurances, attacks on fishermen from Tamil Nadu is on the
increase. This has become a cause for anguish and agitation by the fishermen
community across the Tamil Nadu coast bordering Srilanka.
11. The unresolved inter-state river water disputes, parochial tendencies and
agitations in some parts of the country are acting against the solidarity and
integraion of the nation. If urgent steps are not taken at the national level to find
amicable solutions to these vexed problems, these disputes will be detrimental
to the interests of the nation in the long run. Nationalization of inter-state rivers,
linking of inter-state rivers by constituting National River Water Authority, amicable
settlement of outstanding disputes between States by appointing inter-state
committees are some of the remedial measures that the National Integration
Council should ponder to maintain good relationship between the States.
12. It is our hope and desire that the National Integration Council must become
an effective forum in securing public order and internal security, by ensuring
communal harmony and balanced Sectoral and Regional Development.
13. Our nation is endowed with an amalgamation of different races, religions,
cultures and languages. This diversity is our strength and not a weakness. We
need to support the quest of the various demographic groups to flourish and
prosper. At this crucial hour I assure our support and commitment to create a
collective resolve to face and overcome any threat to our national integrity.
******
177

MAJOR GENERAL (RETD.) SHRI B. C. KHANDURI, AVSM
CHIEF MINISTER, UTTARAKHAND
Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Home Minister, Hon'ble Ministers of the
Union Cabinet, Hon'ble Chief Ministers, distinguished members, ladies and
gentlemen,
I feel honoured to address this august body. The agenda items of this
meeting are of the utmost importance. No other issue today can be as important
and crucial as the prevention of terrorism and maintainance of communal harmony,
so far as National Integration is concerned. I shall, therefore, begin with important
issues regarding National Integration like Terrorism and Communal harmony.
Terrorism is a hydra headed monster that needs to be crushed by a national
resolution fully supported by national will and determination. It should be crushed
at all cost, where-ever and in what-ever from it exists or appears. Terrorism
should be given a legal definition to include all unlawful violence and acts which
are intended to create fear for the perpetration of an ideological goal. Besides
creating immense social and human sufferings, terrorism targets and disregards
the safety of the peaceful citizens. Here terrorism should also include politically
and emotionally charged unconventional and psychological violent activities which
are intended to cause death or servere bodily harm to civilians and damage to
private and public property. Intimidation as a means to enforce an ideology, is
anathema in civilized society. The nation as a whole must stand up to end
calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate
fear. The unholy pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious or
ideological, must now come to an end.
The Government of India should immediately enact a law in line with
POTA and provide all institutional and infrastructural logistics and support to
all State Governments for the enactment and implementation of State laws in
this regard. We must keep in mind that softness in dealing with
terrorists in any part of the country would ultimately endanger the society or
the nation as a whole.
Let me add that communalism is another bane on our country. It is the
largest democracy in the world. It hits at the roots of the cherished democratic
values enshrined in our Constitution, that is VASUDHAIV KUTUMBAKAM. It
is an affront to the dignity of human beings as the citizens of this country.
Unfortunately, certain communal forces in society engage in exploitation,
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oppression, persecution and other forms of deprivation resulting in disturbing
communal harmony. All State Governments must collectively endeavor to
discourage commual and regional animosities. We must evolve some institutional
mechanism at the national level to mitigate hatred and violence from amongst
communities and regions. We should inculcate the principles of harmony and
tolerance on the one hand and mobilize constructive forces of society in the
cause of national unity and solidarity. This is possible by providing good
leadership, encouragements and justifiable articulation of interests. At the curative
level the police and Para military forces and other agencies of the government,
concerned with the maintenance of law and order, must be sensitized to the need
for communal harmony. Officials of the highest efficiency, impartial and honest
record should be given the tasks of maintaining communal harmony. Zero tolerance
against all those who incite communal tension or take part in violence should be
the order of the day. Special courts should be set-up for the speedy trials of
communal cases. The rehabilitation of the victims of communal violence with
adequate financial and social assistance should also be ensured.
