Nitish seeks intervention of PM to check violence against Biharis

Patna, Mar 23 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to check the ongoing violent attack against north Indians, particularly Biharis, by fanatics in Maharashtra.

In an interaction with mediapersons here, Mr Kumar said some elements were adamant on vitiating the atmosphere of ''brotherhood'' and ''mutual co-existence'' in the country by resorting to violent attacks targetting north Indians, especially Biharis.Such trends were alarming and if not checked forthwith, could pose a serious threat to unity and integrity of the country, he added.

''PM should convene a high-level meeting with representatives from Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other north Indian states to explore the ways for a lasting solution to the issue in the interest of innocent north Indians being attacked in Maharastra,'' Mr Kumar said, adding the responsibility to protect the fundamental rights of earning livelihood by the citizens without any discrimination, lay with the Centre.

''India is a federal country and different states had been created for administrative reasons only and no discrimination should be made against the citizens on the basis of region, language and state,'' he maintained.

Mr Kumar demanded foolproof security cover to Biharis earning their livelihood in Maharashtra and said the Centre should intervene on the issue in greater interest of the country despite law and order being a state subject.

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