Minorities must not feel persecuted: PM

Nainital, Sep 23: Denouncing those accusing members of the minority communities of sympathising with terrorists, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked the state governments to ensure that the individual acts of a few did not result in a fear complex enveloping an entire community, leading to feelings of persecution and alienation.

"Communal sensitivities continue to remain high, even as communal tensions seem to decline. An underlying sense of insecurity among sizeable sections of the Muslim minority is one reason for this. It arises presumably from the erroneous image--made by the West--of tarnishing the community's image," he said, addressing a two-day conclave of Congress Chief Ministers here.

Earlier, Congress President Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the conclave, being attended by all the 14 Chief Ministers belonging to her party, senior central ministers and AICC functonaries.

Agriculture and internal security are the two main issues being discussed at the meet, which is taking place in this tourist resort ahead of the assembly elections in some key states early next year.

Dr Singh identified terrorism, naxalite violence and communal disturbances as three main challenges before the country on the internal security front and said closer cooperation between states and the states and the Centre had become absolutely essential to meet these challenges.

On Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said the level of violence had come down during the last two years and infiltration across the Line of Control had also diminished. "We are making all efforts to ensure all round development of the state. We have also initiated a dialogue with all sections and groups, particularly through the Round-Table Conference," he said.

Dr Singh said the overall effort of the government in J and K was to ensure that the people of the states led a life of peace, dignity and self-respect and become a partner in economic and social development of the nation.

UNI