Though we have been successful in containing terrorism and communalism
in Uttarakhand.We have problems of different nature. Uttarakhand has an
international border of about 300 kms with China and 275 kms with Nepal.
There is a large population of ethnic Nepalese and Tibetans in the State. The
open porous border multiplies the threat perception manifold. In the present
scenario, it is a formidable task to monitor the movements of people across this
porous border. This can be successfully used by organizations inimical to India
to infiltrate and set up camps in the uninhabited and remote forest areas on the
one hand and on the other to carry out the business of fake currency notes,
narcotics, arms peddling and other kinds of subvertive and antinational activities.
There have been reports that illegal cattle trade across the eastern border of the
country has also been a source of funding terror activities. This is a matter of
serious concern which needs concerted action on behalf of both the state
governments as well as the central governement.
Since the issue has international implications, the above facts clearly spell
the need for some kind of documentation for the movement of national of both
the countries to & fro across the border. A policy needs to be evolved at the
appropriate forum which addresses the security concerns of Uttarakhand. Liberal
flow of funds from the Union Government for strengthening transport,
communication and security network along the border is also sine-qua non for
the country as a whole.
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The need for the removal of regional disparities was well recognized by
the leaders of independent India. The Constitution of India, has made it
mandatory for the government at the Centre, to appoint a Finance Commission
once at least in every five years. The Finance Commission examines the problems
arising out of the gaps between the needs for expenditure and the availability
of revenue and other such matters. Accordingly, the balanced regional
development has become the declared goal of the Central Government and as
also of the Planing Commission and the Finance Commission. This is the high
time to examine the extent of success achieved in this regard.
Substantial regional imbalances and disparity in terms of level of
development exist among the districts of Uttarakhand. These disparities can be
noticed in the availability of infrastructural facilities, demographic patterns and
land holding pattern of the individuals, irrigation facility and level of urbanization,
large scale migrations trends in the State. I avail this opportunity to request the
Central Government to extend the time limit of Industrial concessions for
Uttarakhand till 2013.
Private investments have a limited role to play in structural by readjustments.
Therefore Central Government has to come forward to channelize investments
towards poor and geographically inaccesible states. Setting up of apex
educational institutions, industries and growth oriented service sectors in the
poorer regions should be considered. Certain types of jobs may be offered to
the local people, even if it requires enactment of specific legislation to be
made. Indicators of allocation of Central Funds to such states may be changed,
at least for such time, as may bring them to a level where from they can
sustain their own economic development.
More than 65% of my State is covered by forests. We have very little
irrigated and fertile agricultural land. We are not able to utilize and exploit our
forest resources due to environmental and ecological reasons and restrictions.
We have mineral resources but we can not take up its exploraton due to highly
sensitive and fragile eco-system. States having less agriculture area but substantial
forest cover need to be compensated accordingly. State specific subsidies should
be introduced. Forest conservation Act needs to be amended to ensure greater
delegation of power to the State Governments for transfer of reserve forest and
other forest areas from forest to non-forest use. Civil Soyam land must as a rule
be declared to be the land under the management and control of the State
Government. Greater share of power to the State Governments from the power
projects located within its georaphical territories is necessary to boost the
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economy of such states. Substantial funds flow is therefore required to bridge
the regional imbalances created due to the paucity of physical infrastructure,
non availability of higher centres of excellence, poor health and medical care,
skewed land holding patterns and fewer facilities of gainful employment.
Our state has been doing pioneering work in promoting the general well
being of the minorities, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Atrocities
against the vulnerable sections of society, though minimum, attract the urgent
attention of the state. We have made special efforts to fill up the quota of
government jobs earmarked for SCs and STs. We have provided greater resources
for teaching Urdu, for modernizing Madarsa Education and for providing
scholarships to meritorious students from minority communities and upgradation
of their skills through technical trainings. A separate financial institution has been
set up for fulfilling the credit needs of the minority communities. Special projects
have been undertaken for slum improvements.
