CPI(M) asks PM to clarify on US academicians' concerns

New Delhi, Sep 16: CPI(M) today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify the Centre's position on reported concerns raised by a section of US academicians over his forthcoming visit to Silicon Valley later this month.

"The government should take cognisance of the questions and we hope there will be a proper reply and proper corrections must be made inside India.

"We have seen high degree of intolerance with regard to various comments and cartoons posted on the social media. And it is not expected. It goes contrary to India's commitment to freedom of expression.

The Prime Minister has to primarily answer the charge of moral policing by the RSS-BJP," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said. Yechury also sought to know nature of NDA government's Digital India campaign as questions raised by the US academicians are "very pertinent".

"Government should explain nature of the campaign as these are very pertinent questions these intellectuals have raised. Prime Minister is obliged to clarify and state India's position clearly," the Rajya Sabha member demanded.

According to media reports, over 100 US academicians have written to major tech companies in the Valley warning them against risks of dealing with Indian government, which, they alleged, has demonstrated its disregard for civil liberties and human rights besides autonomy of cultural and educational institutions.

They also expressed concerns over alleged lack of safeguards about privacy of information in the campaign and its alleged potential for abuse.

PTI