Govt will have to face consequences if Bajrang Dal banned: VHP

New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) today said any move by the government to ban the Bajrang Dal would lead to ''grave consequences''.

Reacting to the Union Cabinet's discussion last night on the possibility of a ban on Bajrang Dal, the youth wing of the VHP, for the violent incidents against minorities in Orissa and Karnataka, the VHP questioned any move to ban an organisation that is built on the principles of protecting dharma and nationality.

''Any move to ban Bajrang Dal, founded on the basic principles of nationality and religious protection, could lead to serious consequences,''a VHP spokesperson said.

Terming 'false' the reports of Bajrang Dal activists being involved in violent incidents against minorities in Orissa and Karnataka, the spokesperson said,''till date, the Bajrang Dal has not indulged in any violence against any community or any anti-national activity. All these reports are aimed at defaming the organisation and divert attention from the terrorist activities across the country.'' ''Still, if the authorities go ahead with a ban on it, they will have to 'face the music'.'' The spokesperson said in case the organisation was banned, its activists would launch a nationwide movement in protest.

The VHP said instead of banning Bajrang Dal, the government should first bring to book all those involved in terrorist acts in various parts of the country.

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