I submit that the Government of India has sanctioned North East Industrial
Promotion Policy (NEIPP) for North Eastern States in 2007. The condition in
hill regions of the state is comparable to North East in terms of accessibility,
lack of economic activities and employment opportunities. The package
sanctioned under NEIPP should also be extended to the hill areas of the state of
Uttarakhand in order to generate employment oppotunities locally. This will help
to reduce the sharp regional imbalances that are already being experienced here.
Our experience with the excise exemption package given by Central Government
during 2003, so far is that, despite this policy, 10 hill districts out of 13 are still
almost "zero" industry districts. Therefore, the State needs more assistance and
a longer duration of the Industrial Package for the State to bring up the hill
districts at per with the plain districts. I have been repeatedly requesting the
Hon'ble Prime Minister, Hon'ble Finance Minister and Hon'ble Industries Minister
to extend the period of the Industrial Package to 2013, as announced in 2003.
There has been no response so far. I requrest this be accepted.
Uttarakhand is known to the world for the valour and gallantry of its
soldiers in all the three wings of the India Armed Forces. The Government of
Uttarakhand, being sensitive to their needs, has undertaken a number of measures
to ameliorate the conditions of ex-servicemen. A state owned corporation has
been set up to provide gainful employment to all the willing exservicemen.
Institutional mechanism have been set up to redress their grievance on a day-today
basis. We are paying the highest honoraia in the country to the winners of
gallantry awards. We have large tracts of vaccant forest lands in the state.
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Therefore I avail this opportunity to request the Central Government to
establish more Eco-Task Force battalions for the afforestation projects in the
State, so that apart from the rehabilitation of ex-soldiers the mission of Green
Uttarakhand is achieved simultaneously.
With this, I thank everyone present here, for having given me the opportunity
to put forward my views before you.
JAI HIND
182

PROF. BHIM SINGH
"There is something, some reason and some unknown power behind
that the civilisation of India could not be ravaged though the world
remained hostile to India for centuries"
I quote Dr Iqbal verse in Urdu that he wrote before India's independence.
If he were alive today he must have put in another verse,
"what entire colonial world failed to do during their rule of hundreds of years
our politician have accomplished that agenda of India's enemies only in half a
century igniting hatred and conflict by exploiting religions, castes and regions"
to weaken national integration.
No doubt India is passing through a transition period and every period
must have to cross through the tempests and tides. Russia and China had
witnessed strong commissions than we have been experiencing since 1947.
India's civilisation had been unique and wonderful whose roots lie below
the depths of the seas and above the heights of the skies. Prophet Mohammad
himself has said that "He felt cool breeze of the East" East was Mashraq, India.
All the Prophets were born in Asia. India is proud to be centre of the
Asian civilization. The essence of India's civilisation and greatness was its
spirit of tolerance, human love and compassion which flows from India's
philosophy that the whole universe is one family. This is the basic principle
of National Integration and oneness of our society.
I am, perhaps, the only Indian or Asian who has travelled around the world
for five years on motor cycle through 120 of the world from 1967 to 1973 on
peace mission carrying India's message of peace, brotherhood and tolerance. I
love to see that image of Bharat which I saw in the eyes and hearts of millions of
people in the world. Terrorism is enemy of mankind and India's philosophy of
love, spiritual power and tolerance can only destory seeds of terrorism. We
need will and commitment. Legislations are not the solution.
Mahatma Budh and Mahavir demonstrated to the world the meaning of
tyag, sacrifice by renouncing absolute power and walking unto the suffering
people to understand their woes and pains. Can our Chief ministers and Ministers
afford to make that sacrifice to identify themselves with the people ? I assure
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that if the present generation of politicians and legislators can make that
sacrifice, divorce power politics for ten years and leave if for the new
generation to discharge the responsibilities to fight terrorism which has been
threatening the present and future of the universe, there shall be new world
which shall live in peace and communal harmony.
