CPI(M) concerned over violence against Christians

Kolkata, Oct 14 (UNI) Expressing grave concern over the violence against Christians in Orissa and Karanataka, the CPI(M) today demanded that the anti-terrorism law be applied against the Bajrang Dal.

'' The Bajrang Dal is resorting to terrorist violence in both states. We woill like the law against terrorism to be applied against the Bajrang Dal, '' CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat said while briefing the press at the end of the party's three-day Central Committee meeting.

He said the party was 'worried' at the continuous incidents of violence at Kandhamal in Orissa, where the Christians were being 'hounded and persecuted'.

'' The Navin Patnaik Government has failed to do the elementary duty of protecting the lives and property of the people. We do not understand why the Centre did not intervene by exerting its constitutional power, '' he said.

Mr Karat alleged that the BJP and RSS were 'backing and instigating' such activities of Bajrang Dal.

While speaking on other terrorist activities in the country, he said the CPI(M) was in favour of improving and strengthening intelligence network so that the culprits were brought to book. He, however, opposed the BJP's demand to revive 'the most draconian law' and said such a measure would tend to go against the Muslims.

The party's Central Committee decided to observe a week against communalism and terrorism throughout the country from October 31 to November five by launching a campaign against the terrorist groups and calling for their isolation from society.

UNI KDG SJC RN1831