Beware of communal forces, says PM

New Delhi, May 9 (UNI) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today stressed the importance of communal harmony in the country and cautioned the people against the designs of some elements out to destroy the communal peace.

"The frustrated elements that disturb the ethos of communal harmony must not be given any scope for having their aim achieved,"the Prime Minister observed addressing the valedictory session of the two-day National Youth Convention, organised here to commemmorate the 150th anniversary of First War of Independence 1857.

"It is necessary to continually ensure that the various communities that make up the mosaic of India live together in peace and harmony."Dr Singh said."Therefore I feel that it is very essential that our youth should stand committed to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution of India." The Prime Minister said the more he looked at the functioning of the country,the more he marvelled at the wisdom of the founding fathers of the Republic."They had the vision to recognise that India could prosper only as a secular society,as a country where there would be no discrimination against any citizen on the basis of caste,religion and creed." Observing that no religion supported violence,Dr Singh said those who resorted to violence in the name of religion were doing a disservice to their faith and to humanity."Tolerance is an important lesson of all religions." Pointing out that the striking feature of the revolt of 1857 was that both Hindus and Muslims assidously organised the front against the foreign rule and Hindu-Muslim unity was visible among soldiers and people as well as among leaders,the Prime Minister said,"we must always be vigilant in safeguarding our unique and vibrant diversity." More UNI YS RP HT1950