Terrorism cannot be demolished through deterrence, POTAs, PSAs or
TADAs, that evil cannot be eliminated through prisons, and bullets or legislations
you call as Master keys. We have to go to power that flows not from the barrel of
gun but from the Moral strength that emerges from the religious teachings of our
holy books, may that be Bhagwat Geeta, Holy Quran, The Bible, Guruwani or any
other message. Our syllabi must improve, our education must include the universal
religious teaching to the children which our parents have given up in the modern
world. Let there be uniform syllabus for all the children in all the schools. We need
amendments in our constitution. We need legislations to control the language of
our power hungry politicians. The criminals must be kept out legislatures. Amend
the Laws accordingly.
The subjects of national importance, like tolerance, non-violence, secularism,
communal harmony should on the national syllabi of every student supported
by the religious teaching. Terrorism should be clearly defined as enemy of
peace and humanity.
All this is possible when the politicians shall start thinking about the
nation and its future. 90% of the people in India or Asia are not included in the
list of what they call as intelectuals, thinkers, opinion, makers and they are the
masters of democracy. To reach them we have to find fresh approach, we
need master legislation for that object. The day 90% of our people are aware
of their rights and responsibilities the nation shall become strong and great.
May be that shall prove a disaster to us, the politicians.
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Communist Party of India (Marxist)'s Intervention
This meeting of the National Integration Council (NIC) has been convened
at a very critical moment in the life of our country. The orgy of violence against
the minority Christian community has continued for weeks in Orissa, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh and many other parts of the country. Reports of communal
clashes are pouring in from various other parts of the country. At the same time,
the series of terrorist attacks in Delhi as well as various state capitals poses a
severe challenge to our country's unity and integrity.
The NIC is meeting when such attacks against the minorities have continued
for several weeks. In fact the meeting should have been convened much earlier.
The Union Government has a responsibility towards maintaining the unity and
integrity of the country which has not been discharged in the manner warranted
by the deteriorating situation. The Union Government's responsibility is particularly
so on the issue of protecting the right to life and the security of the tribals and
the dalits in the country. The Union Government has failed to intervene in this
situation even after six weeks of continuous attacks against the Christian minority
in Orissa.
However, the agenda circulated for this meeting is a vast canvas covering
all aspects of potential conflict and tensions adversely affecting national integration.
In this short meeting, it is virtually impossible to discuss all these issues however
important and relevant they may be. On many of these issue like the question of
social justice and the struggles against the connected caste-based social
oppression; regional economic imbalances providing grist to the mill of regional
chauvinism; providing adequate facilities for improving the welfare of the religious
minorities as enunciated by the Sachar Committee Report etc, the CPI (M) has a
definite point of view which has been articulated before the NIC and publicly in
the past.
The situation on all these counts has deteriorated particularly since the
pursuance of the trajectory of economic liberalization in the country. With the
practice of a planned economic development where major public sector
undertakings were located in economically backward regions being abandoned,
regional economic imbalances have widened feeding the centrifugal forces of
separatism in many parts of the country. State's rights being adversely affected
over the sharing of financial resource under the liberalization regime undermining
Centre-State relations envisaged in our federal constitutional set up. With the
economic divide between the rich and poor widening and the consequent sharp
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ise in the cost of education and the shrinkage of the employment pie, the
scramble between various social groups in our society has intensified adversely
affecting both social justice and national integration. The earlier slogans of 'sons
of the soil' are finding newer expressions in the current chauvinistic campaign in
Maharashtra. The Union Government has failed to translate many of the
recommendations and suggestions for improving the educational and social status
of the minorities. While all these issues must be discussed in right earnest
urgently, given the present critical situation, we would wish to confine ourselves
to the two issues that we have raised at the outset.
As the orgy of violence against the Christian minority continues unabated in
Orissa, Karnataka etc, come the gruesome reports of communal violence in Assam.
So far, over 50 lives have been lost and close to a lakh of people have been forced
to flee their homes. The clashes between the ethnic Bodo tribals, the local people
and the Muslims is a grave development in a state which has repeatedly seen such
ethnic and communal clashes weakening the unity of our social fabric.
