Focus should be on rehabilitation of riot victims: K Rahman Khan

New Delhi, Nov 5: Underlining the need for a law to deal with situations like the Muzaffarnagar communal strife, Minority Affairs minister K Rahman Khan on Wednesday said special focus should be laid on the rehabilitation of the victims.

"I have written a letter to the Prime Minister as well as the Home Minister and I am pursuing this matter," Khan said on the sidelines of an event, when asked whether a special law is needed for such situations.

Stressing on the need for rehabilitation of those affected by Muzaffarnagar violence, Khan said the state government should focus on this aspect as well and maintained that his ministry is in constant touch with the Home Ministry.

When asked about Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's statement that the riot victims were in touch with ISI, Khan evaded the query saying he did not want to enter into this discussion and the government and its machinery were fully capable of handling such situations.

Khan: Law and order has to be strengthened in Muzaffarnagar

"I do not want to go into the discussion whether victims are in touch with ISI or not. There has been violence in Muzzaffarnagar and the law and order has to be strengthened. This is the responsibility of the state government," he said.

"As far as the security of the country is concerned, the government and its machinery are capable of handling it," Khan said.

Asked if the Patna blasts were part of a revenge taken by IM as had appeared in certain sections of media, Khan said the NIA was investigating the matter and he did not want to comment on it as the investigation is still on. "Whatever action needs to be taken will be taken by the Home Ministry after the investigation is over," Khan said.

On Congress' promise of providing reservation to Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, Khan said the party has not forgotten it. "The matter is in the Supreme court and we are pursuing this matter. We think, it should stand in the court," he added.

PTI