violence has no place in democracy : Congress

New Delhi, Mar 10 (UNI) The Congress today denounced the attack on the national headquarters of the CPI(M) here, saying violence had absolutely no place in a democracy.

"Violence and lawlessness are non-negotiable. It is deplorable that such lawlessness has been unleashed in the capital city which sends a message not only to the whole nation but also to the world at large," AICC Spokesman Abishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons, while "unequivocally and unambiguously" condemning yesterday's violence in which several CPJ(M) Central Committee members were injured.

He said such incidents send a feeling of indiscipline and insecurity.

Dr Singhvi said it was shocking that the attack was a "pre-meditated" one as the protesters carried stones and other heavy objects. They also had a clear intention to inflict injury.

He criticised former BJP President Venkaiah Naidu for his statement made a few days ago. "Mr Naidu's statement was clearly designed to incite violence in Delhi." Dr Singhvi said the Congress condemned the mode, methodology, motive and the mindset of those who indulged in such wanton violence and also those who created the climate of intolerance.

Asked if his party condemned the killing of RSS workers by the CPI(M) activists in Kerala, he said : "We don't support violence anywhere. Two wrongs cannot make one correct. Violence in any form is non-negotiable and condemnable." UNI SH SB RN1725