Horrific is the latest report of a six member Muslim family being burnt alive
in the Bhaisha town in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh. So far ten lives have
been consumed in the communal violence here. In the Dhule district of
Maharashtra, communal violence has taken a toll of may innocent lives
and large-scale destruction of houses and property. This is the third case of
communal violence in the state of Maharashtra within a week. Rajasthan continues
to be tense with communal clashes being reported from Udaipur. Similar reports
of growing communal polarization come from various other parts of the country.
The situation in J&K where communal poliarization was sharply roused continues
to remain a source of concern for the unity and integrity of India.
The National Commission for Minorities (NCM), in a severe indictment of
the Karnataka government, has said that the BJP-led state government was "soft"
on the Bajrang Dal ignoring ample warnings of impending violence against the
Christian minorities. It also notes that after widespread outrage, the Karnataka
police had arrested the Bajrang Dal state convenor. He was, however, released
soon on bail. On the contrary, many Christians who are the victims, were
arrested, refused bail and continue to languish in jails.
Similar observations have been made by the NCM regarding Orissa. The
RSS and the Bajrang Dal have now threated that only those dalit Christians who
convert to Hinduism can return to rebuild their destroyed homes in Kandhmahal,
Orissa.
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The sudden spurt of terrorist attack in various parts of the country is a
cause of utmost serious concern. It poses a serious danger to our internal
security and the integrity of India. Such terrorist attacks need to be curbed by
strengthening our security and intelligence gathering apparatus. All measures
required to this end must be taken urgently. The question of modernization of
the police and other security forces must no longer be allowed to wait. It is the
responsibility of the Union Government to initiate the process of consultation
with the state government and address this issue urgently. There is also an
urgent need to take stringent measures to ensure that terrorist and militant outfits
do not use facilities beyond our borders for the purpose of conducting their
anti-national activities.
However, at the same time, it is also being widely believed that one of the
contributors to the recent spate of terrorist attacks is the real and perceived
injustice felt by the religious minorities in the country. Such sharpening of
communal polarization for political gains only feeds, unfortunately, the
impermissible terroristic response. While terrorism is simply unacceptable and
must be combated, this needs to be done on the basis of impeccable impartiality
by the organs of the State. Terrorism knows no religion. It is simply antinational.
The recent spate of terrorist attacks in Muslim dominated areas have
raised genuine suspicions of a Hindu hard line response to some Muslim terrorist
actions. The recent bomb attack in Malegaon where four Muslims were killed in
a locality crowded with people who had broken their ramzan fast buttress such
suspicions. When the media questioned the police whether Hindu hard liners
were suspected, Maharashtra's Additional Director General of Police (law and
order) said, "At this stage, we cannot rule out the possibility".
Police investigations in the past few years have noted the involvement of
Bajrang Dal or other RSS organizations in various bomb blasts across the
country - in 2003, in Parbani, Jalna and Jalgaon districts of Maharashtra; in
2005, in Mau district of Uttar Pradesh; in 2006, in Nanded; in January 2008, at
the RSS office in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli; in August 2008, in Kanpur etc etc. Internal
security of our country and be strengthened only when all such cases are also
probed impartially and with the same degree of intensity. Given this, action
against the Bajrang Dal under the Unalwful Activities Act must be initiated.
As stated earlier, all efforts to combat terrorism and internal security must
be strengthened. Most importantly, however, these activities must be conducted
in a spirit of utmost impartiality. Organisations and individuals found to indulge
in such terror activities, irrespective of their religious denomination must be
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dealt with the same yardstick. No persecution of any community, as widely
perceived by the Muslim minority, in the name of combating terrorism, should
be permitted.
The CPI(M) reiterates that the unity and integrity of the vast plurality and
rich diversity of India can be maintained only by strengthening the bonds of
commonality that run through this diversity. Any effort at seeking to impose a
uniformity - religious or linguistic or cultural etc - upon this diversity is the
surest recipe to promote disintegration. It is the task of all political parties,
social groups and civil society who cherish the republican foundations of our
secular, democratic modern India to strengthen the collective social consciousness
of our country, to celebrate, not bemoan, India's diversity.
