Book of Integration Council New - Ministry of Home Affairs

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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