BJP CD: NCM demands strong action against the guilty

New Delhi, Apr 11 (UNI) Describing as ''inflammatory and anti-social'' the contents of a CD released by the BJP for Uttar Pradesh poll campaign, the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) today called for stern action by the government against those involved in its production and release.

The Commission has viewed the CD and held it contains an offensive depiction of the Muslim Community which would incite communal hatred and disturb communal harmony, it said in a statement here.

While noting that the Election Commission was taking action in the matter, it sough to underline that the issue involved had very wide ramifications for communal peace needing strong action by the Central and the state governments.

Even though the CD is said to have been withdrawn, its contents have been published and broadcast by the media, it said.

''The circulation of such a material, coming in the wake of similarly provocative leaflets surfacing in different parts of the country offend the basic values of tolerance and social harmony and constitute a threat to public order. This calls for swift and stern action against those who violate the letter and spirit of the Constitution,'' the Commission said.

The Election Commission had on Thursday last ordered lodging of a FIR against BJP president Rajnath Singh, senior BJP leader from Uttar Pradesh Lalji Tandon and others involved the production and release of the CD.

The Commision had sent notice to the party and is holding a hearing in the case.

UNI