The CPI(M) has alway opposed the gross misuse of Article 356 of our
Constitution. The CPI(M) has been seeking appropriate amendments to Article
356 of the Constitution in order to incorporate safeguard to prevent its misuse.
However, in this connection, the NIC must be appraised if Article 355 has been
invoked by the Central Government for Orissa, Karnataka etc. If so, what has been
the response of the state governments? If not, why not?
May I conclude by offering the CPI(M)'s unstinted support to the all
important task, on the suggested above, to contain both communalism and
terrorism which promote the forces of disintegration of India.
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SHRI JYOTI BASU
DEAR SHRI MANMOHAN SINGHJI,
Thank you for your letter of 7 th October 2008 asking me to attend the next
meeting of the National Integration Council enclosing the agenda. I regret that it
would not be possible for me, for reasons of disadvantageous physical
conditions that I am in, to be personally present in the meeting. I shall take this
opportunity to make a few suggestion on the agenda for discussion.
We have long been sending out concrete suggestions to the successive
government of India on the sensitive and important issue of national integration.
We have failed to see yet the impact of propositions in matters of policy of the
Government of India. There must be a change made from the present policy
being pursued in order to make the issue of national integration a vibrant reality
and to keep the nation from falling apart. For this political will is necessary.
The crux of the Constitution is the set of principles known as the directive
principles of state policy. These principles include adequate means of livelihood
for every citizen and the right to work; an economic system, which does not
result in the concentration of wealth; right to education and provision for free,
and compulsory education for children; living wage for workers and equal work
for equal pay for men and women.
None of these principles could be implemented thanks to the bias to the
rich of the socio-economic system that prevails in the counrty. The gap between
the virtuous intentions and the actuality of practice stares us in the face 58 years
since the adoption of the Constitution.
The period since the independence has been marked by a continuing crisis
because of the above-noted factors in the nation's economy. This has served to
stress and accelerate not only the problem but has harmed the national integration
process itself. India has been principally an agrarian country with a superstructure
of industries. After we gained freedom from British colonial rule, despite the
land reforms act of the mid-1950s and scores of pious declarations and promises,
the successive central government led by the Congress and other parties refused
to go in for land reforms. Concentration of land and rural inequalities, and a
severe persecution of the peasant masses continue unabated. A central legislation
on minimum wages in the rural stretches is yet to be implanted properly.
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The policy of liberalisation and the imperialism-driven globalisation have
opened up the economy to the marauding forays of multi-national corporations.
The bureaucray, the education system, the media, and the realm of culture are
now subject to the unbridled penetration of foreign capital. No wonder regional
imbalance has grown and national integration has stood to suffer.
The absence of nationwide implementation of redistributive land reforms
and a lack of economic development have contributed to the plight of caste
groups and has intensified caste divisions which is being utilised by the vested
interests. Without political, social, and economic equality, the castes especially
the scheduled castes and the dalits have fallen prey to the forces of casteism.
We need to recall that even communalisation has its roots in the economic
and social backwardness. Mere reservations, necessary as they are, cannot prevent
such a phenomenon from taking place without economic empowerment in
particular. Because of what can be called the class-caste correspondence, those
at the bottom of the economic structure are also thus at the bottom of the social
structure.
The imposition of neoliberal economic policy, lack of public investment in
agriculture, and the increasing debt burden of the peasantry have all contributed
to the plight of the downtrodden. The factors have come together to accentuate
regional imbalance and worsen the caste and identity divisions.
We have conducted a wide campaign on restructuring of the centre-state
relationship a matter of crucial importance. As a result the H S Sarkaria
Commission was set up by Mrs Indira Gandhi. Its recommendations were not
fully satisfactory. Nevertheless, its views with regard to certain financial
relations have not been implemented.
To take but two of many examples, the credit-deposit ratio is weighed
heavily against the states, and the tax share of the states have been reduced to
less than 30% from the stipulated 50%. The centre-state relationships have been
used as a political weapon depriving some states, and working to the advantage
of others. Subversive forces and the forces of status quo have taken full advantage
of the situation, weakening national integration as a whole.
