Mumbai violence political conspiracy,state asked to act:Jaiswal

New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) Strongly condemning the violence against North Indians in Mumbai, The Centre today said the Maharashtra government has been asked to take firm action to check the violence which is a ''conspiracy by a political party.'' Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal said here that the law and order being a state subject, the Centre could not interfere in it directly, but it had directed the state government to take firm action against those indulging in violence.

However, on what action was being contemplated against Maharashtra Navnirman Samiti Chief Raj Thackeray, Mr Jaiswal said it was for the state government to decide. However, in a democratic set up people take the final decision.

Terming the violence against North Indians as a ''conspiracy' by a political party, he said the people of Maharashtra would defeat them. He asserted that all Indians had every right to reside in any part of the country.

On Delhi Lt Governor Tajinder Khanna's reported statement about North Indians breaking laws, Mr Jaiswal said he had just seen media reports and had no authentic information as to in what context he had made such reported statement.

However, North Indians were as disciplined as people of any other region, he said.

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