EC condemns ''massacre'' of minorities in India

Marseille, France, Sep 29 (UNI) The European Commission today condemned the ''massacre'' of minorities in India but expressed ''trust'' in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's ability to control such incidents and are reassured of India's determination .

European Commission President Jose Manuel Borrosso, at a joint press conference alongwith Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and French President Nicholas Sarkozy after the India-EU Summit here, condemned such incidents. He, however, admitted that it was India's internal matter.

''I know it is an internal matter of India,.. '' he added.

Dr Singh while describing the incidents as a ''national shame'', said India is a secular state and a multi-racial and multi-religious country where the Constitution guaranteed right to religion.

Admitting that there had been ''sporadic incidents'' in India, the Prime Minister said the Indian government had taken a firm decision to prevent ''such acts of 'national shame.'' He reaffirmed his government's stand of secular values and respect to the rights of all minorities.

Mr Sarkozy, in reply to a question linking the issue of Sikhs not being allowed to wear turbans in France and the minorities issue in India, refused to compare the two.

''We respect Sikhs, their customs and their traditions. Most are welcome to France. But we have certain rules which apply to all on French territory.

There is no discrimination and the rules are applicable to all,'' he said.

He said France expected all to respect French laws.

He said the two issues of turban and Christians could not be compared. ''We are re-assured by the determination of the Government of India,'' Mr Sarkozy added.

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