The various reports on minority communities and their plights have been
gathering dust. We must fight the communal menace through political will and
administrative courage and commitment to secular values. There is widespread
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compromise with communalism for narrow electoral gains. Majoritarian communalism
has in turn given rise to minority communalism and things are
taking a more and more violent turn.
We have offered suggestions for the improvement of the state of the natioal
integration, or the present weaknesses it faces, several times earlier. To strengthen
the parliamentary democracy, electoral reforms are essential. A basic move to
check money and muscle power must be put in place. The nine-member
Constitution bench in 1994 said that secularism must be defined as the basic
feature of the Constitution and this should find clear expression in the Constitution.
The harmful direction of the centre-state relationship should be reversed.
The basic thrust of the political outlook must comprise land reforms, higher
wages, more state intervention in agrarian, economic, and financial sectors,
increased employment, defence of the public sector, turning away from the
imperialist-run liberalisation, the equality of women, the emancipation of the
dalits and the adivasis, and finally a strong defence of the right of the socially
and economically oppressed, and the minorities. An important component of the
move towards national integration would be a move away from a US-dominated
foreign policy. For all this to be reality the central government must exert the
correct political will in abundance or the nation's existence itself will in the long
run be imperilled.
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ANNEXURE

LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE
NATIONAL INTEGRATION COUNCIL
PRIME MINISTER _ CHAIRMAN
I. UNION MINISTERS
1. Union Home Minister
2. Union Minister of External Affairs
3. Union Minister of Defence
4. Union Minister of Human Resource Development
5. Union Minister of Finance
6. Union Minister of Railways
7. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
8. Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment
9. Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting
10. Union Minister of Law & Justice
11. Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Steel
12. Union Minister of Minority Affairs
13. Union Minister of Tribal Affairs
14. Minister of State for Women & Child Development
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Annexure

I. CHIEF MINISTERS OF ALL THE STATES AND UTs
WITH LEGISLATURES
15. Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh,
Hyderabad.
16. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh,
Itanagar.
17. Chief Minister of Assam,
Dispur.
18. Chief Minister of Bihar,
Patna.
19. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh,
Raipur.
20. Chief Minister of Goa,
Panaji.
21. Chief Minister of Gujarat,
Gandhinagar.
22. Chief Minister of Haryana,
Chandigarh.
23. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh,
Shimla.
24. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir,
Srinagar.
25. Chief Minister of Jharkhand,
Ranchi.
26. Chief Minister of Karnataka,
Bangalore.
27. Chief Minister of Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram.
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28. Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh,
Bhopal.
29. Chief Minister of Maharashtra,
Mumbai.
30. Chief Minister of Manipur,
Imphal.
31. Chief Minister of Meghalaya,
Shillong.
32. Chief Minister of Mizoram,
Aizwal.
33. Chief Minister of Nagaland,
Kohima.
34. Chief Minister of Orissa,
Bhubaneswar.
35. Chief Minister of Punjab,
Chandigarh.
36. Chief Minister of Rajasthan,
Jaipur.
37. Chief Minister of Sikkim,
Gangtok.
38. Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,
Chennai.
39. Chief Minister of Tripura,
Agartala.
40. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh,
Lucknow.
41. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand,
Dehradun
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42. Chief Minister of West Bengal,
Kolkota.
43. Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi,
Delhi.
44. Chief Minister, Puducherry,
Puducherry.
