Shivraj Patil says government will take all measures against divisive forces

Kochi, Oct 19 : Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil today stressed that the Government will use all its authority to ensure that divisive forces within the country do not gain an upper hand.

While addressing the golden jubilee celebration of the priestly ordination of Catholicos Baselios Thomas I in Kochi this evening, Patil said any attempt to disrupt peace and harmony would not be tolerated.

Patil further said that it is not religion which creates problems, but rather the ignorance about religion. Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan, who was also present at the function, urged religious heads and priests to adopt more proactive steps to encourage religious tolerance.

During the occasion, Ignatius Zakha I, patriarch of the Jacobite Syrian Church, said that religious leaders, social workers and political leaders should play a positive role by promoting and ensuring better understanding, unity and cooperation among people.

ANI