Nitish seeks PM's intervention to stop violence against Biharis

Patna, Mar 23 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to stop 'unprovoked attacks' on north Indians,particularly the Biharis,in Maharashtra.

Speaking to mediapersons here, Mr Kumar said some 'fanatic elements' were bent on vitiating the atmosphere of ''brotherhood'' and ''mutual co-existence'' in the country by attacking the north Indians, especially the Biharis, in Mumbai and others parts of Maharashtra.

Such a trend was alarming and if not checked forthwith, could pose a serious threat to the unity and integrity of the country, he pointed out.

''The PM should without further delay convene a high-level meeting with representatives from Maharashtra, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other north Indian states to find out the avenues for a lasting peace and solution to the issue,'' Mr Kumar said and reminded that the responsibility to protect the life and property of all citizens 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 caste,creed,region, language and state,''he maintained.

Mr Kumar also demanded fool proof security for the Biharis in Maharashtra and demanded that the state government must also act quickly to prevent recurrence of such attacks.

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