I. LEADERS OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES
45. Smt. Sonia Gandhi, President, Indian National Congress
46. Shri Prakash Karat, General Secretary, Communist Party of India (Marxist)
47. Shri A.B. Bardhan, General Secretary, Communist Party of India
48. Ms. Mayawati, President, Bahujan Samaj Party
49. Shri Rajnath Singh, President, Bharatiya Janata Party
50. Shri Sharad Pawar, President, Nationalist Congress Party
II. LEADERS OF REGIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES.
51. Shri M. Karunanidhi, President, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
52. Shri Omar Abdullah, President, Jammu & Kashmir National Conference
53. Shri Ajit Singh, President, Rashtriya Lok Dal
54. Shri Sukhbir Singh Badal, President, Shiromani Akali Dal
55. Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, President, Telugu Desam Party
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56. Shri Syed Muhammedali Shihab Thangal, President,
Kerala State Muslim League
57. Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav, President, Samajwadi Party
I. NATIONAL COMMISSIONS
58. Chairperson,
National Commission for Minorities
59. Chairperson,
National Commission for Scheduled Castes
60. Chairperson,
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
61. Chairperson,
National Commission for Women
62. Chairperson,
National Human Rights Commission
II. MEDIA PERSONS
63. Shri Vir Sanghvi
64. Shri Pankaj Vohra
65. Smt. Mrinal Pande
66. Shri N. Ram
67. Shri H.K. Dua
68. Shri Shankar Raj Khowa
69. Shri Karan Thapar
70. Shri M.K. Razdan
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71. Shri Sony Abraham
72. Shri Mammen Mathew
73. Shri Zahid Ali Khan
74. Shri Mohan Charagi
75. Shri N.K. Singh
76. Dr. R. Lakshmipathi
77. Shri. Kiran B. Vadodaria
78. Shri Kumar Ketkar
79. Shri Om Thanvi
80. Shri Rajdeep Sardesai
81. Ms. Barkha Dutt
I. REPRESENTATIVES OF BUSINESS
82. Shri Sajjan Jindal
83. Shri K.V. Kamath
84. Dr. Ganesh Natarajan
85. Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar
86. Shri Ratan N. Tata
87. Shri Sanjeev Goenka
88. Shri Rahul Bajaj
89. Shri N.R. Narayana Murthy
90. Ms. Naina Lal Kidwai
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91. Ms. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
II. REPRESENTATIVES OF LABOUR
92. Shri G. Sanjeeva Reddy
93. Shri M.K. Pandhe
III. EMINENT PUBLIC FIGURES
94. Shri V.P. Singh (Expired)
95. Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee
96. Shri H.D. Deva Gowda
97. Shri I.K. Gujral
98. Dr. Karan Singh
99. Shri Mrinal Sen
100. Shri Jyoti Basu
101. Shri Asghar Ali Engineer
102. Dr. Amrik Singh
103. Shri Bekal Utsahi
104. Shri Sitakanta Mohapatra
105. Shri D. Raja
106. Shri Rishang Keishing
107. Prof. C.N.R. Rao
108. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
109. Shri Ramanathan Krishnan
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110. Swami Agnivesh
111. Shri K. Chandra Shekhar Rao
112. Shri Gulzar
113. Justice (Smt.) Leila Seth
114. Shri Lal Thanhawla
115. Shri Fali S. Nariman
116. Shri (Justice) A.M. Ahmadi
117. Shri Ram Jethmalani
118. Shri Shibu Soren
119. Ms. Brinda Karat
120. Admiral (Retd) Shri L. Ramdass
121. Shri Udit Raj
122. Rev. Prof. Valsan Thampu
123. Dr. S.N. Subba Rao
124. Dr. John Dayal
125. Ms. Amarjeet Kaur
126. Shri Asaduddin Owaisi
127. Shri Madari Moideen
128. Shri Navid Hamid
129. Ms. Shabnam Hashmi
130. Shri Moosa Raza
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131. Ms. Shabana Azmi
132. Shri Syed Shahabuddin
133. Archbishop Vincent M.C. Concessao
134. Shri L.K. Advani
135. Shri C.K. Jaffer Sharief
136. Prof. Bhim Singh
137. Shri G. Devarajan
138. Shri Amar Singh
IV. WOMEN’S REPRESENTATIVES
139. Smt Ela R. Bhatt
140. Dr. Sayeeda Hameed
141. Ms. Noor Bano
142. Ms. V. Mohini Giri
143. Ms. Anuradha Rajan
144. Ms. Annie Raja
145. Ms. Indira Jaisingh
146. Ms. Lalitha Balakrishnan
*********
201